Letter From the Director/Prevention Network Announcements

Lake Michigan Beach, West Olive

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

Group photo of the Michigan Youth Coalition Leadership Retreat

Michigan Youth Coalition Leadership Retreat 2023

The Michigan Youth Coalition Network provides resources and support to coalitions and professionals working with youth in substance use disorder prevention. In 2022, MYCN established as a network for preventionists and coalitions. In the program’s first year, MYCN partnered with Student Leadership Services to bring two “Empowering Youth to Lead Trainings” to professionals across the state, held the first Annual Youth Coalition Leadership Retreat on April 17th, 2023 with over 100 attendees and 80 youth leaders across the state, and plans on sending 5 Youth Coalition Leaders to the CADCA Mid-Year Training Institute in July 2023.

To learn more about MYCN or get involved, check out the MYCN page on our website. 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)!

Photo of Shelbie, Rylie, and Simran

Left to Right: Shelbie, Simran, Rylie

Photovoice is a participatory research method that empowers individuals or communities to capture and express their lived experiences, perspectives, and stories through photography. By giving participants cameras and encouraging them to document their surroundings and the issues that matter to them, photovoice enables them to become active contributors in research, advocacy, and social change. Through guided discussions and reflections on the photographs, participants are able to share their unique insights and provide visual narratives that can inform policy, raise awareness, and promote dialogue on important social, cultural, and community issues. Photovoice amplifies marginalized voices, promotes self-expression, and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.

This year the Youth Advisory Council completed a Photo Voice Project, highlighting issues within their communities (Owosso).

YAC Member Rylie:

YAC Member Simran: 

 

The MYCN is building its foundation and really excited to expand and support more coalitions across Michigan. Some of our goals include:

  • Recruit our 2nd Youth Advisory Council for the 2023-2024 School Year. See the Guidelines Here. Apply Here. 
  • Host our 2nd annual Youth Leadership Retreat October 16th, 2023 at Macomb Community College. Youth leaders will explore the theme ‘Civically Engaged Youth in Prevention’ and engage in activities around advocacy, story-telling, and even create their own community interventions. More details and registration coming soon!
  • Revise our resources we provide to fit the needs of different communities around the state of Michigan that coalitions serve. 
  • Hold more opportunities for youth to gain leadership skills and learn how to advocate for substance use issues.

Meet Prevention Network’s newest staff member, Shelbie Schwall. Shelbie is joining us as the Michigan Youth Coalition Network Program Coordinator:

From Shelbie: “I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science and a Minor in Peace and Justice Studies in 2021. I just completed my Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education and a certificate in Injury Science in April 2023 from the University of Michigan. I am passionate about youth development and empowerment, and empowering our next generation of leaders!”

To learn more about Shelbie, check out her bio here.
To contact Shelbie, email shelbies@preventionnetwork.org or call 517-393-6890.

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.

  • Johnny’s Ambassador’s Youth Conference – July 10 – 11, 2023 – The IN PERSON session will be held at the Conference Center at RidgeGate, 9878 Schwab Way Suite 401 (Summit Room), Lone Tree, CO 80124. The virtual session will be LIVE STREAMED to any internet browser (not Zoom). All attendees will receive access to the recordings for 30 days to watch or review at their convenience. In-person registration includes breakfast, lunch, materials, parking, and all-day beverages for both days.
  • Alcohol Policy Issues Meeting – Monday, July 1010:00 – 11:00am – Every month on the Second Monday 10 a.m. People across Michigan meet to discuss alcohol policy and local changes that impact the access and availability with the goal of preventing misuse and reducing the negative impacts on public health. Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 889 8192 4983 &
    Passcode: 904635
  • CADCA: Mid Year Training InstituteJuly 16 – 20, 2023
  • 7th Annual Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Solutions Summit- Save the Date! The goal this year will be building greater connections that support those in various stages of prevention efforts, treatment, and recovery. This event is hosted by the Southeast Michigan Alliance for Addiction-free Communities (SEMAAC), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN).
  • SAPST – July 10, 13, 17, and 20 from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM CT – Applications will be open soon!
  • 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

 

 

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. Check out the following featured resources, which include an on-demand training course – An Introduction to the Prevention Core Competencies for Prevention Professionals, and a quick read/reference – SAMHSA: Focus on Prevention.

