April 2026 Prevention Network Newsletter

2026 Annual CMH-CEI Community Event on March 23rd

CMHA-CEI’s annual community event, centered on this year’s theme “Hope Grows Here,” was a meaningful start to the day and a strong reminder of the impact happening across our community.

Guests were welcomed by the sounds of the MSU Jazz Quintet, whose music created a warm and inviting atmosphere as attendees gathered. At our table, we found ourselves appreciating the moment—connecting, reflecting, and easing into the program in a way that felt both intentional and uplifting.

The program itself highlighted both partnership and progress. NAMI Lansing was recognized for its continued leadership in mental health advocacy, with the keynote from Kevin Fischer underscoring the organization’s vital role in supporting individuals and families across the region.

One of the most memorable moments of the morning was the recognition of Sara Lurie, who announced her retirement after 30 years as Chief Executive Officer of CMHA-CEI. It was a moment of both celebration and reflection. I couldn’t help but think back to Sara’s time serving on Prevention Network’s Board—her leadership and dedication made a lasting impact on our organization as well.

Her career has shaped this community in ways that are difficult to fully capture. The systems strengthened, the partnerships built, and the countless lives touched stand as a testament to her leadership.

The unveiling of the annual report brought everything together—highlighting not only key milestones, but the continued commitment to innovation, collaboration, and inclusive care. It was clear that the work is not slowing down—it’s evolving to meet the growing needs of the community.

If there was one takeaway from the morning, it’s this: hope isn’t just a message—it’s something being actively built every day.

Mental Health Awareness: Support Starts with a Conversation

Mental health is just as important as physical health—and it affects individuals, families, and communities across Michigan. Mental Health Awareness is a reminder that no one has to navigate challenges alone. Whether someone is experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or simply needs someone to talk to, support is available.

Stigma around mental health can often prevent people from seeking help. By normalizing conversations and showing support, we can create spaces where individuals feel safe reaching out and accessing the care they need. A simple check-in with a friend, coworker, or loved one can go a long way in reducing isolation and building connection.

If you or someone you know needs support, free and confidential resources are available:

• Call or text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
• 2-1-1 – one-stop service that saves time and frustration by connecting people in need with hundreds of health and human service organizations throughout Michigan.
• NAMI Michigan – Education, support groups, and advocacy
• Community Mental Health (CMHA) – Local services and crisis support in every county
• CMH-CEI Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties – Local mental health and substance use services
  

Reaching out is a sign of strength. Together, we can reduce stigma and build healthier, more supportive communities across Michigan.

Children Trust Michigan Leads the Way in Child Abuse Prevention

Each April, Children Trust Michigan leads the state’s recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting the importance of supporting families before challenges turn into crises.

As Michigan’s designated child abuse prevention organization, Children Trust Michigan invests in community-based programs and Family Resource Centers that provide essential supports to families across all 83 counties. These include access to basic needs like food, diapers, and safe sleep resources, along with parenting education, early childhood development, and connections to local services.

While these supports may seem simple, they play a critical role. By reducing family stress, increasing protective factors, and strengthening connections, these programs help prevent neglect and abuse before it occurs.

Throughout April, Children Trust Michigan encourages communities to take part by sharing the Governor’s Proclamation and participating in National Wear Blue Day, a visible show of support for safe, stable, and nurturing families.

Child abuse prevention starts with all of us—but it’s efforts like these that make a lasting impact. When families are supported, children—and communities—thrive

Learn More

To Report Child Abuse or Neglect Call 855-444-3911

Michigan Overdose Prevention Coalition (MOPC)

The Michigan Overdose Prevention Coalition (MOPC) is offering a series of free, public learning opportunities focused on harm reduction and overdose prevention across Michigan. These sessions provide practical insights into why harm reduction matters and how communities can take action to address the opioid crisis.

MOPC also offers recorded webinars on advocacy and working with the media, giving prevention professionals and community members tools to strengthen their impact. With overdose continuing to affect communities statewide, these resources support efforts to reduce stigma, expand access to lifesaving strategies, and promote healthier communities.

Did You Know? One Vape Can Equal Hundreds of Cigarettes

Coalitions across Michigan are using innovative, hands-on displays to help communities better understand the impact of vaping. By comparing the nicotine content in a disposable e-cigarette to traditional cigarettes, these visuals bring awareness to how much nicotine a single device may contain.

In some cases, one disposable vape can equal over 200–300 cigarettes, depending on the product size and nicotine concentration. This estimate is based on calculations used by researchers at Stanford Medicine REACH Lab, which compare the total nicotine in a vape to the average amount absorbed from a traditional cigarette.

For example:

• A typical disposable vape may contain 5% nicotine (50 mg/mL) × ~5–6 mL of liquid = 250–300 mg of nicotine total
• Divided by ~1 mg absorbed per cigarette = 250–300 cigarettes worth of nicotine

Coalitions can use replica materials and tailor comparisons based on products commonly seen in their communities. Whether used in classrooms, community events, or prevention presentations, this approach helps spark meaningful conversations and supports informed decision-making.

