April 2023 Prevention Network Newsletter

April is almost over but alcohol awareness is crucial all year long, and it’s important to educate ourselves about the dangers of alcohol misuse. It’s essential to spread awareness about the impact of alcohol on individuals, families, and communities and to promote responsible drinking habits.

Alcohol misuse and abuse can lead to serious health problems, including liver disease, cancer, and addiction. It can also impact mental health and relationships. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the importance of responsible drinking and seeking help if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol.

As we go about our daily lives, let’s make an effort to promote alcohol awareness and encourage responsible drinking all year long. Together, we can make a positive difference in our communities and prevent alcohol-related harm.

To learn more about MCRUD or get involved, check out the MCRUD page on our website. To learn more or connect with our other programs, click here. Be the first to know our latest updates by joining our mailing list (in the footer of our website)!

As a college student at Michigan State University, I have witnessed the belief that drinking is an essential part to making connections and gaining the “college experience”. However, the majority of college students are underage and unable to legally drink. In response to craving a great time throughout college, the underage drinkers obtain a fake ID through websites or borrowing IDs from others (McCauley, C., 2022). Fake IDs are evolving alongside modern technology, and are capable of passing an ID scanner check. There are even bulk discount prices that fake ID websites are offering to customers, anywhere from $50-$100, depending on the number of fake IDs being purchased. Alcohol has several consequences, especially more severe for college aged individuals, as there tends to be a competition of who can drink more. Some of the short-term consequences are drunk driving, violence, and risky sexual behaviors, while long-term risks include cancer, mental health issues, alcohol dependence, and more (CDC, 2022). Therefore, it is crucial for bouncers, servers, and retailers to become educated in spotting differences between a real and fake ID. There are required server trainings that assist licensees in areas similar to not serving underage individuals and how to spot fabricated IDs, these trainings are provided by the MLCC. From a community standpoint, implementing programs that entertain individuals, especially college aged, will reduce underage drinking and the desire to purchase fake IDs. Also, reinforcing positive behavior of bouncers, servers, and retailers in not serving underaged individuals, is another great practice to reduce underage drinking. What will you do to prevent the further advancements of fake IDs, and prevent the accessibility to underage drinkers?

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 14). Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. learn the facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
McCauley, C. (2022, December 19). How to Spot a Fake ID. WebstaurantStore. Retrieved fromhttps://www.webstaurantstore.com/blog/3402/how-to-spot-a-fake-id.html

April Events

• DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day – Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 10am to 2pm is the next Take Back Day. Click here for more info and to find a collection site near you.
• *MCRUD 10th Annual Shoalition – Join MCRUD on Tuesday, April 25 – 8:30am – 4:00pm for the 10th Annual Shoalition today!
• 4th Annual Teaching Cannabis Prevention and Awareness -April 26 – 27, 2023 Register here for the 2 Day Virtual Conference.
• Foundations in Substance Misuse Prevention in Higher Education – April 20, 25, and 27 from 9:00 AM-Noon CT
• Training of Trainers on the Foundations in Substance Misuse Prevention in Higher Education – May 11 from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM CT – Prerequisite: Participation in the 9-hour course on April 20, 25, and 27
• Recruit, Hire, Retain, and Promote Series – April 20, 27, May 4, 11, and 18 from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM C
• What Is Ripple Effects Mapping? Map the impact of your prevention efforts in a fun and engaging way! – April 27 from 11:00 AM-Noon CT

May Events

• Deep Dive into Prevention Ethics – May 4 and June 1 from 9:00 AM-10:00 AM CT
• PTTC – Deep Dive into Prevention Ethics – First Thursdays in January through June from 9-10 CT
• SAMHSA National Prevention Week – May 7 – 13, 2023
• Alcohol Policy Issues Meeting – Monday, May 8⋅10:00 – 11:00am Monthly on the second Monday
  Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88981924983
  Meeting ID: 889 8192 4983 / Passcode: 904635
• National Fentanyl Awareness Day is Tuesday, May 9 – National Fentanyl Awareness Day aims to amplify nationwide efforts to increase awareness and decrease demand for fentanyl.
• 6th annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium – Thursday, May 11 – Please visit the FAQs page for more information.
• MDHHS: Michigan Harm Reduction Summit -Please save the date May 16 – 17, 2023 – Registration coming soon. To subscribe to receive future Michigan Harm Reduction updates, please e-mail MDHHS-SyringeAccess@Michigan.gov
• *Prevention Ethics -Friday, May 19⋅9:00am – 4:30pm – MCBAP has approved this course for 6.0 MCBAP towards Prevention Ethics (CPC, CPS certification) Register here!
• 2023 Michigan ACE Initiative Conference -Wednesday, May 24⋅9:00am – 4:30pm