Prevention Core Competencies for Prevention Professionals Banner Image

Prevention Core Competencies for Prevention Professionals

The Introduction to the Prevention Core Competencies for Prevention Professionals, created by SAMHSA, the PTTC, and Applied Prevention Science International, covers the foundations of substance use prevention science for early and mid-career prevention professionals. By taking this course, you’ll be able to expand your knowledge and skills in the field of prevention and ultimately enhance your ability to make a positive impact in your community.

The curriculum utilizes evidence-based strategies for adult learning; and builds upon and complements existing workforce training curricula and resources (e.g., Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training (SAPST), Foundations of Prevention Science and Practice Curriculum, and Universal Prevention Curriculum).

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, and
  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 this training.

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

SAMHSA: Focus On Prevention Cover Page

SAMHSA: Focus On Prevention Cover Page

This manual, created by SAMHSA, helps communities plan and deliver substance use prevention strategies. It covers conducting needs assessments, identifying partners, and creating effective strategies for marketing and program evaluation. The manual also offers a sample timeline of tasks.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has developed this guide as a starting point to help a wide range of groups and communities move from concerns about substance use to proven and practical solutions. This guide offers brief, easy-to-read information that organizations can use to plan and deliver prevention strategies in a wide array of settings, through a variety of methods. Whether you’re planning an environmental prevention strategy, community-based program, news conference, community awareness day, or targeted outreach campaign, Focus on Prevention can help you organize and achieve your objectives.

Focus on Prevention uses SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) as a guide to assist communities in planning and implementing prevention strategies, programs, and events. The SPF is a fve-step process used to help states and communities reduce risk-taking behaviors, promote resilience, and prevent problem behaviors in individuals and families across the life span. The SPF framework applies to any prevention planning process that addresses substance misuse and mental health issues. The materials included in this Focus on Prevention guide were created for your use with the evidence-based SPF model in mind. Think of the tools in this guide as building blocks for planning your prevention event— each can help you strengthen your efforts and reach your specific objectives.

Click here to learn more about this training.

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:

Alcohol Facts and Statistics

Check out NIAAA’s major update to Alcohol Facts and Statistics! The content of this popular online resource has been expanded and is now presented on separate web pages for improved readability and navigability.

 

FDA Approves Prescription Nasal Spray to Reverse Opioid Overdose

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Opvee, the first nalmefene hydrochloride nasal spray for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. This is the first FDA approval of nalmefene hydrochloride nasal spray for health care and community use. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-prescription-nasal-spray-reverse-opioid-overdose

 

NIAAA expands outreach to diverse audiences with new factsheet translations

Providing information in multiple languages can help extend the reach of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s (NIAAA) resources. Many visitors to NIAAA’s website come from countries where languages such as Spanish, Tagalog, Japanese, and Chinese are spoken. In addition, Executive Order 13166, issued in 2000, called for all federal agencies to provide individuals with limited English proficiency meaningful access to their services. NIH and the Census Bureau have identified certain languages as being of greatest need. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/announcement/niaaa-expands-outreach-diverse-audiences-new-factsheet-translations

 

2021 YRBS Results Now Available

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) is a set of surveys that track behaviors that can lead to poor health in students grades 9 through 12. Learn more about YRBSS. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm

 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Policy on the Inclusion of People with Lived Experience

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has identified recovery as a guiding principle in pursuit of its mission to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes. SAMHSA’s definition of recovery emphasizes the importance of self-determination and involvement of people with lived experience. Executive Order 14035 requires Federal agencies to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/inclusion-policy-tc.pdf

 

