Looking Ahead to FY27

October 1 marks the beginning of fiscal year 2027 for Prevention Network and many organizations receiving state or federal prevention funding. A new fiscal year brings renewed goals, new reporting periods, and opportunities to strengthen programs and partnerships.

Throughout FY27, Michigan nonprofits and coalitions should monitor new funding opportunities, changes in state and federal requirements, emerging prevention trends, and evolving community needs. Organizations should also track progress toward their goals, document outcomes, communicate successes, and adjust strategies when data show that a different approach may be needed.

As FY27 begins, Prevention Network remains committed to providing resources, training, technical assistance, and connections that help prevention professionals and community partners strengthen their work across Michigan.

Prevention Network is Hiring!

Prevention Network is seeking a Program Coordinator to join our team and support the Michigan Higher Education Network and other prevention initiatives across Michigan.

Interested in helping strengthen prevention efforts and build healthier communities? Review the full position description and application information below.

View the Job Posting and Apply

Coalition Infrastructure Toolkit Introduction Video

Take a few minutes to discover how the Coalition Infrastructure Toolkit can help your coalition clarify its purpose, strengthen leadership and member roles, improve bylaws and policies, and build a more sustainable foundation.

Get started by downloading the toolkit and watching the brief introduction video. You can also request technical assistance by creating a free Prevention Network membership account to access additional resources in the Resource Library Hub.

Download the toolkit and follow along, watch the introduction video, or visit the C3 webpage.

Download the Toolkit Watch the Video

Emerging Synthetic Opioid Raises National Concern

Public health officials are warning about cychlorphine, an emerging synthetic opioid detected in the illicit drug supply across the United States. It has been found alone and mixed with fentanyl, stimulants, and counterfeit pills. Cychlorphine may not be detected by fentanyl test strips or routine hospital drug screens, making exposure difficult to identify.

If an opioid overdose is suspected, give naloxone, call 911, and remain with the person until help arrives. A negative test result should never delay an overdose response.

Learn more about cychlorphine and emerging drug threats.

Sources: Office of National Drug Control Policy and American College of Medical Toxicology.

CMHA Annual Fall Conference: Stronger Together, Greater Impact

The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan’s 2026 Annual Fall Conference, “Stronger Together, Greater Impact,” will take place October 26–27, 2026 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City. The conference brings together approximately 700 professionals, leaders, board members, advocates, and partners from across Michigan’s public mental health and substance use disorder systems to exchange ideas, explore innovative practices, and strengthen services throughout the state.

A limited number of scholarships are available for individuals who receive services and their family members. Scholarships cover conference registration fees only. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is Friday, October 9, 2026.

View conference information and registration |

Apply for a scholarship

Red Ribbon Week – October 23-31, 2026

Red Ribbon Week®, observed October 23–31, 2026 is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign. This year’s theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™,” reminds us that choosing a healthy, drug-free lifestyle is an act of courage and leadership. Prevention Network encourages schools, families, coalitions, and communities across Michigan to participate by educating young people, promoting healthy choices, and showing how everyday decisions can positively influence others.

Visit the Red Ribbon Campaign to explore campaign ideas and resources, learn more about the 2026 theme, or access the DEA’s Red Ribbon resources.

Fentanyl: A Decade of Death

Fentanyl continues to drive overdose deaths across the United States. An illustrated feature from the DEA’s Get Smart About Drugs website examines the rise of fentanyl and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities.

The story highlights how fentanyl may be mixed with other illicit drugs or pressed into counterfeit pills without a person’s knowledge. It reinforces the importance of prevention education and honest conversations about counterfeit pills and illicit drug use.

Explore “Fentanyl: A Decade of Death”

Source: DEA’s Get Smart About Drugs. Original reporting published by inewsource.

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/

Join Our Network

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
  • Watch YouTube membership tutorial
  • 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/

Recently Added Resources

Recently Added Resources

  1. Prevention Network’s Coalition Infrastructure Toolkit
  2. New MDHHS Resource: Recreational Nitrous Oxide Misuse in Michigan

Share a Resource with Our Michigan Resource Library

We’re excited to continue expanding Prevention Network’s members-only Michigan Resource Library! Have a helpful resource to share? Submit the requested information for consideration. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WR8NZJQ

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:

Federal Funding Announced for Prevention, Crisis Response, Treatment, and Recovery

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has awarded $383.4 million to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and crisis-response services nationwide.

 

Of the total funding, $252 million will support the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, suicide prevention initiatives, and mobile crisis services. This includes funding to improve state, territorial, and Tribal responses to 988 calls, texts, and chats; expand services for populations at increased risk of suicide and overdose; and establish or enhance community-based mobile crisis teams.

 

An additional $81.4 million will support substance use treatment and prevention programs. These investments include funding for rural emergency medical services training, rural opioid technical assistance, Tribal prevention and response programs, community overdose prevention, treatment services for pregnant and postpartum women, and treatment and recovery support for youth, young adults, and families.

 

The awards also include funding for programs focused on preventing youth overdose and underage drinking. Additional investments will help communities expand access to opioid overdose reversal medications, strengthen statewide recovery networks, and provide education about privacy requirements related to behavioral health information.

 

Another $50 million will support mental health programs, including trauma-informed services in schools, integrated physical and behavioral healthcare, family support networks, early diversion programs, and community-based services for children, youth, young adults, and families.

