Letter From the New Executive Director

Hello Prevention Community,

I am happy to be stepping into the role of Executive Director at Prevention Network!

Here’s a little about me first- I graduated from Alma College with a bachelors in biology and continued my education at Central Michigan University where I got my masters degree in Public Health. I live in Dewitt with my significant other and our 2 cats Junebug and Cricket. In my free time I love to read, hike, travel, spend time with my large family, and do anything artsy. I am a strong advocate for public health, changing outcomes, and making the world a better place for the next generation.

I have worked at Prevention Network for almost 2 years. I started as the Michigan Youth Coalition Network (MYCN) Coordinator, when ARPA funding was discontinued I moved into the role of Coalition Program Coordinator where I coordinated various projects under the PFS grant.

As I step into the role of Executive Director I hope to set a tone of positivity and collaboration for Prevention Network. Growing up my dad had many dadisms that I have lived my life by, I was often told “squeaky wheel gets the oil” meaning if you want something you need to speak up, and another favorite was always telling me that within collaborations you’re only as successful as who you hitch your wagon to. I hope that Prevention Network can continue to be a reliable

organization to “hitch your wagon to”, and that if any one in the prevention community needs help we can be “the oil for your squeaky wheel”.

I have a lot of high hopes and goals for this organization and none of our success will be possible without the partnerships and outreach that we currently have and hope to expand on. I am positive that the change that I can bring to this organization will be a positive one, and I look forward to continuing the important work of prevention. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time, my email is always open and I’m always looking for more connections!

Lauren Gonzales, MPH
Executive Director,
Prevention Network

Update on Michigan’s Mental Health System

Positive Developments in Michigan’s Mental Health System

Good news for the moment: Earlier this year, Michigan halted its proposed overhaul of the state’s mental health system, withdrawing plans that would have significantly restructured how Medicaid-funded behavioral health services are managed.

After legal concerns were raised, the state canceled its call for proposals and paused the bid-out process. This decision helps1preserve stability for community-based mental health providers and the people they serve, while creating space for more thoughtful and collaborative conversations about system improvements.

For those who want to read more, here are two recent articles that outline what happened:

While broader reform discussions are expected to continue, this pause is a positive development for local oversight and continuity of care. We’ll keep monitoring state-level prevention and mental health policy updates and share new information as it becomes available.

New Drug is Driving a Dangerous Withdrawal Crisis

A powerful veterinary sedative most people have never heard of is rapidly reshaping the overdose crisis—and it’s not showing up the way we expect. According to a new report from The New York Times, medetomidine is increasingly appearing in the illicit fentanyl supply, triggering severe, life-threatening withdrawal rather than immediate overdose. Hospitals in Philadelphia are seeing a surge in emergency visits, many requiring intensive care, as people experience extreme symptoms from a drug they didn’t knowingly use. With medetomidine now detected beyond Philadelphia, this emerging trend raises urgent questions for prevention, treatment, and policy nationwide.

Read more to understand why this matters—and why systems need to adapt fast.

Source: Addiction Policy Forum

Message Matters

Substance Use Prevention Communications Toolkit

Effective prevention starts with how we communicate. Messages that are grounded in prevention science and thoughtfully framed are more likely to resonate with youth, families, and communities—and to support healthier norms around substance use.

The Substance Use Prevention Communications Toolkit, developed by the Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network, offers practical, evidence-informed guidance for communicating with youth ages 12–18. The toolkit includes strategies for message framing, language choices, and approaches for shifting community mindsets to support prevention.

As you plan outreach for SAMHSA Prevention Week, Prevention Month, and year-round prevention efforts, this toolkit can support stronger, more effective communications.

Explore the Toolkit:

Check out the Toolkit!

 

Source: Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network

Kratom in Michigan:

State Bill Introduced, Local Rules Emerging

Kratom remains legal statewide in Michigan — but legislative activity and local regulations are beginning to shift the landscape.

In February 2026, lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill that would ban the growth and sale of kratom in Michigan. The proposal would make selling or growing kratom a misdemeanor, with enhanced penalties for sales to minors. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform.

At the local level, Clinton Township has adopted what appears to be Michigan’s first kratom ordinance. The policy restricts sales to individuals 21 and older, requires retail signage, and enforces violations through township police. The Cities of Warren and Southfield are also discussing similar measures.

Additionally, HB 4969 proposes a statewide consumer protection framework, which could reduce the development of inconsistent local ordinances.


Sources: https://www.wilx.com/2026/02/20/new-bill-would-ban-growth-sale-kratom-michigan/;

https://www.wxyz.com/news; MI HB4969; and Bridge Michigan/news

Prevention Data Spotlight: Youth Substance Use Remains Low

New data from the Monitoring the Future Study, led by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the University of Michigan, show adolescent substance use remains near historic lows in 2025. High rates of abstinence among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders continue to reflect the long-term value of prevention, education, and community-driven strategies.

Check Out Johnny’s Ambassadors’ 2026 Youth THC Prevention Video PSA Contest

Johnny’s Ambassadors is sponsoring a Video PSA Content demonstrating the importance of preventing cannabis/THC use (vaping, dabbing, marijuana, edibles) among high school students. Help get the word out by providing education on why THC is harmful for the developing brain, mental health, and your life!

The contest ends on April 13, 2026 and winners will receive cash prizes.

Learn More

Prevention Data Spotlight: Youth Substance Use Remains Low

New data from the Monitoring the Future Study, led by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the University of Michigan, show adolescent substance use remains near historic lows in 2025. High rates of abstinence among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders continue to reflect the long-term value of prevention, education, and community-driven strategies.

Updated Dietary Guidelines Offer More Restrictive Guidance on Alcohol Use

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans that revise federal guidance on alcohol consumption. The guidelines remove specific daily drink limits and instead advise Americans to “consume less alcohol for better overall health.”

Previous federal guidelines included specific thresholds, recommending that adults 21 years and older consume no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. The new guidelines do not include numerical limits and no longer differentiate guidance by gender, despite research showing that men and women metabolize alcohol differently.

Major health authorities have consistently reported that alcohol consumption increases health risks over time, even at lower levels.

Read More

See the full calendar of events here.

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 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 Federal Prevention Update: Funding Restored, Stability Still at Risk

In mid-January, the White House reversed a proposed $2 billion cut to federal addiction, overdose prevention, and mental health grants after swift pushback from lawmakers and providers nationwide.

Earlier that week, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grantees were notified their grants would be terminated immediately, citing “non-alignment with priorities.” By Wednesday evening, the administration rescinded the terminations following intervention at the White House.

The reversal comes as national overdose deaths begin to decline—reinforcing the importance of sustained, evidence-based prevention and treatment investments. While funding is restored for now, the episode raised serious concerns about funding stability and planning at the community level.

Why This Matters for Preventionists

  • Funding volatility is real: Even long-standing grants can be disrupted with little notice.
  • Prevention works: Declining overdose deaths and low youth use rates underscore the impact of sustained prevention efforts.
  • Planning requires caution: Programs may need contingency plans as federal priorities shift.
  • Advocacy matters: Rapid response from the field helped reverse these cuts—continued engagement is critical.

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.