March 2024 Prevention Network Newsletter

Great news! Coalition Support & Community Change is continuing with different funding.

• Our contracts with 50 sub-award recipients ended March 5th. As of Feb 29th, we distributed over $1,185,742 this fiscal year to community coalitions. Final reports are being composed as an update to the summary report from Project Year One. Many exit survey responses indicate “great!” “magnificent job,” “excellent timely TA” while 5-6 respondents also want staff to be more open to dialogue, more empowering, know more about me, and be more responsive.
• Great feedback from C3 program participants has led to the development of monthly and quarterly networking opportunities. We would love to hear more about your work and be able to empower you to keep building healthier communities around the great state of Michigan. Visit the calendar of events.
• The support of Maner Costerisan staff Kelly Sears has been vital to the success of this program, as have technical assistance provider agreements with Joel Hoepfner and others. Thank you all!

Opportunities and events to look forward to:

• A Coalition Coordinator Skills training is scheduled April 11th at our office in Lansing. Please help promote this in-person training for new coalition leaders.
• Eligibility has expanded for Coalition Sub-Awards! We are requesting a letter of intent and offering additional Q&A sessions to secure applications for 8 additional awards at $3,000 to be spent by September 2024. Eligible submissions will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis so APPLY NOW.
• Registration will be live soon for the Michigan SUD Prevention Coalitions Conference, July 25, 2024 at Suburban Showplace in Novi, MI. Conference will feature CSAP founding director Beverly Watts Davis with participant roundtable discussions facilitated by Albert Gay. We may have a book signing with Nicole Augustine for her CPS Study Guide.

As we embark on another year of impactful work, we are thrilled to present our annual report for fiscal year 2023, showcasing the collective achievements and milestones of Prevention Network’s efforts across Michigan. Dive into the pages ahead to discover the progress made, challenges overcome, and our profound impact in cultivating healthier communities statewide.

Click here to view our annual report for 2023.

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 Alcohol Policy Issues Meeting — March 11th, 2024 — Every month on the second Monday at 10 AM, people across Michigan meet to discuss alcohol policy and local changes that impact the access and availability with the goal of preventing substance misuse and reducing the negative impacts on public health. Join the meeting here.
• MIHEN Meeting — March 14th, 2024 — These quarterly meetings allow for those of us  working in prevention in higher education to come together and discuss how we can work as one to prevention substance misuse on our campuses. Join the meeting here.
• Prevention Ethics Training — March 20th, 2024 —  Join us, Prevention Network, and Eaton RESA to learn about the ethics in prevention work. Gain insight on how to navigate through ethical dilemmas by utilizing a decision-making model! Registration begins at 8:30 am, and the deadline to register is March 11th. Click this link to register today!
• MCRUD General Meeting — March 26th, 2024 — 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. Join the meeting here!

• Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action – April 1st, 2024 – On the Take Down Tobacco Day of Action, youth advocates and their communities come together to stand up to Big Tobacco, expose the tricks this industry uses to lure kids into addiction, and call for change. For more information on how to get involved, visit this link.
• Coalition Coordinator Training — April 11th, 2024 — Learn coalition coordinator skills: networking and recruiting, meeting facilitation, community engagement, hosting community events, and more! Participants will receive 6 hours of MCBAP CEUs, and registration includes training materials and lunch from Capital City BBQ!! Register with the following link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/f54fw55.
• MCRUD’s 11th Annual Shoalition Showcase – April 23rd, 2024 – The Shoalition is a forum for coalitions to showcase the great things they are doing to prevent and reduce underage drinking and other alcohol problems. It’s also an opportunity to provide coalitions, prevention professionals, and advocates with the tools needed to reduce underage drinking! Register today!
• F.F.U.N (Fourth Friday Unwind & Network) Coalition Support Group – April 26th, 2024 – Open to anyone who is part of or interested in becoming part of a community-based coalition addressing substance misuse prevention. Special invitation to current coalition coordinators. We will use this time to address common challenges and share tools both old and new. Feel free to enjoy your own lunch during this relaxed group. Join us here!

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.

American Society for the Positive Care of Children provides parents, caregivers, educators and professionals with the resources, support, and guidance they need to create loving, nurturing environments where children can flourish. We believe that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, supportive home filled with love, respect, and opportunity. By promoting positive parenting practices, we aim to empower families, strengthen communities, and ensure that every child has the chance to reach their full potential.