June Events

• PTTC Deep Dive into Prevention Ethics – May 4 and June 1 from 9:00 AM-10:00 AM CT
• Alcohol Policy Issues Meeting – Monday, June 12⋅10:00 – 11:00am Monthly on the second Monday : Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 889 8192 4983 & Passcode: 904635
• OHSP: 26th Annual Traffic Safety Summit – June 13 – 14, 2023 Register Today!
• *MIHEN Annual Conference – Friday, June 16⋅8:00am – 4:00pm
• MDHHS: Maternal Infant Health Summit Lansing Center – June 21 – 22, 2023 – Continuing Education Credits will be available.

July Events

• Johnny’s Ambassador’s Youth Conference – July 10 – 11, 2023 – The IN PERSON session will be held at the Conference Center at RidgeGate, 9878 Schwab Way Suite 401 (Summit Room), Lone Tree, CO 80124. The virtual session will be LIVE STREAMED to any internet browser (not Zoom). All attendees will receive access to the recordings for 30 days to watch or review at their convenience. In-person registration includes breakfast, lunch, materials, parking, and all-day beverages for both days.
• Alcohol Policy Issues Meeting – Monday, July 10⋅10:00 – 11:00am – Every month on the Second Monday 10 a.m. People across Michigan meet to discuss alcohol policy and local changes that impact the access and availability with the goal of preventing misuse and reducing the negative impacts on public health. Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 889 8192 4983 &
  Passcode: 904635
• CADCA: Mid Year Training Institute – July 16 – 20, 2023
• 7th Annual Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Solutions Summit- Save the Date! The goal this year will be building greater connections that support those in various stages of prevention efforts, treatment, and recovery. This event is hosted by the Southeast Michigan Alliance for Addiction-free Communities (SEMAAC), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN).
• SAPST – July 10, 13, 17, and 20 from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM CT – Applications will be open soon!

See the full calendar of events here.

988 Partner Toolkit

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month (May), we want to promote SAMHSA’s 988 Partner Toolkit.

The 988 Partner Toolkit is a comprehensive collection of resources that has been specifically designed for states, territories, tribes, crisis centers, counties, communities, emergency service providers, and other partners. Its goal is to help these partners promote awareness of the 988 Lifeline, a national crisis hotline.

The Toolkit includes a range of resources that partners can use to promote awareness of the 988 Lifeline, including social media, video, print, radio, FAQs, messaging, and other marketing materials. Whether you are looking to promote the Lifeline on social media or want to distribute printed materials in your community, the Toolkit provides everything you need to get started.

Learn More! 

Queer Inclusive Programming: An Ally’s Guide to Prevention

In honor of LGBTQ+ Pride month (June), we wanted to highlight a resource (created through the PTTC in New England) for prevention providers that will showcase the importance of working with the LGBTQ+ community, how to launch queer-inclusive programming in a meaningful way, and collect inclusive data around sexual orientation and gender identity. This and other LGBTQ+ resources can be found in the resource library under the topic “cultural competency”.

Learn more!

Meet Prevention Network’s newest staff member, Effie Alofoje Carr.

My name is Effie and I am the new program liaison. My work is about connecting the dots across the incredible programmatic work being done here at Prevention Network to create more cohesion and decrease duplication. I will also be supporting the C3 Grant Program with training and technical assistance. I have worked in the public health sector my entire career. It has given me a passion for youth, survivors of intimate partner violence, and most of all maternal infant health and early education.  I am now studying to be a prevention specialist to increase my skills and abilities to support families. I am enjoying meeting and connecting with you. Thank you for the warm welcome!

We understand the importance of funding to support the incredible work you do in the community. Below are some upcoming funding opportunities that may fit your upcoming goals/activities. This is not a complete list of opportunities available.

The Community Town Hall Meetings: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) Substance Use, Gambling and Epidemiology Section (SUGE) is seeking applications from organizations to conduct Community Town Hall meetings that:

• Addressing the impact of this public health crisis on populations, especially disparate or underserved populations.
• Helping to raise awareness about coping with COVID-19 by sharing informational materials based on the latest research.
• Determining the community concerns and disseminate relevant resources to address priority areas: underage drinking, marijuana, prescription drugs/opioids, tobacco and mental health.

The Well Fund: The WELL Fund supports BIPOC-led nonprofits who serve Detroit youth. With direct grants of up to $75,000, the WELL Fund provides general operating funding, technical assistance and capacity building, as well as leadership development and support for wellness activities.

