Our Approach

Prevention Network is a statewide not-for-profit that aims to cultivate healthy communities across Michigan by providing substance misuse prevention resources, technical assistance, and support to all 83 Michigan counties. We strive to bridge the gap between research and practice for the enhanced effectiveness of local prevention efforts.

We are comprehensive in our makeup, embracing a variety of viewpoints and methods of approach in dealing with substance misuse prevention and related problems. We serve a diverse set of community groups, professional and volunteer, whose autonomy we respect. We provide support through which their effectiveness can be increased and common goals can be identified and achieved.

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Prevention Network has existed as a formal program since 1984, under the leadership of Sheila Taylor and Sharon Ambrose, when it was funded by Michigan’s Single State Office of Substance Abuse Services, currently called the Substance Use, Gambling, and Epidemiology Section within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, to support grassroots, community-based prevention efforts. Prevention Network’s creation and original funding was launched by statewide activity in conjunction with public broadcast stations airing The Chemical People in November 1983. The two Chemical People programs were intended to mobilize parents, educators, public officials and substance use disorder professionals into task forces in every high school district in the country.

In 1985, Michigan prevention professionals conducted a statewide survey of eighty-five community prevention groups to assess their needs. These groups expressed the need for technical assistance for organizing and locating resources, financial assistance, training, and networking with other groups; services which repeated surveys have shown are needed. Prevention Network provides all of these services today.

Community involvement in prevention was growing, and so were the demands for network assistance. Prevention Network’s independence began a period of intense board involvement, creativity, new programs, development of statewide initiatives, advocating for the critical role its constituency plays in prevention, and growing leadership in the field. In 1992, Prevention Network officially became a federally recognized 501(c)3 not-for-profit through the United States Internal Revenue Service.

In 2008, after twenty years with the organization, Sheila Taylor stepped down as director.

Prevention Network has grown and adapted programs and staffing to meet contract demands, take advantage of new opportunities, and keep up with growing requests for service.

Louise Montag is the third director of Prevention Network. Currently, Prevention Network receives funding from the Michigan Health and Human Services Behavioral and Physical Health & Aging Services Administration Substance Use, Gambling, and Epidemiology Section, MidState Health Network, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Lakeshore Regional Entity, Michigan Liquor Control Commission, and private donations. We currently oversee the following programs: