Letter From the Director/Prevention Network Announcements

Lake Michigan
I hope you have been able to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather, and beauty of Michigan as we get into the Summer months!
I am thrilled to share the latest updates and resources with you, highlighting the incredible work being done by the Michigan Youth Coalition Network (MYCN), upcoming events, featured resources, national and state updates, and policy developments.
The MYCN continues to make remarkable strides in promoting youth empowerment and prevention efforts across the state. The Youth Advisory Council, comprised of passionate young leaders, have been working on a photovoice project, in addition to guiding the MYCN in next steps and wrapping up their final year in high school. We wish our youth the best as they attend MSU and U of M in the Fall! You can check out their Photo Voice project, along with many other updates (including an introduction of Shelbie, our new MYCN coordinator) below!
We have several exciting events lined up in the coming months. Mark your calendars for the MIHEN Annual Conference, Alcohol Policy Summit, Prevention Ethics trainings, and more! Additionally, we have shared other webinars and workshops scheduled on topics ranging from trauma-informed care to community mobilization. These events provide valuable opportunities to learn, network, and exchange ideas with like-minded professionals in the field. If you have an event you want shared by Prevention Network, let us know!!
In this edition, our featured resources section offers materials to enhance your prevention work, especially if you are newer to the field. As part of the expansion with the Coalition Support and Community Change Program, Prevention Network will be developing an interactive toolkit for both the prevention workforce (which will include standardized documents and resources orienting individuals new to the field with the SPF and basic prevention knowledge) and coalitions (which will include examples of coalition policies, bi-laws, coordinator job descriptions, coalition structure, and mission and vision statements). We cannot wait to share these with you in the coming year. In the meantime, we are compiling some of these resources in our new resource library.
Staying updated on national and state developments is crucial to effective prevention work. In this newsletter, you’ll find updates on national trends and updates. We will also highlight the latest news and developments specific to the state of Michigan, ensuring that you are equipped to make informed decisions in your local prevention efforts.
Lastly, we are closely monitoring policy developments that impact the prevention field. We have organized the federal and state bills below by topic to help you easily stay informed on your focus area. It is essential to stay engaged and advocate for policies that support prevention efforts and create a healthier future for our communities.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the prevention field. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of individuals and communities. If you have any suggestions, questions, or success stories to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s continue working towards a brighter, healthier future.
Warm regards,
Louise Montag
Executive Director, Prevention Network