Upper Peninsula Community Connections Summit

Former 41B District Court Judge and Founder and CEO of Face Addiction Now (FAN) Linda Davis alongside Retired Madison Heights Deputy Chief and Senior Advisor of Law Enforcement and Training Jeffrey Filzek lead an interactive panel, bringing together law enforcement leaders, a case manager with lived experience, a family recovery coach, and their community partner, Face Addiction Now (FAN), to share lessons learned from implementing and sustaining three innovative deflection programs across diverse communities.
Through real-world examples, panelists will explore how cross-sector partnerships create pathways to care for individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and other complex needs. Attendees will learn how officers, case managers, peer and family recovery coaches, and community providers collaborate to connect individuals with services, reduce barriers to treatment and recovery, and improve outcomes for both participants and the broader community.
The discussion will highlight successful deflection and diversion initiatives while examining the systems, relationships, and leadership support required to sustain these programs over time. Panelists will also discuss the importance of workforce wellness, sharing how peer support, chaplaincy services, and other wellness initiatives contribute to healthier responders, stronger partnerships, and more effective service delivery.
Face Addiction Now (FAN) will provide practical guidance on building collaborative networks, establishing shared goals across disciplines, leveraging data to demonstrate impact, and creating sustainable systems that support both public safety and public health. Attendees will gain insight into how communities can align resources, strengthen referral pathways, and foster trust among stakeholders to create lasting change.
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, proven practices, and partnership-building tools that can be adapted to communities of all sizes. This session is ideal for professionals in law enforcement, public health, behavioral health, direct service organizations, recovery support services, healthcare systems, and program administration who are committed to advancing community-based responses to substance use and improving outcomes through collaboration.