Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Prevention Partners,
As we wrap up another fiscal year, I’ve had an opportunity to reflect on all that we have accomplished and look ahead to what’s next for Prevention Network. This year brought a great deal of change and transition—some more challenging than others—but through it all, we continued moving forward and are finishing the fiscal year strong and positive.
With the end of this fiscal year, we will also see the end of Prevention Network’s role in the Prescription Drug Overdose (PDO) Program. For the past five years, PDO has been an important part of Prevention Network’s work to reduce prescription drug overdoses in Calhoun, Genesee, and Wayne counties through coalition partnerships, enhanced training, and naloxone distribution.
While we are sad to see our role in the program come to an end, we are very proud of its success and the difference it has made in these communities.
Prevention Network’s other programs—MCRUD, MIHEN, PAM, and C3—have also had a successful year. Through these programs, we have provided educational and networking opportunities, technical assistance, information and resources, and subawards to support prevention professionals, coalitions, and communities across Michigan. We look forward to continuing and expanding these opportunities in the next fiscal year.
None of our organization’s successes would be possible without the dedication of our wonderful program coordinators and our program assistant/communications specialist. They truly are the heart of Prevention Network, and I am grateful for the commitment, knowledge, and passion they bring to this work every day.
I encourage anyone with a passion for substance misuse prevention to take advantage of the many opportunities and resources offered through Prevention Network. As we enter a new fiscal year, I am excited about what lies ahead—the new opportunities we will offer, the partnerships we will strengthen, and the new relationships we will build along the way.
Thank you to our staff, partners, coalitions, and prevention professionals for another wonderful fiscal year and for your continued commitment to advancing substance misuse prevention throughout Michigan.
I am always looking for opportunities to learn, collaborate, and connect with others in the prevention field. Please feel free to reach out at any time—my inbox is always open.
Thank you,
Lauren Gonzales, MPH
Executive Director,
Prevention Network
Coalition Program Evaluation
Help us strengthen Prevention Network’s Coalition Program! If you’ve participated in our trainings, technical assistance, Coalition Infrastructure Toolkit, Resource Library, or other coalition services, please take a few minutes to complete our evaluation. Your feedback helps us better support coalitions across Michigan.
Complete the evaluation survey here
Complete the survey and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a complimentary Prevention Network training registration or a Prevention Network gift basket.
Coming Soon
On-Demand-Coalition Infrastructure Toolkit Training
Prevention Network is developing a free, 60-minute on-demand Coalition Infrastructure Toolkit Training that participants will be able to complete at their convenience.
This prerecorded training will introduce Prevention Network’s Coalition Infrastructure Toolkit and Resource Library Hub. Participants will learn how to access the toolkit, locate practical resources, and apply tools that support coalition planning, leadership, organizational development, and long-term sustainability.
By the end of the training, participants will be prepared to identify a priority area and select at least one toolkit resource to support their coalition’s goals.
The on-demand training will include three steps:
- Complete a brief pre-test.
- Watch the training video.
- Complete a brief post-test.
Look for more information in your inbox soon.
The training can also be customized to address your coalition’s specific priorities and needs. Customized training and technical assistance are available upon request.
For more information, contact Kristine Norton at kristinen@preventionnetwork.org or visit the C3 webpage.
Registration Is Open for Attendees, Exhibitors, and Sponsors!
Registration is now open for the 27th Annual Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorder Hybrid Conference, Finding Our way: Growth, Hope & resilience taking place September 27–29, 2026, at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Michigan.
Join more than 1,200 professionals from the prevention, treatment, recovery, and behavioral health fields for three days of learning, networking, and innovation. Participants may attend the main conference in person or virtually.
Conference highlights include:
- Pre-conference workshops
- Inspiring keynote speakers
- More than 35 breakout sessions
- Continuing education opportunities
- Exhibitor and sponsor opportunities
- Dedicated networking opportunities
Dates:
September 27, 2026 — Pre-conference workshops (in person only)
September 28–29, 2026 — Main conference (in person and virtual)
Location:
Lansing Center
333 E. Michigan Ave.
Lansing, MI 48933
National Substance Use Primary Prevention Month Has Moved from September to August—When Planning for 2027!
National Substance Use Primary Prevention Month is now observed in August. Although August 2027 may seem far away, now is a great time to begin planning activities, educational messages, community partnerships, and social media content.
August offers several opportunities to connect prevention efforts with Back to School, National Night Out, International Youth Day, and Overdose Awareness Week. Organizations can use these observances to highlight local prevention work, share resources, strengthen protective factors, reduce risk factors, and encourage young people, families, and communities to make healthy choices.
As you begin planning, explore SAMHSA’s Substance Use Primary Prevention Month Toolkit for messages, graphics, and ideas.
You can also read the 2026 White House proclamation to learn more about the national observance.
Start planning now to make National Substance Use Primary Prevention Month meaningful in your community in August 2027!
2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit is Available.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, strengthen connections, and share resources that can help support individuals and communities.
SAMHSA’s 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit is now available and includes weekly messages, social media graphics, digital resources, and materials that organizations can use throughout September.
Stronger Together: Connect. Support. Prevent.
➡️ Access the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit
New Recovery Month Toolkit and Webinar Series
September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate recovery, recognize the strength of individuals and families, and promote the resources and support that make recovery possible. This year’s theme is Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life).
SAMHSA’s 2026 Recovery Month Toolkit offers ready-to-use messages, social media graphics, digital resources, and other materials to help organizations raise awareness and share messages of hope throughout the month.