To learn more about American SPCC and explore our wide range of resources, programs, and initiatives, we invite you to visit our website at americanspcc.org. From informative articles and expert advice to interactive tools and workshops and trainings, our website is a valuable hub for caregivers seeking guidance and support on their parenting journey.

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. To raise awareness about alcohol-related harms and the importance of alcohol policy safeguards, the Northwest PTTC has launched the Alcohol Awareness Toolkit: #ProofIsInTheNumbers.

The Alcohol Awareness Toolkit seeks to do the following during the month of April:

• Raise awareness about alcohol-related harms and the importance of strong alcohol policies using memes, and
• Encourage engagement from prevention and public health stakeholders to strategically educate and inform decision makers about effective alcohol policies by providing easy-to-personalize, templated opinion editorials, letters to legislators and proclamations.

The Northwest PTTC is excited to bring these resources to communities in Region 10 and throughout the rest of the PTTC Network. We encourage our prevention partners to use the materials to raise awareness around the weekly themes to observe April as National Alcohol Awareness Month.

Click here to access this toolkit.

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 Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2024 to be held March 18-24

Participate in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW) and help share facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction in your community. NDAFW is an annual health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. NDAFW provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance the science and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities and nationwide. Sign up for NDAFW email updates below, and find lots of great resources for planning and promoting your very own NDAFW event.

Register your NDAFW event here!

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Population Level Analysis and Community Estimates (PLACES) recently introduced 9 New Social Determinant of Health Measures

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.

Learn more about CDC resources for SDOH data, research, tools for action, programs, and policy at: Social Determinants of Health at CDC.

Call for Proposals for the Michigan Premier Public Health Conference 2024 

The Michigan Premier Public Health Conference (MPPHC) planning committee welcomes your participation for the 2024 MPPHC! The conference will be at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon Convention Center in Muskegon, Michigan on October 15th-16th. Preconference activities will be held on Monday, October 14th.  View the RFP here. The deadline for RFP submissions is Friday, March 22nd, 2024.

MDHHS Suicide Prevention Section Releases Guide for Talking About Suicide

The Michigan Department of Health and Human services Suicide Prevention section released a guide for talking about suicide prevention on social media. The guide includes safe messaging tips, guidance for social media managers, reliable sources to utilize and reference, and information on prevention suicide in Michigan men. To access this guide, click here.

Over the past year, PAM hosted its 30th Annual PAM Hybrid Conference, created and implemented a feedback survey to the network, formed three different subcommittees within the steering committee to focus on priority areas, updated its mission statement and guiding principles, hosted a 2-part series webinar, requested the proclamation of Parenting Awareness Month in March, began forming a five year strategic plan, introduced the Spotlights section of the monthly newsletter to highlight the great work organizations are doing throughout Michigan, and began planning the 31st Annual Conference. PAM also hosted the October edition of Prevention Navigators Podcast, highlighting the great work done over the last year. Click here to listen to the episode.

Join us for the 31st Annual PAM Conference! The conference will be held on Friday, November 3rd, 2023, at the Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan. This year’s conference brings together professionals and parents interested in issues facing today’s parents and families. Some topics include the involvement of parents in our prevention strategies, helping teens discover their self-worth, parenting in the digital age, and advocacy training and skills. To view a complete list of the workshops offered, follow this link.

To learn more about Parenting Awareness Michigan or to join the network, check out the PAM page or email PAM Coordinator Sara Kirkpatrick at sarak@preventionnetwork.org.

Meet Prevention Network’s newest staff member, Angel Lucia.

From Angel: “I graduated from Spring Arbor University with a B.A. in English and a minor in Psychology. Since graduating, I’ve found my vocational passion in providing administrative support. I value strengthening my community by leading with empathy and kindness. I hope to use my data analysis and organizational skills as the Communications Specialist/Administrative Assistant when supporting the programs at Prevention Network. I love to crochet, read, and spend time with my husband and two dogs in my free time.”

To contact Angel, email angell@preventionnetwork.org or call 517-393-6890.

To learn more about the rest of our team, check out our team page here.

