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:

1. Complete a brief pre-test.
2. Watch the training video.
3. 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

Conference Brochure

Register Here

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.

➡️ View the Recovery Month Toolkit

➡️ View the Webinar Series

• 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.

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:

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

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

DEA Announces Temporary Scheduling of Synthetic 7-OH Substances

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced its intent to temporarily classify synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and three related substances as Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. The action follows a scientific and medical evaluation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which concluded these substances have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.

The temporary scheduling targets synthetic and highly concentrated 7-OH products, which have become increasingly available online and in retail locations such as gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops. The action does not apply to natural botanical kratom products that contain only naturally occurring trace amounts of 7-OH below the specified threshold. If finalized, the rule would make the manufacture, distribution, sale, and possession of covered synthetic 7-OH substances subject to federal controlled substance laws.

Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – Press Release (July 1, 2026)

New SAMHSA Advisory: Wearables and Digital Tools in Behavioral Health

Technology is changing the way behavioral health services are delivered. A new SAMHSA Advisory explores how wearable devices, mobile apps, artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth, and other digital tools are supporting prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. These technologies can help monitor stress, sleep, physical activity, and other health indicators, providing opportunities for more personalized support and earlier intervention. The advisory also highlights important considerations related to privacy, accessibility, ethics, and data security.

Whether you’re a prevention professional, healthcare provider, coalition member, or policymaker, this resource offers valuable insights into the evolving role of digital health technologies in behavioral health.

Read the full SAMHSA Advisory: How Wearables and Other Digital Tools Are Driving Innovation in Behavioral Health.

Many Teens Underestimate the Dangers of Fentanyl

A recent study found that many U.S. teens, especially eighth graders, do not fully recognize how dangerous fentanyl can be. Despite fentanyl being involved in most teen overdose deaths, many adolescents believe trying it even once or twice is not highly risky. The findings underscore the importance of prevention education and open conversations to help young people understand the serious risks of fentanyl and counterfeit pills.

Source: Thompson, D. (2026, July 8). U.S. Teens Underestimate Risks of Fentanyl Use, Survey Finds. U.S. News & World Report (HealthDay), reporting on research published in JAMA Network Open (July 7, 2026).

What to Know About the DEA’s New Fentanyl Free America Initiative

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently launched its Fentanyl Free America initiative at its inaugural summit held in partnership with CADCA’s 25th Annual Mid-Year Training Institute. More than 2,500 participants—including prevention professionals, public health leaders, educators, law enforcement, recovery organizations, faith communities, and youth leaders—came together to strengthen collaboration in addressing the nation’s fentanyl crisis.

While enforcement remains an important component of the initiative, the summit placed equal emphasis on the critical role of community-based prevention. The initiative is built around three pillars:

• Protect communities by disrupting illicit drug trafficking and strengthening public partnerships.
• Prevent overdose and poisoning through evidence-based education, youth leadership, and sustainable community prevention efforts.
• Support individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use by expanding recovery supports and promoting hope and healing.

The DEA also introduced Hidden on Your Kid’s Phone, a free video series designed to help parents recognize online risks, identify warning signs, and start conversations with youth about online safety and counterfeit pills.

During the summit, DEA officials announced that recent enforcement efforts removed more than 4 million counterfeit fentanyl pills and 1,158 kilograms of fentanyl powder from communities nationwide. While overdose deaths continue to trend downward nationally, leaders emphasized that lasting progress depends on sustained partnerships among prevention professionals, healthcare providers, educators, community coalitions, families, and law enforcement.

This initiative reinforces what we know: reducing substance misuse and overdose requires coordinated, evidence-based prevention strategies and strong local partnerships. Community coalitions play a vital role in educating the public, engaging youth, supporting families, and building protective factors that help save lives.

Learn more about the Fentanyl Free America initiative, prevention resources, and the new “Hidden on Your Kid’s Phone” series by visiting the DEA website.

Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA Inaugural Fentanyl Free America Summit Concludes with Promise to Accelerate the Fight Against Fentanyl. July 2026

7 Most Popular Explainer Videos on Addiction

Looking for clear, evidence-based information on substance use disorders? We rounded up seven of the most-watched explainer videos from our resource library. Whether you’re learning for yourself, supporting a loved one, or looking for reliable educational tools to share, these short videos break down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand information.

Vaping: The Hit Your Brain Takes

Explore how nicotine and vaping affect the developing brain, why young people are especially vulnerable, and what the latest science tells us. Watch now→

Addiction & the Brain

Discover how addiction changes brain function, why it is considered a chronic health condition, and how these changes influence behavior and recovery. Watch now→

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Learn how CBT helps people identify triggers, develop healthy coping strategies, and prevent relapse during recovery from substance use disorders. Watch now→

The Hijacker

Take a closer look at how addiction “hijacks” the brain’s reward system and why understanding the neuroscience of addiction is key to reducing stigma. Watch now→

Risk and Protective Factors

Discover how early interventions and strong protective factors can counterbalance risk factors and help prevent substance use disorders. Watch now→

Brain Imaging Reveals What Causes Drug Addiction

Hear from Dr. Nora Volkow about how brain imaging is improving our understanding of addiction and informing new prevention and treatment approaches. Watch now→

What is Prevention?

Learn why protecting the developing brain, delaying first use, and strengthening protective factors are key to preventing substance use disorders. Watch now→

Explore Addiction Policy Forum full video library for more science-backed resources on addiction, prevention, treatment, and recovery.

• August 18 – MIHEN Webinar-Health & Poison Related to Substance Use: “Need to Know” Program for Young Adults
• August 21 – Join us for the 30th Annual MCRUD Annual Meeting –
• August 29-31- EMPOWER 2026: the NAADAC Annual Conference
• 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 29-30 – Connections in Prevention Annual Conference
• November 9 – 34th Annual PAM Conference (in person) at the James B. Henry Center for Excellence.

See the full calendar of events here.

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:

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

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:

What Is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released a new resource providing an overview of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model and its role in expanding access to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services.

The publication explains the purpose of CCBHCs, federal certification requirements, the nine core service areas, funding opportunities through SAMHSA and Medicaid, and the model’s impact on improving access to coordinated, community-based behavioral health care. As of July 2025, more than 500 CCBHCs are operating across 46 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, helping strengthen behavioral health systems and improve outcomes nationwide.

This resource is valuable for behavioral health providers, policymakers, administrators, coalition leaders, and community partners seeking a high-level understanding of the CCBHC model and its growing role in behavioral health care.

Learn more: Review the full SAMHSA publication for additional information on CCBHC certification, services, and implementation. 

STATE

State Budget Update: Investments That Support Prevention

On July 21, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Michigan’s FY 2027 budget into law following legislative approval earlier this month. The budget includes significant investments in education, early childhood programs, workforce development, health care, and family supports, including continued funding for free school meals, expanded Great Start Readiness (pre-K), Early On services, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Michigan Reconnect, and the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program.

While the budget does not include major new funding specifically for substance misuse prevention, these investments strengthen many of the protective factors that help prevent substance use before it begins. Supporting children, families, education, and access to health care helps build healthier, more resilient communities across Michigan.

For Michigan’s prevention professionals, these investments also create opportunities to strengthen partnerships with schools, health care providers, early childhood programs, and community organizations. Prevention Network will continue to monitor state policy developments and share resources that support prevention efforts across the state.

Source: State Budget Update, SBAM (State Bar of Michigan) Government Relations, July 2026, summarizing FY 2027 budget legislation (SB 878 and HB 5630).

*The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) also announced it secured $2 million in legislatively directed spending to support statewide 2030 Census outreach and engagement efforts. An accurate census count helps ensure Michigan communities receive the federal funding needed to support health, education, infrastructure, and prevention programs for years to come.