Letter From the New Executive Director
Dear Prevention Providers,
With the weather warming up, I hope everyone is finding time to enjoy the outdoors and take a needed break from their offices and computers, after all, May is Mental Health Awareness month!
On the topic of mental health, I believe it is important to recognize that prevention work can be exhausting in the time and effort that is put into programs, in funding challenges, and in the constantly changing issues within the federal government. Burnout is real and quite prevalent in this field. The work that is done is often thankless and at times overwhelming. It takes a special type of person to work in the prevention field, one that is so determined to make a difference in their community that they sometimes put their own wellbeing to the side.
If no one else has told you lately, I see the work that you do and APPRECIATE all of the effort that you put into it. I also see the value in you as a person and encourage all prevention workers to take time for themselves and figure out coping strategies that work to reduce the stress that you may be experiencing.
It was nice to be able to meet with some of you at the MCRUD Annual Shoalition where there were amazing speakers and valuable information shared. It continues to surprise me (in the best way) all of the prevention work that is being done with local coalitions and school groups. I look forward to more in-person networking opportunities in the future where I can put faces to names and continue building strong relationships.
Thank you for all that you do!
Best,
Lauren Gonzales, MPH
Executive Director,
Prevention Network
Prevention Network is rolling out a new resource, 2026 Coalition Infrastructure Toolkit, aligned with the MDHHS PFS–SPF workplan. This free resource helps coalitions build strong, sustainable infrastructure with practical, customizable tools to clarify roles, strengthen governance, support ethical and financial accountability, and define a clear mission and vision.
Keep an eye on your inbox — this toolkit is coming soon.
SAMHAS 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit
The toolkit launched May 1st.
Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) has been observed since 1949. For more than 20 years, SAMHSA has joined that tradition every May, raising awareness, sharing resources, and supporting the individuals and communities who need it most.
Check out what SAMHSA is doing, share our materials, and remember that we all play vital roles in caring for our mental health!
The Toolkit is a One-Stop Shop
The toolkit offers comprehensive resources in a central location that you can download and share. Some content can be customized for the needs of your audiences. The toolkit includes:
- Key messages and themes for each week in May.
- Social media content, graphics, and promotional materials designed for your audiences and media channels.
- Messaging that encourages acceptance and support of people living with a mental illness.
- Best practices for supportive and beneficial discussions about mental health.
- Additional resources for increasing awareness about mental health in May and beyond.
How to Use the Toolkit Click Here
United Michigan Story Sharing Opportunity with Compensation
United Michigan is currently inviting individuals across the state who may be open to sharing their story around substance use disorder. We invite community members statewide to share their stories of recovery, resilience, and hope. Everyone’s journey matters, and each voice can inspire others who may be taking their first steps toward healing.
We understand that sharing something personal takes courage, and participation is completely voluntary and can be done in a way that feels comfortable for you. If you’re interested, we would truly value your voice and perspective.
Whether a story is about personal recovery, supporting a loved one, or making a difference in your community through work and advocacy, we want to hear from everyone! Together, we can highlight the strength, diversity, and courage of our Michigan communities and remind others that recovery is possible!
We compensate our story sharers $50 for their time and experience.
Are you or anyone you know Interested in sharing your story? Fill out the form below and help us amplify voices of hope across Michigan.
By sharing your story, you can help others feel seen, less alone, and supported as they navigate their own journey. Feel free to email Taylor Gassett, Senior Program Coordinator, National Stigma Initiative
Shatterproof: Stronger Than Addiction
E-Mail: tgassett@shatterproof.org
New Tools to Measure Substance Use Disorder Knowledge in Your Community
A new resource from the Addiction Policy Forum is giving prevention professionals a practical way to better understand how communities think about substance use disorders (SUD).
Developed in partnership with the University of Delaware, two new validated tools—the Substance Use Disorder Prevention Knowledge Scale and the Substance Use Disorder Knowledge Scale—help measure what people actually know about prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Why it matters: stronger “addiction literacy” is directly linked to reduced stigma, better engagement in care, and more effective prevention efforts.
These free tools can help coalitions identify knowledge gaps, evaluate outreach efforts, and strengthen community education strategies.
Download the Scales Read the Study
Great News! This morning, the Senate passed bills repealing PUP penalties. These bills go hand-in-hand with bills that already passed the Senate requiring tobacco retailers to obtain a license.
Here’s the statement we issued applauding our Senators: “Repealing ineffective PUP penalties that hinder future opportunities for Michigan kids and instead holding retailers accountable is smart policy,” said Jodi Radke, regional director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “Combining this action with the effort requiring tobacco retailers to obtain a state-issued license would be a great win for kids’ health and tobacco prevention in Michigan. We are grateful to our Senate sponsors and urge the House to advance these bills without delay.”
Please thank our Senate sponsors for their continued partnership in protecting MI kids.