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 – October 17th, 2023 – 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.
• (PAM) CASH Conference – October 23rd-25th, 2023 –  The CASH Conference aims to address the evolving needs of child and adolescent health professionals by offering emergent and engaging content from leading subject matter experts. Participants will gain practical and innovative strategies for the development and implementation of effective programs, policies, and practices to improve the health, well-being, and resiliency of young people. Register here!
• MSU Reimagining Recovery: A Community Systems Approach to Addressing Substance Abuse – October 26th 2:00 – 3:15 pm. – Join MSU to discuss medication for Opioid Use Disorder in recovery, what we know about recovery, the alternatives to criminalizing and punitive approaches, and the recommendations and strategies for reimagining recovery and eliminating stigma. Register here today!
• F.F.U.N (Fourth Friday Unwind & Networking) Coalition Support Group – October 27th, 2023 — Open to anyone who is part of or interested in becoming part of a community-based coalition addressing substance misuse prevention.

• 31st Annual PAM Conference — November 3rd, 2023 — The annual PAM Conference brings together professionals and volunteers who work with parents and families to learn about issues facing today’s parents, caregivers, and families. Register here today!
• Prevention Training Services: Supervision of Prevention Professionals Conference 2023 — November 8th-10th, 2023 — Register for the virtual conference to understand the many ways to ensure the delivery of high-quality interventions, positive work environments, and to develop staff professional and administrative skills!
• National Overdose Prevention Leadership Summit — November 16th-18th, 2023 — Register here to discuss topics about the growing threat of fentanyl and xylazine, integrating health equity, using data to act effectively, adopting innovation within and across systems learning from youth and people with lived experience, and developing person-centered approaches!
• T.F.U.N (Third Friday Unwind & Networking) Coalition Support Group – November 17th, 2023 — Open to anyone who is part of or interested in becoming part of a community-based coalition addressing substance misuse prevention.
• Thanksgiving – November 23rd-24th, 2023 – Prevention Network observes this holiday and the day before.
• PFS Coalition Support & Networking – November 28th-29th, 2023 –  Quarterly opportunity for anyone working with coalitions on substance misuse prevention in Michigan to gather and share.

• MIHEN Meeting – December 14th, 2023 – These quarterly meetings allow for those of us working in prevention in higher education to come together and discuss how we can work as one to prevent substance misuse on our campuses.
• Office Closure – December 15th, 2023 – The office will be closed for all staff training.
• F.F.U.N (Fourth Friday Unwind & Networking) Coalition Support Group – December 22nd, 2023 — Open to anyone who is part of or interested in becoming part of a community-based coalition addressing substance misuse prevention.
• Office Closure – December 24th, 2023 -January 1st, 2024 – The office will be closed for Prevention Network’s Winter Break.

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.

The Introduction to Prevention Core Competencies for Prevention Professionals was designed to introduce practitioners to the essential competencies, knowledge, and skill to work in substance use and misuse prevention. It is based on the Prevention Core Competencies published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The course provides a foundation for service delivery based on prevention science and the use of evidence-based practices. It strengthens the understanding of effective planning and implementation approaches and encourages the pursuit of more specialized training and professional development.

Course Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the key elements of prevention planning and evaluation.
2. Understand the core prevention professional knowledge, skills, and competencies.
3. Acknowledge the importance of research-based theories and processes that help explain and build effective prevention interventions.
4. Describe how evidence-based (EB) prevention strategies can be delivered across settings including the family, school, media, community, or workplace.

Click here to learn more about these resources.

Click here to search for other prevention skills resources for new professionals. 

In honor of Youth Substance Use Prevention Month and Substance Misuse Prevention Month, Prevention Network, in partnership with Wayne State University, provides an inclusive guide for developing Youth Coalitions in the state of Michigan. From self-determination theory, we know that involving youth in coalition activities creates ownership, which can lead to sustainability in prevention practices.

By empowering youth, coalitions can create an environment where youth are eager to have a voice and become change-makers in their communities. Evaluating evidence-based practices and prevention programming for success to inform guidelines for all coalitions to follow will benefit the prevention field in developing consistency amongst prevention programming. Developing a comprehensive guide for all coalitions to utilize best practice efforts may aid coalitions as they strengthen their services.

Click here to learn more about this resource guide.

Click here to search for other prevention skills resources for new professionals. 