SAMHSA is also offering a Recovery Month Webinar Series each Tuesday in September, covering topics including community recovery supports, reducing stigma through storytelling, whole health and wellness, multiple pathways to recovery, and youth and families in recovery.
- September 15 – PAM Webinar – Moving Upstream: An Earlier and Broader Approach to Prevention, a complimentary webinar
- September 22 – PAM Webinar – Rooted in Community, Driven by Data: Building a Culture for Primary Prevention
- September 24 – MIHEN Webinar – Overdose Response Strategy (ORS): Cross-sector Partnership Innovation and Emerging Drug Trends Register Today
- September 27-29 – 27th Annual Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorder Hybrid Conference
- September 29-30 – Virtual, 2026 National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference
- October 22, 2026 – Introduction to Prevention Ethics
- October 29-30, 2026, Connections in Prevention Annual Conference
- October 29-30 – Connections in Prevention Annual Conference
- November 9 – 34th Annual PAM Conference (in person) at the James B. Henry Center for Excellence.
- February 1–4, 2027 – CADCA National Leadership Forum
- March 17-19, 2027 – The SOPHE 2027 Annual Conference: Building Bridges: Reimagining Public Health Education in a Connected World
- July 11–15, 2027: Gaylord Texan, Grapevine, TX – CADCA Mid-Year Training Institute
- August 2027 – Substance Use Primary Prevention Month (BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA proclamation now recognizes Substance Use Primary Prevention Month in August.)
See the full calendar of events here.
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Join Our Network – Watch YouTube Membership Tutorial
By joining our *no-cost* network, you will have exclusive access to:
- A resource library filled with handouts, toolkits, templates, videos, and more
- A forum to network with other coalitions
- A map of other coalitions across the State.
Here’s how to use it:
- Go to https://www.preventionnetwork.org/resource-library/
- Type a keyword into the search bar (try a topic, program area, or content type).
- Open a resource to view, download, or save for later.
Whether you’re building a training, writing a grant, or looking for ready-to-use tools, the right resource is only a few clicks away.
Looking for Technical Assistance Support?
Prevention Network offers technical assistance (TA) to help strengthen and support your prevention efforts. Whether you’re planning, implementing, or refining your work, we can connect you with additional resources, tools, and guidance tailored to your needs. Technical assistance may include consultation calls, webinars, trainings, or ongoing support over time to address specific goals or challenges.
Learn more or request support: https://www.preventionnetwork.org/ta/
Upcoming PTTC Trainings for Prevention Professionals
Registration is open.
Coming This October: Free Prevention Professional Development
Deadline to register is Sept 18th
Advance your prevention career this fall with two free learning opportunities from the Great Lakes PTTC:
- Substance Misuse Prevention Mentorship Program – Build your skills through one-on-one mentorship with an experienced prevention professional. Learn more: https://pttcnetwork.org/event/great-lakes-pttc-substance-misuse-prevention-mentorship-program/
- Learning Collaborative for Prevention Certification (2026–2027) – Receive guidance and support as you work toward Prevention Specialist certification. . Learn more: https://pttcnetwork.org/event/learning-collaborative-for-prevention-certification-2026-27/
We encourage prevention professionals across Michigan to take advantage of these free professional development opportunities.
Visit the PTTC Network’s training and events calendar to find upcoming prevention trainings and professional development opportunities available to the Great Lakes region. https://pttcnetwork.org/training-and-events-calendar/
The Prevention Network newsletter delivers timely and comprehensive state and national updates, covering the latest news, research findings, and best practices in the prevention field, ensuring you stay well-informed and equipped to address emerging challenges and opportunities in your prevention efforts. Check out some national and state updates below:
NATIONAL:
National Prevention Update
HHS Awards $96.7 Million to Strengthen Mental Health, Suicide Prevention & Substance Use Disorder Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recently announced $96.7 million in grants and cooperative agreements to strengthen behavioral health services and supports across the country.
The funding will support a range of initiatives addressing mental health, suicide prevention and early intervention, substance use disorder treatment, training and technical assistance, peer support, homelessness, and disaster-related emotional support.
Of particular interest to prevention professionals, the investments include $16.8 million for youth suicide prevention and early intervention and $2.9 million for training and technical assistance to help healthcare professionals better identify and treat substance use disorders, particularly opioid and alcohol use disorders. Additional funding will support youth and young adults at clinical high risk for psychosis and communities disproportionately impacted by substance use and co-occurring disorders.
For prevention professionals, coalitions, and community partners, these investments highlight the continued importance of early intervention, cross-sector partnerships, workforce development, and strengthening community-based behavioral health supports.
Learn more about the HHS/SAMHSA funding announcement and individual grant awards.
STATE
Michigan Prevention UpdateMDHHS Invites Local Communities to Partner on Opioid Settlement Projects The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a new initiative encouraging local governments receiving opioid settlement funds to propose joint projects that address substance use disorder across Michigan. The initiative provides an opportunity for communities to coordinate local and state opioid settlement investments to support substance use prevention, reduce overdose risk, expand access to treatment, and strengthen long-term recovery efforts. For prevention professionals and coalitions, this creates another opportunity to engage with local governments and community partners in conversations about how opioid settlement dollars can support coordinated, community-driven strategies. Michigan is expected to receive nearly $800 million in opioid settlement funds over 18 years, with funds distributed between state and local governments. Learn more about the MDHHS Opioid Settlement Matching Initiative. |
Thank you for reviewing Prevention Network’s newsletter! If you have any feedback regarding this newsletter or ideas for our next newsletter, please email us at info@preventionnetwork.org. Lastly, a special thanks to Prevention Network’s Board of Trustees for supporting our mission, vision, and goals.