Shatterproof released their addiction stigma index

Shatterproof and The Hartford co-developed the Shatterproof Addiction Stigma Index (SASI) – a first-of-its-kind measurement tool designed to assess attitudes about substance use and people who use substances from the public. Supported by Ipsos alongside Dr. Brea Perry and Dr. Anne Krendl from Indiana University, the SASI also measures the perceptions of those with a SUD, including the degree in which they have internalized this exclusion. https://www.shatterproof.org/our-work/ending-addiction-stigma/shatterproof-addiction-stigma-Index

 

DEA: Fake Pills in Mexican Pharmacies Pose Continuing Threat

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other U.S. government agency reporting indicates that pharmacies located in Mexico’s tourist areas and in cities
along the Southwest border (SWB) are selling fake pills containing illicit fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. These pills are often labeled as legitimate
controlled prescription drugs (CPDs), such as oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and Adderall, and are easily obtained without a prescription.

 

US Surgeon General’s Advisory: Social Media and Youth Mental Health

This Advisory calls attention to the growing concerns about the effects of social media on youth mental health. It explores and describes the current evidence on the positive and negative impacts of social media on children and adolescents, some of the primary areas for mental health and well-being concerns, and opportunities for additional research to help understand the full scope and scale of social media’s impact. This document is not an exhaustive review of the literature. Rather, it was developed through a substantial review of the available evidence, primarily found via electronic searches of research articles published in English and resources suggested by a wide range of subject matter experts, with priority given to, but not limited to, meta-analyses and systematic literature reviews. It also offers actionable recommendations for the institutions that can shape online environments—policymakers and technology companies—as well as for what parents and caregivers, young people, and researchers can do. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf

Please Participate! MDHHS Strategic Prevention Framework Survey

MDHHS needs your input! The link below is to an environmental scan survey that will gather information from coalitions, agencies, and providers about knowledge and implementation of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) model. This information will be used to determine training and technical assistance needs (from entry level to advanced). https://waynestate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2rgxZF70TUxBLEy

Please complete the survey by June 16, 2023. The survey may take 20-30 minutes to complete but you are able to return to your survey in the event you are unable to complete it all in one setting. As a thank you, participants will be entered into a drawing for free prevention training valued at up to $115 from Prevention Network. Thank you for your help! Kindly share this with your prevention networks and coalition members.

 

Michigan Monthly Overdose Report – April 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. Report distribution: These reports are sent to subscribers of “Drug Poisoning Surveillance” on GovDelivery.

https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MIDHHS/2023/05/30/file_attachments/2511729/Michigan%20Monthly%20Overdose%20Report,%20April%202023.pdf

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Ms. Beltzer is reappointed to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) to represent Independents and appointed as chair for a term commencing June 13, 2023 and expiring June 12, 2027. Mr. Hopgood is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing June 13, 2023 and expiring June 12, 2027. The Liquor Control Commission is the sole wholesaler for all spirit products in the state and is responsible for the licensing of the manufacture and sale of all beer, wine, distilled spirits, and mixed spirit drinks in Michigan. The Commission is responsible for the enforcement of the state’s liquor laws and the collection of excise and specific taxes on beer, wine, distilled spirits, and mixed spirit drinks.

 

Preventing Suicide in Michigan-Survey Participation Request

As part of a grant to prevent suicides, MDHHS is interested in learning more about the suicide prevention activities occurring in local communities, particularly related to men in this age range. We would greatly appreciate your input through the survey link included below:

The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey and choose to include their email will be entered into a drawing for one of several $50 gift cards. Your responses will remain anonymous even if you choose to enter the lottery drawing.

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

  • SB 141 – PASSED SENATE 3/22/23 – 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)
    • HB 4201 – PASSED HOUSE 5/2/23 – 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)
  • HB4328 – 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: House • Mar 23, 2023: bill electronically reproduced 03/23/2023
    • 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: Senate • Apr 11, 2023: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY AFFAIRS
  • (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.). — (Hearing: Regulatory Reform | May 16, 2023 10:30 AM, Room 519, House Office Building, Lansing, MI, Bill up for consideration)
  • 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
  • (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
  • 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
  • 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.

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 admin@preventionnetwork.org. Lastly, a special thanks to Prevention Network’s Board of Trustees for supporting our mission, vision, and goals.