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:

From SAMHSA: Domestic Violence Awareness Month: SAMHSA’s Commitment to Raising Awareness and Hope for Survivors

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is joining our federal partner agencies in raising awareness of domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) throughout our nation. We are committed to addressing domestic violence prevention, treatment and recovery for survivors. This year, we are joining the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline in promoting the hashtag #1Thing, which encourages everyone to do just one thing to raise awareness about domestic violence. That one thing could be sharing awareness messages on social media, bringing training about domestic violence into our workplaces, or reaching out to a friend or family member who may be experiencing violence and abuse.

To read the full article, click here.

From SAMHSA: “Talk. They Hear You.” 

This year, “Talk. They Hear You.”® celebrates its 10th anniversary. SAMHSA’s national prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other substance use. The “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign aims to reduce underage drinking and other substance use among youths under the age of 21 by providing parents and caregivers with information and resources they need to address these issues with their children early and often.

Click here to learn more about this and other resources that promote Substance Misuse Prevention Month. 

From MDHHS: Improving MI Practices SUD Training Request Survey 

Your feedback is requested in regard to the development of Improving MI Practices trainings. Please take a moment to complete the survey below. Your feedback is important as planning occurs to expand the number of trainings and training topics available on the Improving MI Practices website. If there are training topics not already listed in the survey, please list these in the “Comments and Feedback” box at the end of the survey.

The survey will close on October 31, 2023 at 5:00pm. Complete the survey here: SUD Training Request Survey (office.com)

Michigan Monthly Overdose Update August 2023

This report overviews recent substance use and overdose trends and patterns in Michigan and is created by the Michigan Overdose Data to Action (MODA) program. Emergency department (ED), emergency medical services (EMS), substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, and rapid toxicology data are included. See “Data Notes” page for more detail. Click here to view the report.

For resources like this and other articles from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, click here.

The following are legislative updates that have occurred at the federal and state level related to substance use:

• MI HB 4561 Liquor: other; electronic rebate coupons provided directly to a retail customer; clarify conditions. Amends sec. 609h of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1609h). — Last action: Oct 10, 2023, Senate: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
• MI HB 5087 Liquor: licenses; certain veteran-based community organizations; provide for on-premises liquor license and eliminate local population restrictions. Amends 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1101 – 436.2303) by adding sec. 516. — Last action: Oct 05, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 10/05/2023
• MI SB 546 Liquor: licenses; license to sell alcoholic liquor for consumption on the premises of a certain conference centers; modify. Amends sec. 513 of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 426.1513). — Last action: Oct 03, 2023, Senate: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY AFFAIRS
• HB 4865 Liquor: retail sales; restrictions on licensees owning and operating a motor fuel pump; modify. Amends sec. 541 of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1541). Last Action: House • Jun 29, 2023: bill electronically reproduced 06/29/2023
• (Federal) HR 3721 – To amend title 18, United States Code, and title 39, United States Code, to provide the United States Postal Service the authority to mail alcoholic beverages, and for other purposes

• MI HB 5063 Education: other; students to be treated with marihuana-infused products and CBD products during school; allow. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 – 380.1852) by adding sec. 1182. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5064’23 — Last action: Oct 03, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 10/03/2023
• (Federal) US HR 5323 To amend title 23, United States Code, to establish a national requirement against the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. — Last action: Sep 01, 2023, House: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
• (Federal) HR610 was introduced on January 27th to reschedule marijuana as a schedule III drug (currently a Schedule I drug). 
• MI HB 4322 Marihuana: other; individuals who are 19 years of age or older; allow to be employed by or volunteer for marihuana establishments. Amends title & secs. 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 & 11 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 et seq.). — Last action: Jun 21, 2023, House: placed on third reading
• MI HB 4430 Marihuana: other; safety information provided to consumers; modify. Amends secs. 3 & 8 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 & 333.27958). — Last action: Apr 20, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 04/20/2023

• SB 134 and 135 – Courts: drug court; specialty court authorization to issue a restricted license requiring an ignition interlock device; modify. Amends secs.; Vehicles: registration; issuance of a restricted license requiring the installation of ignition interlock device and specialty court admission; modify. Amends secs. Introduced on March 2, 2023
• MI HB 4442 Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; crime of operating while intoxicated and causing property damage; provide penalties. Amends sec. 12f, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.12f). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4443’23 — Last action: Apr 20, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 04/20/2023

• HB 4913 Crimes: controlled substances; sale, distribution, or possession of xylazine; prohibit. Amends

Over the past year, the MIHEN has provided colleges access to the Certified Peer Educator (CPE) course to implement on their campus, hosted an in-person conference, hosted multiple virtual webinars, created resources, assisted with technical assistance, and so much more! In the next year, the MIHEN is excited to expand and support more colleges/universities in their prevention efforts.