Cannabis Awareness & Prevention Toolkit

Stanford REACH Lab, Theory-based and evidence-informed resources created by educators, parents, and researchers aimed at preventing middle and high school students’ use of cannabis/marijuana.

at stanfordreachlab@stanford.edu.

Huge study finds no evidence cannabis helps anxiety, depression, or PTSD

The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise.

University of Sydney. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.h

Tobacco Prevention Toolkit!

This Tobacco Prevention Toolkit, developed by the Stanford REACH Lab, is comprised of a collection of curriculums, lessons, programs, and resources catered to prevent and reduce adolescent and young adult tobacco/nicotine use. While there are some crossovers between our toolkits, our intent is to keep everything packaged and easy for educators, parents, and the like to navigate our resources.

For any questions or concerns please contact us directly at stanfordreachlab@stanford.edu.

Mini-Grant Opportunity from Tobacco-Free Michigan

Deadline to submit is May 1, 2026

Tobacco-Free Michigan is offering mini-grants to members and partners for projects to reduce the disparity in tobacco impact between different ethnic/demographic groups, engage youth in the tobacco free movement, increase public awareness of ENDS or serve as a pilot for a project that could reduce the impact that tobacco has on the public health of your community. The maximum request that will be considered is $10,000. All money must be spent by September 30, 2026.

Applications can be found here.

• April 30 – May 1, 2026 Michigan Harm Reduction Summit
• May 10-16, 2026, National Prevention Week
• May 12, 2026, Unite to Face Addiction Michigan, UFAM Rally 2026
• July 22, 2026, Tobacco Free Michigan Annual Conference
• July 26-29, 2026, The Power of Prevention National Conference on Substance Misuse.
• September 28-29, 2026, 27th Annual Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorder Conference (Hybrid)
• September 29-30, 2026, Virtual, 2026 National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference

See the full calendar of events here.

Join Our Network

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:

1. Go to https://www.preventionnetwork.org/resource-library/
2. Type a keyword into the search bar (try a topic, program area, or content type).
3. 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

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:

STATE:

Prevention Is No Longer Standalone: A Shift Toward Whole-Person, Community-Based Approaches

Prevention work has evolved. While education and awareness remain important, today’s challenges make one thing clear: prevention can no longer operate in isolation.

Substance use and mental health are closely tied to broader factors like trauma, housing stability, and access to coordinated care—often referred to as the social determinants of health. Research from the SAMHSA shows that these conditions significantly influence both risk and recovery outcomes. Individuals experiencing housing instability, for example, are at much higher risk for substance use and mental health challenges, while stable housing supports long-term recovery.

At the same time, trauma-informed approaches are becoming the standard. Experiences such as adverse childhood events (ACEs), chronic stress, and community violence shape how individuals cope—often driving substance use if left unaddressed.

As a result, national efforts are shifting toward integrated, cross-system strategies that bring together behavioral health, housing, education, and community services. This approach reflects a growing understanding that prevention must address the full picture—not just individual behavior.

What This Looks Like in Michigan

Across Michigan, this shift is already underway:

• Community Mental Health (CMH) agencies are expanding integrated behavioral health services
• Coalitions are partnering with schools to address youth mental health and early intervention
• Communities are investing opioid settlement funds into treatment, recovery, and alternative programs like drug courts
• Harm reduction strategies—such as naloxone distribution and safe storage—are becoming more widely accepted

For prevention professionals, the message is clear: The most effective work today connects systems, builds partnerships, and addresses root causes—not just symptoms.

This evolution may feel complex, but it also creates new opportunities to strengthen communities, improve outcomes, and ensure prevention efforts are more impactful than ever before.

NATIONAL:

SAMHSA Announces More Than $69 Million in Funding Opportunities for Serious Mental Illness and Suicide Prevention Grant Programs

On March 6, 2026, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced $69.1 million in new funding opportunities aimed at strengthening mental health services, expanding suicide prevention efforts, and increasing access to treatment for individuals living with serious mental illness.

These investments support three key grant programs that reflect where the field is heading: earlier intervention, stronger systems of care, and a continued emphasis on evidence-based approaches.

The largest portion—$43 million—will fund the Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI), which focuses on building comprehensive, community-based systems of care for children, youth, and young adults (birth through age 21) experiencing serious emotional disturbances. This includes efforts to identify youth earlier and provide support not only to individuals, but to families as well.

An additional $16.1 million will support the Zero Suicide initiative, an evidence-based framework designed to help healthcare systems prevent suicide among individuals in their care. This approach reinforces a growing national priority: treating suicide as preventable through coordinated, system-wide strategies.

The remaining $10 million will fund Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs, which provide structured, community-based treatment options for adults with serious mental illness who meet specific criteria. These programs are designed to improve stability, increase treatment engagement, and reduce cycles of crisis.

Together, these funding opportunities align with broader national efforts to strengthen prevention, expand treatment access, and address the root causes of substance use and mental health challenges—including housing instability and untreated mental illness.

For prevention professionals, this announcement reinforces a clear direction: the future of prevention is integrated, data-driven, and rooted in early intervention and cross-system collaboration. Programs that connect mental health, substance use prevention, and community partnerships will continue to be prioritized.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. To find local treatment options, visit FindTreatment.gov.