Letter From the Executive Director

Dear Prevention Providers,

As we begin to wind down the year, I am reminded of this quote by Lao Tzu, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” This past year included many changes at Prevention Network from gaining new staff, developing valuable partnerships, and rekindling past collaborations. We made changes to improve our internal processes to deliver streamlined services to our partners. While we acknowledge there have been language changes at the federal level, who we serve and what we do remains at the heart and core of our existence. At times it was challenging, but with each step we got closer to achieving our goals.

The resources and information you will see throughout this newsletter include ones shared with our Board at our fall retreat and with various partners serving the unique needs of communities. We hope these are valuable as you engage in developing solutions and evidence-based practices.

We look forward to the new year with renewed optimism, continued improvement, and hope for better things to come in 2026. We are grateful for your support and stepping alongside us throughout this journey.

To your continued health and well-being,

Rashmi Travis, MPH, CHES, CPS
Executive Director,
Prevention Network

Coalition Development Program

2026 PFS Subawards-As part of the Strategic Prevention Framework Partnership for Success grant / Michigan Partnership to Advance Coalitions project (PFS/MI-PAC), Prevention Network (PN) via its Coalition Training and Technical Assistance Program is offering $3,000 sub-awards to six coalitions to increase capacity for communities with high substance use risk to identify and address tobacco, e-cigarettes, and cannabis issues.

Application information will be available January 1, 2026.

Virtual Q&A sessions will be held on:

Session 1: January 15, 2026, 11 AM – 12 PM EST
Session 2: January 22, 2026, 4 PM – 5 PM EST

If you are unable to attend, please email Program Coordinator, Lauren Gonzales, laureng@preventionnetwork.org with your questions.

The Youth Coalition Toolkit is now available on Prevention Network’s website. This guide aims to inform about starting and sustaining youth coalitions. To access the toolkit as well as many other amazing resources and our interactive coalition map you need to become a member. Membership is FREE, to become a member follow the directions at this link:

New Coalition Coordinator training in development! Prevention Network is working on developing a training for new coordinators starting in the prevention field- these trainings will be for individuals who have been in the prevention field for less than a year and want to learn the basics of becoming a successful coordinator. Stay tuned for more information!

MYCN meetings are every third Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m.-12:00 pm! Join Zoom Meeting link: MYCN Monthly Zoom Meeting
Zoom Link

Parenting Awareness Michigan (PAM) is getting ready for Parenting Awareness Month 2026—and we’d love your help!

March is right around the corner, and PAM is inviting partners across Michigan to share local parenting and family-focused activities for the 2026 PAM Local Activities Calendar. Whether it’s a workshop, family fun night, support group, or virtual event, every activity plays a role in strengthening families, supporting prevention, and connecting parents and caregivers to meaningful resources. PAM is also planning a special prevention-focused event in early March in collaboration with Partnership to End Addiction—details coming soon. And be sure to save the date for the 34th Annual Parenting Awareness Michigan Conference on November 9, 2026 (location to be announced).

👉 Submit an activity or learn more here: Submit an activity today!

SAVE THE DATE: 34th Annual PAM Conference
Monday, November 9, 2026 Location: TBA

Contact Kaylee Singer for PAM and MIHEN at kaylee@preventionnetwork.org

(MIHEN) supports prevention efforts on college and university campuses across Michigan by connecting higher ed professionals to timely resources, research, and peer collaboration.

Through regular network meetings, shared public health research, and one-on-one engagement, MIHEN helps campuses address substance use prevention topics like impaired driving, alcohol and cannabis use, and student well-being. The program also strengthens communication across institutions by maintaining a trusted network of key campus contacts, ensuring prevention professionals can easily connect, share strategies, and support one another.

👉 Learn more about MIHEN and how to get involved:https://www.preventionnetwork.org/mihen

Contact Kaylee Singer for PAM and MIHEN at kaylee@preventionnetwork.org.

Mark your calendar — the next MCRUD General Meeting will take place on January 27 at 9:00 AM. We’ll be sharing updates and looking ahead to key initiatives for 2026.

Plans are also underway for the MCRUD Annual Conference on April 23 at Peckham in Lansing. A call for speaker proposals and conference registration will be opening soon — stay tuned for details.

Additional updates coming your way include information on the MCRUD Mentoring Program, membership opportunities, and the launch of an upcoming PhotoVoice project. April is also Alcohol Awareness Month, and we’re preparing resources and activities to support local prevention efforts.

Finally, a policy forum on alcohol and cannabis regulation in Michigan is tentatively scheduled for March 9. More information will be shared as plans are finalized.

Contact Mike Tobias, MCRUD Coordinator at miket@preventionnetwork.org.