The Michigan Higher Education Network (MIHEN) provides colleges and universities with the tools, resources, and support to launch alcohol and drug misuse prevention and recovery programs on their campuses. The goal of the MIHEN is to create a group of individuals from Michigan colleges/universities interested in connecting and networking about underage drinking and substance misuse prevention. There is no cost to participate. There are currently 52 colleges/universities participating in the MIHEN.

To learn more about MIHEN or get involved, check out the MIHEN page. To learn more or connect with our other programs, click here. Be the first to know our latest updates by joining our mailing list (in the footer of our website)!

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.

• CPS Exam Prep Course – August 4th,2023 – The Prevention Specialist Exam Preparation Course will assist participants with studying for and subsequently taking the prevention specialist exam. This course covers the requirements and application process to become a Certified Prevention Specialist.
• Prevention Ethics Training – August 9th,2023 – This course qualifies for the 6.0 required ethics hours for CPS/CPC certification
• MCRUD: Alcohol Policy Summit August 10th 9:45 AM-3:45 PM – More information coming soon.  Contact info@preventionnetwork.org to be added to the mailing list for Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking.
• Lakeshore Muskegon Community Opiate Task Force Summit – August 18th 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM -Learn More About emerging trends in substance use, Science behind addiction, Community prevention, harm reduction, and treatment resources and Lived experiences and recovery process. With Special Guest Speaker Alex Elswick, PhD. CEU’s Pending For more info Contact: Jill Montgomery, MPA, CPC montgomerykeastji@muskegoncounty.net
• MSU Reimagining Recovery: A Community Systems Approach to Addressing Substance Abuse – August 31st 2:00 – 3:15 pm. – Join MSU to discuss opioids and the opiod overdose crisis, risks factors, connection between trauma and addiction, and the share language for health equity and justice within substance use prevention, treatment and recovery! Register here today!

• Labor Day – September 4th, 2023 – Prevention Network office closed
• MDHSS State SUD Conference – September 10th – 12th, 2023 – More information coming soon.
• CMHA 24th Annual Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorder Hybrid Conference – Support Wellness among Individuals, Communities, and Systems.
• PTTC: The Importance of Advocacy for Prevention – September 20th, 2023 – Strengthen your understanding and skills for prevention by gaining knowledge in how to plan, facilitate, and implement advocacy strategies, explore the difference between advocacy and lobbying while acknowledging the importance of advocacy in prevention.
• MSU Reimagining Recovery: A Community Systems Approach to Addressing Substance Abuse – September 21st 2:00 – 3:15 pm. – Join MSU to discuss limits of the brain disease model of addiction, social determinants of addiction, the history of criminalizing and punitive approaches to substance use, and the systemic expressions of criminalizing and punitive approaches and stigma! Register here today!
• Recovery Day of Service – September 30th, 2023 – National movement for the recovery community – including allies, advocates and members. An actionable way to uplift one another, inspire community engagement and give back to the broader community that supported throughout the recovery journey.

• Prevention Training Services: Fall 2023 Prevention Specialist Conference – October 3rd – 6th, 2023 – Register for the virtual Fall 2023 Prevention Specialist Conference to discover many important discussions from presenters around prevention! From policy and prevention, to what works and doesn’t in prevention, and so much more!
• MCRUD Annual Meeting – October 6th, 2023 – Celebrate 26 years of MCRUD’s effective prevention efforts across the state! Connect with others that promote public health and prevention efforts statewide!
• Prevention Ethics Training – October 13th, 2023 – Explore the role of ethics in daily prevention work, describe the Prevention Code of Ethics’ 6 key principles and engage in discussions on ethical issues in scenarios, and apply a 4-step decision-making model to assess and address ethical dilemmas.
• MSU Reimagining Recovery: A Community Systems Approach to Addressing Substance Abuse – October 26th 2:00 – 3:15 pm. – Join MSU to discuss medication for Opioid Use Disorder in recovery, what we know about recovery, the alternatives to criminalizing and punitive approaches, and the recommendations and strategies for reimagining recovery and eliminating stigma. Register here today!

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.

