Youth as Partners, Not Just Participants
Coalitions often focus on how to reach young people, but what if we shifted our thinking to how we can work alongside them?
A recent article from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) highlights the importance of treating youth as trusted partners in prevention efforts rather than simply recipients of programs and messages. Youth bring valuable perspectives, creativity, and lived experiences that can strengthen coalition strategies and make prevention efforts more relevant and effective.
Meaningful youth engagement goes beyond inviting young people to attend meetings. It means involving them in planning, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation. When youth feel known, needed, and able to see the impact of their contributions, they are more likely to remain engaged and become leaders within their communities.
The article also challenges coalitions to examine “adultism”—the assumption that adults always know best. Strong youth-adult partnerships are built on mutual respect, transparency, and shared responsibility. Coalitions don’t need to give youth control over every decision, but they should be honest about where youth voices influence outcomes and where decisions ultimately rest.
As your coalition plans future initiatives, consider ways to move youth from participants to partners. Their voices are not just important—they are essential to creating lasting community change.
Reflection Question: How is your coalition currently engaging youth, and what is one step you can take to strengthen youth-adult partnerships in the coming year?
Source: CADCA’s “How Coalitions Can Treat Youth as Partners,” May 2026.
Preparing Students for a Healthy Transition to College
The summer before college is more than a time for shopping and packing—it is an important opportunity for parents and caregivers to help young adults prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Research shows that the transition to college can increase exposure to alcohol, other substances, peer pressure, loneliness, and stress. While students may be legally adults, parts of the brain responsible for judgment, decision-making, and impulse control continue developing well into their mid-20s. This can make young adults more vulnerable to risky behaviors, especially in new social environments.
The good news is that parents and caregivers continue to have a strong influence during this transition. Studies have found that when parents communicate clear expectations about alcohol and substance use, maintain open conversations, and stay connected, students are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
Prevention starts before move-in day. Talking openly about stress, decision-making, relationships, mental health, and substance use can help young adults develop the skills they need to navigate college successfully. Experts encourage parents to balance support and independence by serving as a cheerleader, coach, and safety monitor throughout the college years.
As families across Michigan prepare for the fall semester, now is the perfect time to start these conversations. Strong connections, clear expectations, and ongoing support can help young adults make healthier choices and build a successful foundation for the future.
Source: The Conversation – “How Parents Can Help Prevent Risky Behaviors During Young Adults’ Summers” by Beverly Kingston, University of Colorado Boulder, and Clara Hill, Washington State University. Originally published June 2026 and republished under a Creative Commons license.
New Research Highlights Effective Training for Family-Based Substance Use Support
Families often play a critical role in helping loved ones seek treatment and maintain recovery from substance use disorders. A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence explored how counselors can be effectively trained to use Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), an evidence-based approach that helps family members encourage treatment engagement and support recovery.
Researchers compared three online training methods for counselors working with individuals affected by opioid use disorder. The study found that counselors who received a combination of online training, practical learning materials, and individualized coaching demonstrated the strongest skills and highest confidence in delivering CRAFT. Counselors who received online training and self-study materials also showed significant improvement, while online training alone was less effective.
The findings suggest that digital training programs can help expand access to evidence-based family support services, particularly in rural and underserved communities where professional training opportunities may be limited. Researchers concluded that practical tools, ongoing support, and coaching can improve the quality of services available to families navigating substance use challenges.
As communities continue to address substance use and recovery needs, strengthening the skills of prevention and treatment professionals remains an important strategy for supporting individuals and families affected by addiction.
Sources: Partnership to End Addiction (June 2026) and research published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence by Macky et al. (2026).
MI ACE Data Dashboard now includes YRBS trend data from 2011-2023
The MI ACE Data Dashboard has been updated and now includes Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) trend data from 2011–2023. New graphs display changes over time, using arrows to indicate whether each indicator has increased, decreased, or remained stable. These trend data are available under the ‘2023 YRBS’ section and cover 19 indicators, including abuse and neglect, bullying, school safety, mental health, and health risk behaviors. Understanding these trends can help identify patterns over time and inform the development of tailored programs and interventions.
Additional updates include:
- 2023–2025 hospital emergency department syndromic surveillance data providing insights into suspected or confirmed child abuse and neglect, as well as youth mental health conditions, suspected suicide attempts, and substance use.
- Expanded 2022 Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) data, now covering 47 counties, including six new counties.
Please see an example HERE of a graph that displays changes over time specific to MI high school students reporting ever being physically forced to have sexual intercourse. This trend graph is available for 19 indicators.
Michigan Resource for Schools
Michigan Releases Guidance on Safe Handling and Disposal of Confiscated Vape Devices in Schools
As vaping continues to impact youth across Michigan, schools are facing an additional challenge beyond prevention and enforcement: safely handling and disposing of confiscated vaping devices.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently released guidance to help schools properly manage electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including e-cigarettes, vape pens, nicotine pods, and associated lithium-ion batteries. The guidance notes that these items contain hazardous materials, including liquid nicotine and lithium-ion batteries, which can pose health, environmental, and fire risks if improperly stored or discarded.
According to EGLE, nicotine is toxic even at low levels, while lithium-ion batteries can overheat, leak hazardous chemicals, or ignite if damaged. Because of these risks, schools are advised not to throw confiscated vaping devices into regular trash or recycling bins and should never pour nicotine liquids down sinks, toilets, or other drains.
The guidance provides schools with practical steps for safely storing confiscated devices, determining hazardous waste requirements, and identifying appropriate disposal options. It also highlights the importance of protecting staff, students, and the environment while complying with state and federal regulations.
As prevention professionals continue working to reduce youth nicotine use, this guidance serves as a reminder that vaping prevention extends beyond education and enforcement. Proper disposal practices can help schools reduce environmental risks and improve safety within their communities.
Source: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Nicotine Vapes: Safety and Disposal for Michigan Schools (May 2025).
