Prescription Drug & Opioid Abuse Task Force

Prescription Drug & Opioid Abuse Commission Members

The Michigan Model for HealthTM recently expanded the kindergarten through 12th grade lessons and support materials to enhance the focus on the dangers of prescription drug and opioid addiction. The Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force provided guidance as lessons were created or modified and informational resources provided for teachers and families. The Task Force was created following Governor Snyder’s 2015 State of the State Address in which he called for a comprehensive plan to address prescription drug and opioid abuse in Michigan. The State Steering Committee would like to acknowledge the time, expertise, and resources provided by the following Michigan Task Force members.

  • Dr. Stephen R. Bell, Carleton – Representing Osteopathic Doctors
  • Dr. Vincent V. Benivegna, Okemos – Representing Dentists
  • Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, Ann Arbor – Representing Allopathic Doctors
  • Mr. Richard Dettloff, Rockford – Representing Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
  • Lisa K. Gigliotti, J.D., East Lansing – Representing Chronic Pain Sufferers
  • Mr. Timothy Hurtt, Portage – Representing Law Enforcement Officers
  • Dr. Stephen A. Lazar, Marshall – Representing Psychologists
  • Ms. Paula Nelson, Riley – Representing Substance Abuse Treatment Providers
  • Dr. Melissa Owings, Clarklake – Representing Veterinarians
  • Dr. Michael J. Paletta, Northville – Representing Michigan Hospice Organizations
  • Dr. Gretchen Schumacher, Belmont – Representing Registered Professional Nurses
  • Ms. Mary Sclabassi, Novi – Representing Law Enforcement Officers
  • Judge Patrick Shannon, Mackinac Island – Representing the General Public
  • Dr. Roy Soto, Bloomfield Hills – Representing Michigan Medical Schools
  • Mr. Larry D. Wagenknecht, Haslett – Representing a Statewide Pharmacy Association
  • Dr. Laurie Wesolowicz, Northville – Representing Pharmacists
  • Mr. Adam R. Wilson, Petoskey – Representing Physician’s Assistants
  • Judge Linda Davis – Chair – Designee of the Director of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
  • Dr. Debra Pinals – Designee of the Director of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
  • Col. W. Thomas Sands – Designee of the Director of Michigan State Police (MSP)
  • Mr. Matthew Schneider, Chief Deputy Attorney General – Designee of the Attorney General
  • Ms. Michelle Brya, AAG & Division Chief, Licensing & Regulation – Designee of the Attorney General