According to the CDC, there were over 107,000 fatal overdoses in the U.S. in 2021. This figure is staggering. Each number represents a unique life that was lost in the addiction crisis. It also raises an important question: who is being most affected by this epidemic?

According to SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the BIPOC community is most at risk for developing addiction. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Stress, trauma, housing discrimination, racism, hate crimes, and systemic pressures

drastically increase the risk of developing addiction.

According to several studies, Black individuals in particular are at risk for addiction. Within the last 5 years, there has been a rise in opioid-related overdoses among Black Americans. During this time period, Black people accounted for 43% of all overdoses. This is especially jarring since Black people only make up approximately 12% of the general population.

BIPOC individuals also face barriers when trying to access treatment. These barriers can take the form of familial stigma, cultural stigma, limited healthcare access, systemic discrimination, and regulatory barriers. 

Click here to learn more about these resources.

Click here to search for other prevention skills resources for new professionals. 

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Education released Guiding Principles: A Resource Guide for Improving School Climate and Discipline. This resource guide, created by Centers for Disease Control, helps to create positive, safe, and supportive environments that can prevent and change inappropriate behaviors. This guidance also recommends using suspension only as a last resort for serious violations. In fact, school suspension can have long-term impacts.

Students who are suspended miss time in the classroom and are at risk for not graduating on time, repeat a grade, drop out, or become involved with the criminal justice system. Suspensions also affect a greater proportion of students of color, students receiving special education services, students from low-income families, LGBTQ+ students, and male students. Most young people who vape want to quit. Suspending students who violate a school’s tobacco-free policy is unlikely to help them quit tobacco use, and could alter their academic and future goals. Because young people have been unfairly targeted with marketing tactics, the science of addiction, and long-term consequences of suspension, schools should provide a supportive environment and encouragement to quit using tobacco products, not suspension.

Click here to learn more about this resource guide.

Click here to search for other prevention skills resources for new professionals. 

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:

From SAMHSA: Disrupting the Narrative: Stories of Hope and Transformation

As part of National Prevention Week (NPW)’s new Storytelling Series, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and LMSvoice is launching Disrupting the Narrative, a nationwide storytelling challenge just for young adults and adults working with youth-serving organizations. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with an award-winning professional storyteller and have your story featured during a national Mobilize Recovery 2023 event in Washington, D.C. Mobilize Recovery features Grammy award winning artist Macklemore this year! Learn more about how to submit a story here. 

Tobacco/Vape-Free College Program Grants

The Truth Initiative Tobacco/Vape-Free College Program is offering grants of up to $20,000 to colleges and universities to support the adoption and implementation of a 100% tobacco/vape-free policy. Colleges that have smoke- or tobacco-free policies that do not include e-cigarettes may still apply. To combat the vaping public health crisis, Truth Initiative is offering grants of up to $10,000 to colleges to strengthen their 100% smoke or tobacco-free policies by adding e-cigarettes.

For more information, including the grant guidelines, link to the online application, and informational webinar registration, please visit: https://truthinitiative.org/tobacco-vape-free-college-program. Please direct questions to Vera Kuma at vkuma@truthinitiative.org.

The deadline to apply is October 12, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. ET

Prevention Learning Collaborative Applications Due August 18, 2023

Substance misuse prevention professionals in the Great Lakes region (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI) are invited to apply to participate in a year-long learning collaborative. The goal of the learning collaborative is to assist participants in preparing to become certified prevention specialists by providing opportunities to learn foundational knowledge and skills. Learning collaborative participants will attend monthly virtual meetings on the last Tuesday of each month from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm CT (1:00 pm to 2:30 pm ET) from October 2023 through September 2024. For more information and to apply visit, our website at Great Lakes PTTC Prevention Learning Collaborative. Download the Prevention Learning Collaborative Overview for additional details about this intensive technical assistance opportunity!

CMHA 24th Annual Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorder Hybrid Conference – Registration Deadline August 29th, 2023

Join CMHA for the annual conference September 10th – September 12th to Support Wellness in Individuals, Communities, and Systems! This conference permits a handful of sessions online, and the deadline for registration is August 29th, 2023! Register by August 15th for a lower price! For more details about this conference, follow this link!

Tobacco Free Michigan Mini-Grants

Tobacco Free Michigan (TFM) is offering mini-grants for pilot projects or projects that need just a little more funding to get started. Projects that focus on reducing tobacco impact disparities and/or educating stakeholders about tobacco policy are most likely to receive funding, but all projects will be considered. Most grants are in the $500-$1,500 range.

