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.

• October 22, 2026 – Introduction to Prevention Ethics
• October 23-31, 2026 – Red Ribbon Week
• 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 Executive Development
• 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

See the full calendar of events here.

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