Proposals due: May 3

Michigan Nonprofit Relief Fund: Michigan’s small (less than $1,000,000) nonprofits can now formally apply for the $35M relief fund. To be eligible for this funding, organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or projects fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 and able to demonstrate necessary expenditures and/or losses due to the COVID-19 public health emergency incurred after March 3, 2021 including lost public service revenue, costs for responding to a public health emergency, providing assistance to households, payroll protection, and other economic impacts negatively affecting service delivery.

Proposals due: May 5

Michigan Health Endowment Fund Capacity Building Grant: Available for both individual organizations and collaboratives, the Health Fund makes capacity building grants of up to $150,000. Our 2023 progam is now open! We will be accepting concept papers and proposals on a rolling basis and announcing grant decisions in three cycles throughout the year, with deadlines for each listed at right.

Proposals due: May 16

Michigan Health Endowment Fund Community Health Impact Grant: The Community Health Impact program supports bold ideas that empower communities to solve their most pressing health challenges. Grantees are health-focused and community-based, and include grassroots organizations, neighborhood groups, and small to medium nonprofits. They’re working across issues ranging from oral health to health literacy, but they all share a commitment to solutions driven by those most affected by a particular issue.

Proposals due: May 16

National Center of Excellence for Tobacco-Free Recovery: The purpose of this program is to establish and/or maintain a national center of excellence with specialized subject matter expertise in commercial tobacco use cessation among persons with mental and/or substance use disorders. The award recipient will be expected to create results-oriented collaborations among stakeholder organizations and educate/train behavioral health providers. With this program, SAMHSA aims to reduce the high rate of tobacco use among individuals with mental and/or substance use disorders.

Proposals due: May 16

National Updates

DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine. Xylazine, also known as “Tranq,” is a powerful sedative that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for veterinary use. Read the full press release here

National Prevention Week Will Take Place from May 7 – 13, 2023!

Sign up now for SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week, a national public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance misuse prevention and positive mental health.

Seeking Public Comment on SAMHSA’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan

SAMHSA is pleased to announce that the agency’s draft Strategic Plan is now open for public comment. This 4-year plan (for 2023-2026) will guide our work as SAMHSA advances its mission to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes. Comments on the draft 2023-2026 SAMHSA Strategic Plan will be accepted now through 5 p.m. ET on April 27, 2023. For more information on the draft plan and to submit comments, please visit the Strategic Plan webpage on SAMHSA’s website.

The Biden-Harris Administration Takes Critical Action to Make Naloxone More Accessible and Prevent Fatal Overdoses from Opioids Like Fentanyl

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first nonprescription, “over-the-counter” (OTC) naloxone nasal spray, Narcan. Naloxone – a medicine that can reverse an opioid-related overdose – has been shown to be a critical tool to prevent fatal overdoses, connect more people to treatment for substance use disorder, and save lives. This action by the Biden-Harris administration to make this naloxone product available without a prescription will pave the way for the life-saving medication to be sold directly to consumers in places like drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations, as well as online. Read full press release here

The PTTC is looking for feedback

State Updates

From MDHHS-SUGE:

In honor of National Prevention Week (May 7-13, 2023), MDHHS-SUGE is hosting a Coffee Talk: Prevention Style on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 9:00am-10:00am via Zoom to answer your prevention services questions and discuss technical assistance, resources, and training needs. The agenda is open – please feel free to join for the entire hour or as able. Register to attend here

Opi-Rescue:

Substance misuse is a significant public health issue that affects countless individuals and families. We want to emphasize that there is help available for those who are struggling. One valuable resource that we recommend is the OpiRescue App, which can be downloaded anonymously to any iPhone or Android phone. The OpiRescue App provides a range of important features to help individuals who are suffering from substance misuse. These include:

• Education to identify and reverse overdose: The app offers educational resources on overdose prevention and reversal, which can help individuals identify and respond to an overdose.
• Help locating naloxone nearby: The app includes an interactive map that shows nearby pharmacies where individuals can purchase naloxone, a medication that can help reverse an opioid overdose.
• A treatment locator: The app provides a comprehensive list of treatment resources, including counseling and medication-assisted treatment, to help individuals find the care they need.
• Ability to report an overdose reversal: The app allows individuals to anonymously report when they or someone they know has successfully reversed an overdose using naloxone.

We believe that the OpiRescue App is an invaluable tool for anyone who is concerned about substance misuse, either for themselves or for a loved one. We encourage you to download the app and explore its features, and to share this information with others in your community who may benefit from this important resource.