In addition to regular mini-grants, TFM has earmarked some funds for youth or adult stakeholder policy education projects. If you have a group of youth or adults interested in learning how to educate stakeholders about tobacco policy, such as taking a trip to the Capitol to meet their legislators, apply today as these will be awarded on a rolling basis.

The common application form can be found on TFM’s webpage (www.tobaccofreemichigan.org/mini-grants). Applications for regular mini-grants are due August 15th. The policy education mini-grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

Michigan Opioid Settlement Information

Public Act 84 of 2022 provided for the creation of the Opioid Advisory Commission in the Legislative Council to “[r]eview local, state, and federal initiatives and activities related to education, prevention, treatment, and services for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, and establish priorities to address substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, for the purpose of recommending funding initiatives to the legislature.” The Opioid Advisory Commission is statutorily required to meet at least quarterly. The Office of the Legislative Council Administrator organizes and coordinates commission activities and provides staff assistance when needed.

View more information, meeting minutes, and join the listserv through their website here.

Click Here for the Michigan Opioid Settlement Fact Sheet

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Your words matter, especially when it comes to mental health. One phrase that you may not be aware is particularly egregious? “Committed suicide.”

In the field of behavioral health, words are often our primary tools. We don’t have hammers and saws, thermometers and stethoscopes, or brushes and palettes. Words are powerful tools and using them with intention is central to our craft.

“I’ll never forget, years ago, when I was asked to give a talk about tribes and behavioral health indicators, I presented the data showing higher rates of suicide, alcohol use, earlier ages of initiating substance use, etc. I thought I had done a good job of documenting ‘need’. However, a tribal leader came up to me saying I had painted such a negative view of their community, I had said nothing about the richness and the survival strengths of their tribe.”

This quote from Larke Huang, Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Equity (OBHE), underscores how our words have the capacity to uplift communities or to marginalize them.

Read the full article here. 

Severe illness, grief, isolation, disrupted schooling, job loss, economic hardship, shortages of food and supplies, mental health problems, and limited access to health care — these are just some of the sources of stress people faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To cope, many people turned to alcohol despite the risk of developing alcohol-related problems, including problem drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines excessive alcohol use as binge drinking, heavy drinking, alcohol use by people under the minimum legal drinking age, and alcohol use by pregnant women. AUD is a clinical diagnosis that indicates someone’s drinking is causing distress and harm. AUD can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Severe AUD is sometimes called alcohol addiction.

We spoke with George F. Koob, Ph.D., director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), to learn about the pandemic’s effects on alcohol use and related harms. Koob is an expert on the biology of alcohol and drug addiction and has been studying the impact of alcohol on the brain for more than 50 years. He is a national leader in efforts to prevent and treat AUD and to educate people about risky alcohol use.

Read the full article here. 

The following are legislative updates that have occurred at the federal and state level related to substance use:

• SB 141 – Liquor: licenses; carryout sales and delivery of alcoholic liquor by an on-premises licensee; eliminate sunset. Amends sec. 537a of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1537a) — Last action: PASSED AND SIGNED INTO LAW ON JULY 19, 2023
• SB 247 – Liquor: licenses; issuance of liquor licenses to sporting venues on premises of public universities; allow. Amends sec. 531 of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1531). Last Action: PASSED AND SIGNED INTO LAW ON JULY 19, 2023
• HB 4865 Liquor: retail sales; restrictions on licensees owning and operating a motor fuel pump; modify. Amends sec. 541 of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1541). Last Action: House • Jun 29, 2023: bill electronically reproduced 06/29/2023
• (Federal) HR 1989 – To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for fiscal year 2024.
  • (Federal) HR 1990 – To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health National Institute on Drug Abuse for fiscal year 2024.
• (Federal) HR 3721 – To amend title 18, United States Code, and title 39, United States Code, to provide the United States Postal Service the authority to mail alcoholic beverages, and for other purposes.

