Letter From the Director

Dear Prevention Professionals,

As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense pride about the critical work of Prevention Network. Our mission to cultivate healthy communities through comprehensive substance misuse prevention continues to drive meaningful change across our state, and 2024 has been a transformative year for our organization. Highlights include our organizational biannual survey, which provided valuable insights into the evolving needs of our communities and ensured our strategies remain relevant. We also expanded our reach by hosting five conferences, a retreat, and increasing technical assistance efforts, all while enhancing our social media presence to foster a more connected prevention ecosystem.

Another significant accomplishment has been our grant programs, through which we distributed nearly $630,000 across five strategic initiatives. These funds represent investments in community resilience, empowering local organizations to implement targeted prevention strategies that address local needs. As we look to the future, Prevention Network remains steadfast in our commitment to creating healthier, safer communities. Thank you to our dedicated staff, partners, funders, and the communities we serve. 

Click here to view our 2024 Annual Report!

With you in prevention,

Louise Montag, Executive Director

News from Michigan Youth Coalition Network (MYCN)

On September 30th,  the MYCN hosted Michigan Youth Prevention Day in partnership with MIHEN. Michigan Youth Prevention Day was an opportunity for youth around the state to share their stories about the work that they have put in for substance misuse prevention. There were approximately 40 attendees, most of them youth. The day consisted of youth presentations, a lesson on the three traditional leadership styles, leadership activities, and a prevention career and education exploration fair. We hope this will become an annual event that will continue growing.

 

In other news, MYCN’s Youth Advisory Council still accepts new members from 7th-12th grade. It has recently been decided to expand the YAC to include middle school students in 7th and 8th grade to gain representation from other areas in Michigan. YAC members meet virtually once a month after school. Youth Advisory Council (YAC) membership is an opportunity for youth to discuss hopes and concerns around substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, build coalition leadership skills, and organize a leadership opportunity and/or project. YAC members also participate in planning the Youth Coalition Development Leadership Retreat.

 

Interested in signing up for Prevention Network’s Youth Advisory Council? Click here!

Do you have a presentation idea ready to go?

 

Our organization has upcoming events with open Request for Proposals (RFPs), and we’re looking for passionate presenters! This is a great opportunity to gain presentation experience and make an impact. Check out the event lineup and see where your expertise fits!

 

2025 Annual MIHEN Conference 

Date of Event: June 12, 2025

Theme: What About The Other Drugs? The Impact of Cannabis, Tobacco, and Other Substances on College Campuses

Proposals Due January 31, 2025

 

2025 MSHN Prevention Retreat (Region 5)

Date of Event: May 5-6, 2025

Proposals Due February 14, 2025

 

2nd Annual SUD Coalitions Conference 

Date of Event: June 24, 2025

Theme: Supporting Coalitions to Be C.H.A.M.P.S. in Collaboration, Health Equity, Advocacy, Mobilization, Perception, and Sustainability

Proposals Due February 26, 2025

 

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 next 3 months below:

 

See the full calendar of events here.

  • MCRUD General Meeting – January 28th, 2025 @ 9:00am – 10:30am EST: Join Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking general membership quarterly meeting to share updates from across the state about factors impacting our shared efforts to prevent underage alcohol use. Click here to join the meeting!
  • Alcohol Policies Issues Meeting – February 10th, 2025 @ 10 AM-11 AM EST: Every month on the Second Monday 10 a.m. People across Michigan meet to discuss alcohol policy and local changes that impact the access and availability with the goal of preventing misuse and reducing the negative impacts on public health. Click here to join! 
  • Fundamentals of Substance Misuse in Higher Education Training – February 13th, 2025 @ 12:30 – 3:30 EST: Professionals new to prevention in higher education may come to their work with diversity in background and training. Since there is currently no certification or academic program in higher education prevention science, this three-day training will focus on the fundamentals of prevention science, college student behavior epidemiology, and using the Strategic Prevention Framework to apply evidence-based prevention strategies in higher education substance misuse prevention. This program, presented by Joan Masters and Alex Wray, will address base-level competencies for those working in substance misuse prevention in higher education. Click here to register! 
  • MYCN Monthly Meeting – February 18th, 2025 @ 11:30 – 12:30 EST: This is a meeting for professionals working with youth coalitions across Michigan to collaborate, share updates, and discuss their latest efforts in support Michigan’s youth. Participants can highlight their current projects, ask questions, and receive feedback from others! MYCN aims to provide resources and support to coalitions and professionals working with youth in substance use disorder prevention! Click here to join!
  • Alcohol Policies Issues Meeting – March 10th, 2025 @ 10 AM-11 AM EST: Every month on the Second Monday 10 a.m. People across Michigan meet to discuss alcohol policy and local changes that impact the access and availability with the goal of preventing misuse and reducing the negative impacts on public health. Click here to join! 
  • MIHEN Quarterly Meeting – March 13th, 2025 @ 1:00 – 2:00 EST: These meetings provide collaborative space for members of the MIHEN to share updates, discuss campus-specific challenges, and exchange effective strategies surrounding substance misuse prevention on college campuses. Members can connect and work together through the network to build stronger, healthier campus communities statewide. Interested in joining a meeting? Contact alexw@preventionnetwork.org for more info!
  • MYCN Monthly Meeting – March 18th, 2025 @ 11:30 – 12:30 EST: This is a meeting for professionals working with youth coalitions across Michigan to collaborate, share updates, and discuss their latest efforts in support Michigan’s youth. Participants can highlight their current projects, ask questions, and receive feedback from others! MYCN aims to provide resources and support to coalitions and professionals working with youth in substance use disorder prevention! Click here to join!