 

These investments are intended to strengthen local systems, expand access to services, and help communities respond more effectively to prevention, treatment, recovery, and crisis-response needs.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

 

Learn More About the HHS/SAMHSA Funding Awards

STATE

New MDHHS Resources: Recreational Nitrous Oxide Misuse in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released new resources to raise awareness about the growing health concerns associated with recreational nitrous oxide misuse in Michigan.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” “whippets,” “balloons,” “Galaxy Gas,” or “NOS,” has legitimate medical, dental, and culinary uses. However, recreational products are widely available in stores and online and may be marketed in ways that make them appear legal or low risk. Repeated or heavy recreational use can lead to serious health effects, including neurological symptoms, mental health concerns, and other medical complications.

Recent data from the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center (MiPDC) show an increase in adverse medical encounters associated with nitrous oxide misuse. From January 2024 through May 14, 2026, 112 poison center cases involving intentional recreational nitrous oxide misuse causing injury were identified. Of those cases, 99 individuals presented to a hospital, including 38 hospital admissions and 10 ICU admissions. Nearly half of reported cases resulted in medically significant outcomes.

To help increase awareness, MDHHS has released two new resources:

The provider bulletin includes additional Michigan data, information on recognizing recreational nitrous oxide products and potential health effects, as well as considerations for screening, patient education, and clinical care.

 

Please share these resources with your networks, partners, and communities to help increase awareness of recreational nitrous oxide misuse and its potential health risks.

 

Additional resources

Nitrous oxide education

Data and surveillance

Provider and partner tools

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.

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Prevention Partners,

As we wrap up another fiscal year, I’ve had an opportunity to reflect on all that we have accomplished and look ahead to what’s next for Prevention Network. This year brought a great deal of change and transition—some more challenging than others—but through it all, we continued moving forward and are finishing the fiscal year strong and positive.

With the end of this fiscal year, we will also see the end of Prevention Network’s role in the Prescription Drug Overdose (PDO) Program. For the past five years, PDO has been an important part of Prevention Network’s work to reduce prescription drug overdoses in Calhoun, Genesee, and Wayne counties through coalition partnerships, enhanced training, and naloxone distribution.

While we are sad to see our role in the program come to an end, we are very proud of its success and the difference it has made in these communities.

Prevention Network’s other programs—MCRUD, MIHEN, PAM, and C3—have also had a successful year. Through these programs, we have provided educational and networking opportunities, technical assistance, information and resources, and subawards to support prevention professionals, coalitions, and communities across Michigan. We look forward to continuing and expanding these opportunities in the next fiscal year.

None of our organization’s successes would be possible without the dedication of our wonderful program coordinators and our program assistant/communications specialist. They truly are the heart of Prevention Network, and I am grateful for the commitment, knowledge, and passion they bring to this work every day.

I encourage anyone with a passion for substance misuse prevention to take advantage of the many opportunities and resources offered through Prevention Network. As we enter a new fiscal year, I am excited about what lies ahead—the new opportunities we will offer, the partnerships we will strengthen, and the new relationships we will build along the way.

Thank you to our staff, partners, coalitions, and prevention professionals for another wonderful fiscal year and for your continued commitment to advancing substance misuse prevention throughout Michigan.

I am always looking for opportunities to learn, collaborate, and connect with others in the prevention field. Please feel free to reach out at any time—my inbox is always open.

Thank you,
Lauren Gonzales, MPH
Executive Director,
Prevention Network

Coalition Program Evaluation

Help us strengthen Prevention Network’s Coalition Program! If you’ve participated in our trainings, technical assistance, Coalition Infrastructure Toolkit, Resource Library, or other coalition services, please take a few minutes to complete our evaluation. Your feedback helps us better support coalitions across Michigan.

Complete the evaluation survey here

Complete the survey and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a complimentary Prevention Network training registration or a Prevention Network gift basket.

Complete Evaluation Survey Here

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

See the full calendar of events here.

Upcoming PTTC Trainings for Prevention Professionals
Professional Development Opportunity

PTTC NCO Sponsorship Expands Access to
Fall 2026 Prevention Professional Conference

The PTTC NCO is helping prevention professionals access substantive continuing education, pursue opportunities that support certification and credentialing, and build the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen prevention practice in communities nationwide.

Title: Fall Prevention Professional Conference

Format: Virtual via Zoom

Date: October 13-15, 2026

Time: 9 am- 4:00 pm CST

Continuing Education Hours: 18 in Multiple IC&RC Domains

Price: $450/ $475

Registration Link: Click here to register  Contact us here to register 5 or more and provide one credit card payment.

➡️ Learn More & Register
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/

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:

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

Michigan Prevention Update

MDHHS Invites Local Communities to Partner on Opioid Settlement Projects

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a new initiative encouraging local governments receiving opioid settlement funds to propose joint projects that address substance use disorder across Michigan.

The initiative provides an opportunity for communities to coordinate local and state opioid settlement investments to support substance use prevention, reduce overdose risk, expand access to treatment, and strengthen long-term recovery efforts.

For prevention professionals and coalitions, this creates another opportunity to engage with local governments and community partners in conversations about how opioid settlement dollars can support coordinated, community-driven strategies.

Michigan is expected to receive nearly $800 million in opioid settlement funds over 18 years, with funds distributed between state and local governments.

Learn more about the MDHHS Opioid Settlement Matching Initiative.

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.