• (Federal) HR610 was introduced on January 27th to reschedule marijuana as a schedule III drug (currently a Schedule I drug). 
• MI HB 4322 Marihuana: other; individuals who are 19 years of age or older; allow to be employed by or volunteer for marihuana establishments. Amends title & secs. 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 & 11 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 et seq.). — Last action: Jun 21, 2023, House: placed on third reading
• (Federal) US S 326 VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2023 — Last action: Apr 26, 2023, Senate: Motion by Senator Schumer to reconsider the vote by which cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 326 was not invoked (Record Vote No. 97) entered in Senate.
  • (Federal) HR 2431 – To authorize Department of Veterans Affairs health care providers to provide recommendations and opinions to veterans regarding participation in State marijuana programs.
  • US HR 2682 To allow veterans to use, possess, or transport medical marijuana and to discuss the use of medical marijuana with a physician of the Department of Veterans Affairs as authorized by a State or Indian Tribe, and for other purposes. — Last action: Apr 18, 2023, House: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• MI HB 4430 Marihuana: other; safety information provided to consumers; modify. Amends secs. 3 & 8 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 & 333.27958). — Last action: Apr 20, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 04/20/2023
• US HR 2772 To protect the Second Amendment rights of adults whose use of marijuana is permitted by State or Tribal law. — Last action: Apr 20, 2023, House: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• MI SB 179 Marihuana: other; marihuana tax revenue; allocate to Indian tribes under certain circumstances. Amends sec. 14 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27964). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0180’23 — Last action: May 02, 2023, Senate: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
• (Federal) US S 1323 A bill to create protections for financial institutions that provide financial services to State-sanctioned marijuana businesses and service providers for such businesses, and for other purposes. — Last action: Apr 26, 2023, Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
• MI SB 179 Marihuana: other; marihuana tax revenue; allocate to Indian tribes under certain circumstances. Amends sec. 14 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27964). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0180’23 — Last action: May 02, 2023, Senate: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
• MI SB 180 Marihuana: other; tribal marihuana businesses; allow marijuana regulatory agency to contract with Indian tribes regarding the operation of. Amends secs. 3, 7, 8, 10 & 13 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27953 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0179’23 — Last action: May 02, 2023, Senate: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE WITH SUBSTITUTE (S-1)

• HB 4250 – Traffic control: violations; penalties for operating a vehicle while sending or receiving a message on an electronic wireless device; enhance. Amends sec. 602b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.602b). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4251’23, HB 4252’23 Last action: PASSED AND SIGNED INTO LAW ON JUNE 7, 2023
• SB 134 and 135 – Courts: drug court; specialty court authorization to issue a restricted license requiring an ignition interlock device; modify. Amends secs.; Vehicles: registration; issuance of a restricted license requiring the installation of ignition interlock device and specialty court admission; modify. Amends secs. Introduced on March 2, 2023
• MI HB 4442 Criminal procedure: sentencing guidelines; crime of operating while intoxicated and causing property damage; provide penalties. Amends sec. 12f, ch. XVII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 777.12f). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4443’23 — Last action: Apr 20, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 04/20/2023

• HB 4913 Crimes: controlled substances; sale, distribution, or possession of xylazine; prohibit. Amends
• US HB 901 – To require the Food and Drug Administration to prioritize enforcement of disposable electronic nicotine delivery system products. Introduced to the House on Feb. 9, 2023 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce
• US SR 464 – A bill to amend the IRC of 1986 to deny the deduction for advertising and promotional expenses for tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems
• HB 4061 – Kratom Consumer Protection Act – A bill to regulate the distribution, sale, and manufacture of kratom products
• (Federal) US 118 – S 206 – END FENTANYL Act Last Action: Mar 29, 2023, Senate: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
• (Federal) US HR 2867 To establish an awareness campaign related to the lethality of fentanyl and fentanyl-contaminated drugs, to establish a Federal Interagency Work Group on Fentanyl Contamination of Drugs, and to provide community-based coalition enhancement grants to mitigate the effects of drug use. — Last action: Apr 25, 2023, House: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce
• MI HB 4524 Courts: drug court; termination procedure for drug treatment courts; modify. Amends sec. 1074 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1074). — Last action: May 09, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 05/09/2023
• MI HB 4525 Courts: drug court; violent offender eligibility for drug treatment court; modify. Amends secs. 1064 & 1066 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1064 & 600.1066). — Last action: May 09, 2023, House: bill electronically reproduced 05/09/2023
• (Federal) US HR 3065 To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide funding for trained school personnel to administer drugs and devices for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, and for other purposes. — Last action: May 02, 2023, House: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.