Let’s work together to reduce the stigma associated with substance misuse and provide the support and resources needed to help those who are struggling.

From OHSP:

A new report on Young Driver Crashes in Michigan was recently released.

In 2021, 51,166 drivers age 20 and younger were involved in police-reported crashes in Michigan, a 22.2% increase from the 2020 total of 41,884, but still less than pre-pandemic counts that ranged between 54,351 and 59,461 drivers between 2017 and 2019.  Young driver crashes involving alcohol or drugs generally increased with each year of age. In crashes that involved alcohol impairment, young drivers were more likely to be the driver who was drinking as the driver’s age increased from 15 (35.3%) to 20 (68.8%). Young drivers were also more likely to be the driver who was using drugs with proportions increasing 66.4% to 75.5% from age 16 to 19.

Read the full report here

AAA PROMise:

AAA is working with Michigan schools in an effort to prevent Prom and Graduation season from turning deadly on the road. The Auto Club Group is launching its annual AAA PROMise program which is an effort to prevent teen substance-impaired driving, as well as distracted driving. By making the AAA PROMise, the teen agrees to openly communicate with his or her parent/guardian regarding a plan for getting home safely on special nights such as Prom and Graduation.

Public and private schools can participate in this lifesaving program for free by registering at AAA.com/Promise.

The deadline to order is May 31st, 2023.

The following are legislative updates that have occurred at the federal and state level related to substance use:

Cannabis-Related

• (Federal) HR610 was introduced on January 27th to reschedule marijuana as a schedule III drug (currently a Schedule I drug).
• MI HB 4322 Marihuana: other; individuals who are 19 years of age or older; allow to be employed by or volunteer for marihuana establishments. Amends title & secs. 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 & 11 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 et seq.). — Last action: Mar 23, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 03/23/2023
• (Federal) US S 326 VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023 — Last action: Apr 20, 2023, Senate: Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate.
  • (Federal) HR 2431 – To authorize Department of Veterans Affairs health care providers to provide recommendations and opinions to veterans regarding participation in State marijuana programs.
• MI HB 4430 Marihuana: other; safety information provided to consumers; modify. Amends secs. 3 & 8 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 & 333.27958). — Last action: Apr 20, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 04/20/2023

Alcohol-Related

• SB 141 – Liquor: licenses; carryout sales and delivery of alcoholic liquor by an on-premises licensee; eliminate sunset. Amends sec. 537a of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1537a) — Last action: Mar 22, 2023, House: referred to Committee on Regulatory Reform
• HB 4201 – Liquor: licenses; carryout sales and delivery of alcoholic liquor by an on-premises licensee; eliminate sunset. Amends sec. 537a of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1537a)
• (Federal) HR 1989 – To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for fiscal year 2024.
  • (Federal) HR 1990 – To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health National Institute on Drug Abuse for fiscal year 2024.

Driving Related

• HB 4250 – Traffic control: violations; penalties for operating a vehicle while sending or receiving a message on an electronic wireless device; enhance. Amends sec. 602b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.602b). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4251’23, HB 4252’23 Last action: Apr 20, 2023, House: referred to second reading
• MI SB 239 Traffic control: violations; penalties for operating a vehicle while sending or receiving a message on an electronic wireless device; enhance. Amends sec. 602b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.602b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0240’23, SB 0241’23 — Last action: Mar 23, 2023, Senate: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS, JUDICIARY, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
• SB 134 and 135 – Courts: drug court; specialty court authorization to issue a restricted license requiring an ignition interlock device; modify. Amends secs.; Vehicles: registration; issuance of a restricted license requiring the installation of ignition interlock device and specialty court admission; modify. Amends secs. Introduced on March 2, 2023
• MI HB 4442 Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; crime of operating while intoxicated and causing property damage; provide penalties. Amends sec. 12f, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.12f). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4443’23 — Last action: Apr 20, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 04/20/2023
• US HR 2772 To protect the Second Amendment rights of adults whose use of marijuana is permitted by State or Tribal law. — Last action: Apr 20, 2023, House: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Other

• US HB 901 – To require the Food and Drug Administration to prioritize enforcement of disposable electronic nicotine delivery system products. Introduced to the House on Feb. 9, 2023 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce
• US SR 464 – A bill to amend the IRC of 1986 to deny the deduction for advertising and promotional expenses for tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems
• HB 4061 – Kratom Consumer Protection Act – A bill to regulate the distribution, sale, and manufacture of kratom products
• (Federal) US 118 – S 206 – END FENTANYL Act Last Action: Mar 29, 2023, Senate: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.