-Senator Paul Wojno (SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov)
-Senator Mary Cavanagh (SenMCavanagh@senate.michigan.gov)
Bridging Alcohol & Cannabis Prevention: Key Takeaways from April 13’s Regulation Webinar
On April 13, prevention professionals from across Michigan came together for an important conversation on alcohol and cannabis regulation—and what it means for prevention efforts at the community level. The webinar brought together state regulators, industry representatives, and policy experts to provide a well-rounded look at how these substances are managed and where challenges remain.
A key takeaway was the critical role that regulation plays in prevention. Presenters from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission highlighted how licensing, compliance checks, and violation hearings help reduce risky practices like sales to minors. Similarly, cannabis regulatory leaders shared how Michigan’s evolving system—still relatively new compared to alcohol—continues to adapt to address issues like licensing, product safety, and consumer protection.
At the same time, industry representatives emphasized the importance of education and responsible practices, including clear labeling, packaging standards, and public awareness efforts aimed at preventing youth access. Discussions also raised emerging concerns, such as synthetic THC products and the impact of market saturation, reinforcing the need for ongoing policy refinement and community awareness.
One of the most valuable aspects of the webinar was the diverse perspectives at the table—from regulators and policymakers to industry and prevention professionals. This balanced dialogue highlighted that prevention is most effective when it includes multiple voices working toward a shared goal.
The takeaway is clear: as Michigan continues to navigate both alcohol and cannabis landscapes, prevention efforts must stay informed, adaptable, and connected to policy. Understanding how these systems operate helps coalitions and communities better respond to risks and support healthier outcomes.
April Alcohol Awareness Month in Michigan
This past April, communities across the country observed Alcohol Awareness Month, and Michigan coalitions and partners once again showed up in meaningful ways to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support healthier communities.
Coalitions Driving Local Impact: Throughout the month, prevention coalitions across Michigan led efforts to bring education and awareness directly into their communities—hosting workshops, engaging youth, and facilitating conversations around underage drinking and substance use.
A key example of this work was the 13th Annual Shoalition Showcase, hosted by the Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (MCRUD) on April 23 in Lansing. This full-day event brought together prevention professionals and coalition leaders from across Michigan for a full day of learning, collaboration, and connection. The event featured engaging sessions on topics including youth substance use trends, the role of alcohol in public safety, coalition partnerships with juvenile justice systems, and updates from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Attendees also explored practical strategies for building sustainable coalitions and strengthening prevention efforts at the community level. A highlight of the day was the opportunity to network and share successes during coalition exhibits and “Coalition Shout Outs,” reinforcing the importance of collaboration across the state. The event was a great success—bringing energy, insight, and renewed momentum to prevention efforts across Michigan.
Stay tuned for the 2027 Shoalition date.
- May 19, 2026, 24th Annual PAM Posthumus Signature Auction
May 12, 2026 Silent Auction begins - May 10-16, 2026, National Prevention Week
- May 12, 2026, Unite to Face Addiction Michigan, UFAM Rally 2026
- June 10, 2026, Fresh Perspectives in Suicide Prevention 2026
- June 17, 2026, 2026 Annual Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse
- July 14, 2026, Michigan Substance Use Disorder Prevention Coalition Conference
- July 26-29, 2026, The Power of Prevention National Conference on Substance Misuse.
- August 29-31, 2026, EMPOWER 2026: the NAADAC Annual Conference
- September 29 – 30, Virtual, 2026 National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference
- October 29-30, 2026, Connections in Prevention Annual Conference
See the full calendar of events here.
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
- A forum to network with other coalitions
- A map of other coalitions across the State.
Here’s how to use it:
- Go to https://www.preventionnetwork.org/resource-library/
- Type a keyword into the search bar (try a topic, program area, or content type).
- 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
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 & NATIONAL:
National Update: What CADCA’s Latest Insights Mean for Prevention in Michigan
Recent updates from Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America are reinforcing a familiar message—with more urgency: strong, sustainable coalitions are essential in today’s shifting prevention landscape.
Nationally, CADCA continues to emphasize the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)—grounding prevention in data, partnerships, and long-term planning rather than one-time efforts.
What This Means for Michigan
Michigan is already aligned with these priorities through work supported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and local coalitions. The expectation now is to strengthen that foundation by clearly demonstrating impact.
For coalitions, that means:
- Using local data to guide decisions
- Strengthening cross-sector partnerships
- Focusing on measurable, long-term outcomes
Rising Expectations
With federal funding less predictable, prevention efforts are under greater scrutiny. Coalitions that can show real results—like reduced youth substance use and stronger community conditions—will be better positioned to sustain support.
Emerging Challenges
CADCA also points to growing complexity in the field, including:
- Youth mental health and substance use
- Emerging drug trends
- Changing policy environments
The playbook hasn’t changed—but expectations have.
Michigan’s foundation is strong. The focus now is on proving impact, strengthening partnerships, and staying adaptable in a prevention landscape that continues to evolve.
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.