As we move into the coming year, it’s important to remember that help and support are available for individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use and overdose. Whether you’re looking for prevention resources, treatment options, recovery supports, or overdose prevention information, PDO partners continue to connect people to life-saving tools and services.

Resources include information on recognizing warning signs, accessing treatment and recovery supports, overdose prevention education, and naloxone availability across Michigan. Prevention Network’s PDO program also highlights trusted state and national resources to help communities stay informed, prepared, and supported in the year ahead. List of resources here.

Contact Ieshia Dawson, PDO Coordinator at Ieshiad@preventionnetwork.org.

Empowering Families: The Power of Prevention Programs

Highlights & Practical Tools You Can Use

One of many of our standout workshops at the PAM Conference in November was—Empowering Families: The Power of Prevention Programs, presented by Barry Schmidt (Bay Arenac ISD)—reminded us how essential parents and caregivers are to strong prevention work. Barry highlighted practical, evidence-based programs that strengthen families, build resilience, and support youth well-being.

This is great information for preventionists and the many partners we work with, especially those supporting families directly in schools, coalitions, and community organizations.

📥 Download the full presentation here

📚 Access the shared resources here

Alcohol/Cannabis Misuse Trends by Youth & Prevention

Highlights & Practical Tools You Can Use

One of many of our standout sessions at the MCRUD Meeting—Youth Alcohol & THC Misuse Trends presented by Denise Kolakowski (Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center, Wayne State University)—which highlighted the real-time data we’re seeing among Michigan youth. Denise walked through the steady rates of alcohol-related poison exposures, the rise in co-occurring alcohol and THC use, and the serious health effects that follow, from impaired decision-making to medical complications.

Youth alcohol & THC.2025

This is great information for preventionists and the many partners we work with, especially those supporting youth in schools, coalitions, healthcare settings, and community organizations.

📥 Download the full presentation here

📚 Access the shared resources here

Opioid Overdose Prevention and Narcan Training

Highlights & Practical Tools You Can Use

One of two presentations at the PN Board Retreat—Opioid Overdose Prevention, presented by Tammy Maidlow-Bresnahan (Ingham County Health Department)—which walked us through how opioid overdoses happen, the key risk factors, and the life-saving role of naloxone. Tammy broke down the four “waves” of the opioid crisis, shared local Ingham County data, and addressed common myths while emphasizing the power of person-first, stigma-free language.

This is great information for preventionists and the many partners we work with, especially those supporting individuals and families at risk, providing education, or connecting people to treatment and community resources.

📥 Download the full presentation here

Harm Reduction

Highlights & Practical Tools You Can Use

One of two presentations at the PN Board Retreat—Harm Reduction presentation – Sarah Landes and Nicholas Miller, (MDHHS, Harm Reduction Pillar Epidemiologist

Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology Unit )—who provided an in-depth overview of syringe service programs (SSPs), statewide harm-reduction data, recent modeling results, and Michigan’s FY 2026 opioid settlement investments.

This is excellent information for preventionists, coalition leaders, and community partners working to strengthen harm-reduction strategies and understand Michigan’s evolving landscape of opioid response and investment.

While their slide deck cannot be shared due to pending communications review, MDHHS has released public resources that contain the same approved information for partners and preventionists to access:

SSP 101: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/drugcontrol/syringe-service-programs/ssp-101

Harm Reduction Data: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/drugcontrol/syringe-service-programs/data-and-stats/data-statistics

Harm Reduction Modeling Results (includes 1-pager): https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2025/09/25/harm-reduction

FY 2026 Opioid Settlement Investments: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2025/11/06/opioids-budget

Michigan Resources for Problem Gambling

Since the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that lifted the federal ban on sports betting, states across the country—including Michigan—have rapidly expanded access to gambling. With online casinos and sports betting now fully legal here, gambling has never been easier to participate in… or harder to avoid.

As gambling opportunities grow, so do concerns about problem gambling and gambling disorder. Early data suggests that gambling participation is rising nationwide, and Michigan’s own trends reflect this shift. Behavioral-health systems, prevention programs, and community coalitions are increasingly being called on to respond. Read full the full brief examining problem gambling and behavioral health systems. Learn where Michigan is is in the helping.

  • 24/7 Helpline — 1-800-GAMBLER
    Confidential support, screening, and referral to treatment anywhere in Michigan.
  • MDHHS Gambling Treatment Program
    State-funded counseling for individuals and families. Services available through local CMH agencies and approved providers statewide.
  • Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) Responsible gaming tools, self-exclusion program, and public awareness campaign “Don’t Regret the Bet.”
  • Online Self-Help & Education
  • don’tregretthebet.org
  • michigan.gov/problemgambling
  • ncpgambling.org
  • Need Local Support?
    Michigan offers a full directory of treatment providers by county—useful for coalitions, clinicians, and community partners.

Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Update

On December 16, I attended the ISAP Holiday Celebration, where they outlined the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The CHIP is a strategic, community-driven roadmap that uses data from the Community Health Assessment (CHA) to guide collective action aimed at improving population health across the region.

The newly released 2025–2027 CHIP outlines shared priorities and coordinated strategies developed in partnership with health departments, community organizations, healthcare systems, schools, and other local stakeholders. This cycle focuses on three key priority areas: Access to Care, Behavioral Health, and Housing. The plan reinforces the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility, recognizing that meaningful and lasting impact happens when communities work together toward common goals.

Visit the Ingham County Health Department website to view the full 49 page plan.

Contact: Barry-Eaton District Health Department Lauren Metcalfe · lmetcalfe@bedhd.org · (517) 541-2624; Ingham County Health Department Kara Trimbach Shirley · kshirley@ingham.org · (517) 328-8778; Mid-Michigan District Health Department Liz Braddock · lbraddock@mmdhd.org · (989) 831-3610

This section highlights upcoming events such as webinars, conferences, and workshops, providing you with valuable opportunities to engage with experts, learn new strategies, and network with peers, ultimately fostering collaboration and advancing knowledge in the prevention field. Check out events coming up in the below:

  • Quarterly Coalition Support & Networking Meetings
    Prevention Network is hosting virtual gatherings designed for coalition leaders and members to gain answers, inspiration, and connections. All meetings begin at 12:00 PM. Dates and the Zoom link can be found on the website, and upcoming meetings include March 11, June 17, and September 8. More information is available here.
  • 2026 PFS Subawards Application
    As part of the Strategic Prevention Framework Partnership for Success / Michigan Partnership to Advance Coalitions (PFS/MI-PAC), Prevention Network—through its Coalition Training and Technical Assistance Program—is offering $3,000 subawards to six coalitions. These funds are intended to build capacity in communities with high substance use risk to address tobacco, e-cigarette, and cannabis issues.

    Application information will be available January 1, 2026.

    Virtual Q&A sessions will be held on:

    Session 1: January 15, 2026, 11 AM – 12 PM EST
    Session 2: January 22, 2026, 4 PM – 5 PM EST

    If participants are unable to attend, they may email Program Coordinator Lauren Gonzales at laureng@preventionnetwork.org with questions.

  • MYCN meetings are every third Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m.-12:00 pm! Join Zoom Meeting link: MYCN Monthly Zoom Meeting
    https://preventionnetwork-org.zoom.us/j/88578351532?pwd=of3SV44KhedotgrAeNPs6ipKOlXgu6.1&jst=2

See the full calendar of events here.

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 Update: What Michigan Communities Should Be Watching 2026

Substance use prevention remains a priority in Michigan, supported by continued state investment and strong prevention infrastructure. More than $131 million in opioid settlement funds are being directed toward prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and workforce development, strengthening community capacity across the state. These investments support local coalitions and partners working to implement evidence-based strategies and sustain prevention efforts long term.

Michigan continues to emphasize data-driven planning and the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). State tools such as MDHHS prevention reports and the Michigan Substance Use Disorder Data Repository help communities assess needs, track trends, and guide effective decision-making, reinforcing a coordinated and evidence-informed approach to prevention statewide.

Sources: MDHHS (michigan.gov/mdhhs) | Michigan Opioid Healing & Recovery Fund (michigan.gov/opioids) | MI-SUDDR (mi-suddr.com)

NATIONAL:

National Prevention Updates: What to Watch in 2026

At the national level, substance use prevention is entering a period of transition. Federal FY2026 budget proposals include potential restructuring or reductions to long-standing prevention funding streams such as the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, raising concerns about stability for community-based coalitions nationwide. While final appropriations are still under review by Congress, prevention advocates are closely tracking these discussions, as changes could affect how prevention funding is awarded, administered, and sustained at the local level.

 

In addition, federal leaders are exploring broader changes to how behavioral health programs are organized and funded. Proposed reforms within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aim to streamline behavioral health programs and emphasize flexibility, coordination, and outcomes across prevention, treatment, and recovery systems. At the same time, SAMHSA and national prevention organizations continue to stress the importance of evidence-based strategies, strong data systems, and community-driven approaches to ensure prevention remains a core public health priority amid shifting federal structures.

Sources: CADCA – Federal Prevention Policy & FY2026 Budget Analysis: https://www.cadca.org
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Budget in Brief & Behavioral Health Priorities: https://www.hhs.gov

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.