If you haven’t already check out the following featured resources! To see a list of all new resources added to the resource library, see this link.

 

 

SAMHSA Launches Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month Campaign

 

In January 2025, SAMHSA will launch Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month to raise awareness and support for those impacted by substance use. The campaign focuses on eliminating stigma around treatment, encouraging individuals on their recovery journeys, and promoting best practices for healthcare providers, including screening, intervention, and medication-assisted treatments.

A toolkit and resources are available to help practitioners, loved ones, and individuals seeking help share important messages about treatment and recovery. Join SAMHSA in spreading awareness and fostering understanding about substance use treatment and recovery this January!

 

Click here to to access the toolkit.

Honoring Black History Month with a Focus on Black Youth Suicide Prevention

 

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s essential to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by Black communities, including the critical issue of Black youth suicide prevention. SAMHSA recently released an Issue Brief that sheds light on this urgent topic, covering:

  • Suicide risk factors among Black youth,
  • How suicidal ideation may present in Black youth,
  • The importance of integrating protective factors,
  • The role of state leaders in reducing suicide rates, and
  • Strategies for improving behavioral systems amid funding limitations.

We encourage you to download and explore this vital resource. Not only is the information presented in the article insightful, but it also includes pages of valuable resources dedicated to Black youth suicide prevention. These tools provide actionable strategies and support for individuals, families, and communities working to make a difference.

 

Click here to view this resource.

 

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:

Breaking the Stigma Around Substance Use Disorder (SUDs)

 

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are chronic medical conditions that affect the brain, not a reflection of personal failure or lack of willpower. The stigma surrounding SUDs creates significant barriers to treatment, from societal judgment to unconscious biases in health care. However, understanding SUDs as a brain disease can help shift perceptions, promoting empathy and evidence-based care. SAMHSA has published a new article about combatting stigma with knowledge, offering valuable insights worth reading. Addressing stigma requires education, community engagement, and systemic change to ensure equitable support for recovery. Recovery is possible, and treatment works. Learn more about resources and ways to support SUD recovery through the SUD Treatment Month Toolkit or by visiting FindTreatment.gov.

 

Click here to read the article.

Reevaluating Suspension and Vape Detectors in K-12 Schools Fact Sheet

Tobacco Free Michigan and MDHHS’s Tobacco Section have partnered to create a new fact sheet on the concerns surrounding using vape detectors and punitive discipline to address vaping in K-12 schools. The fact sheet explains why punitive discipline is not the most effective way to address vaping and provides alternative solutions.

 

Click here to read the fact sheet.

 

The 2025 Annual Survey of Coalitions is now open to ALL coalitions, emerging or well-established, and regardless of funding or memberships. This survey will give us a sense of coalition work happening across the State. Request your dedicated survey link by completing a short form here. After submitting the short form, our research team will email you the link created just for your coalition. You can also reach out to survey@cadca.org to ask any questions about the Annual Survey. (Also, participants who complete the survey will be entered into a monthly raffle to win $50.)

The bills that would have initiated a statewide tobacco retail licensure program (TRL) and repealed penalties on youth (PUP repeal) – legislation that already passed both Chambers and was awaiting final procedural votes – died along with many other significant proposals at the end of December. 

 

The bills to repeal LARA from overseeing the prevention licensure also died at the end of December. While having a licensure is really important for quality prevention efforts, this law needs to be repealed before we can determine and implement an alternative process. In the meantime, we will continue to be required to pay LARA for an annual license that no longer has any requirements attached.

 

The Cannabis Regulatory Agency proposed changes to the marihuana administrative rules, which is available for public review. The draft rule language can be found on the administrative rulemaking system (ARS) website. Reach out to MYCAEA for more information on comments shared from the prevention field.

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.