The “Lock It Up Campaign” is a prevention initiative led by the Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition to encourage safe and responsible storage of marijuana products in homes where they are present. As marijuana becomes more accessible, it is increasingly important for adults to ensure these products are kept out of reach of youth. Many marijuana items—especially edibles, vape cartridges, and concentrates—can resemble regular food or everyday products, increasing the ri

In February, Kalkaska students in the weekly Natural High prevention class experienced something truly special. The Kalkaska Conservation District joined the Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition for a hands-on project that connected nature, growth, and prevention. The Natural High class offered weekly to students in the Kalkaska Alternative Program (KAP) through the Coalition, an initiative of Up North Prevention and Catholic Human Services, helps young people discove

A group of 14 students and 5 adult leaders from Cheboygan County recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the CADCA Leadership Forum, where youth from across the country come together to learn about leadership, prevention, and creating positive change in their communities. During the trip, the students attended workshops and discussions focused on youth leadership and substance use prevention. They had the chance to meet and connect with other young leaders from around

Prime for Life® is a free, 5-hour virtual program that provides a judgment-free way to understand how alcohol- and drug-related problems develop, what we can do to prevent them, and why people sometimes need help. Prime for Life is designed for the curious, the concerned, and those making high-risk choices. The program helps participants reflect on personal choices, become inspired and motivated to make changes, and most importantly, protect the things they value most in life

Up North Prevention is working to restrict tobacco sales to minors under the Synar Amendment, which was enacted as part of the Federal Public Health Service Act. This program requires states to implement laws and enforcement programs that prohibit the sale and distribution of tobacco to anyone under the age of 21. To help reach state and federal goals of reducing tobacco and nicotine sales to underage youth, resource packets will be provided to Northern Michigan tobacco retai

We are so proud of our Tawas Students Leading Students (SLS) members for presenting the Community Partner Appreciation Award to the  Tawas Area Rotary Club! The Tawas Rotary has consistently supported our service projects, and helped us create positive, substance-free events that strengthen our entire community. Their commitment to investing in students and believing in youth leadership makes a lasting impact. Through mentorship, sponsorship, and genuine encouragement, Rotary

Rogers City Students Leading Students (SLS) had a fantastic and productive day partnering with a local radio station during their lunch hour. Our Rogers City SLS chapter members spent the afternoon recording upcoming radio ads focused on important topics affecting today’s youth, including distracted driving, saying no to vaping, choosing a natural high, and handling life’s pressures in healthy ways. The day kicked off with lunch, followed by recording their radio spots, and w

Students Leading Students (SLS), a student-led group dedicated to supporting peers facing mental health challenges, shared their mission during the assembly. In between talking about the importance of mental wellness, they launched free SLS shirts into the crowd like confetti with sleeves. And honestly, who doesn’t love scoring a fresh T-shirt? Students had a blast, learned more about what SLS does, and left a little more stylish than they arrived. SLS is already counting dow

Rogers City Students Leading Students (SLS) hosted a fun and engaging Race Day event with elementary students as part of their Strive for a Safer Drive  campaign. Students in grades K–5 had the opportunity to race against one another while learning important lessons about being safe passengers in vehicles and on the school bus. Although these students aren’t drivers yet, they learned how their behavior as passengers can make a big difference by helping eliminate distractions

The Presque Isle County Prevention Specialist recently presented School Resource Officer James Leedy of Posen Schools with a new Garrett Super Wand Detector. This tool provides an additional layer of support for prevention efforts among youth and helps deter vaping in schools. Up North Prevention is proud to collaborate with area schools on proactive prevention initiatives that promote safe and healthy learning environments.

Rogers City Students Leading Students (SLS) braved the cold temperatures while promoting a no-vaping, substance-free skating event for all area students. SLS members were on hand at the City Ice Rink as they served hot dogs, hot chocolate, and chips to help keep skaters warm and well-fed, while also handing out glow sticks to light up the nighttime event. Hot chocolate cups featured no-vaping and prevention stickers revealed on the side of each cup as a reminder to stay subst

Rogers City Students Leading Students (SLS) recently posed with their $1,000 Strive for a Safer Drive (S4SD) check, which will help kick off their campaign focused on promoting safer driving among teens in their community. With this support, the group will host three campaign events and lead ongoing efforts to raise awareness about safe driving for students their age. Pictured are the Rogers City SLS students alongside their advisor, Connie, as they begin this important initi

In January, the Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition placed three naloxone distribution boxes across Kalkaska County, increasing access to this life saving medication. This brought the total number of boxes in the county to 18, with 14 managed by coalition volunteers. Naloxone is safe, easy to use, and can reverse an opioid overdose by restoring breathing, often within minutes. The boxes are available 24/7, free of charge, and require no identification, helping commun

Despite a short turnaround, this year’s Community Christmas Project was a tremendous success, made possible through the generosity of our community and organized by the Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition. The project was originally funded at $1,200. Shortly after planning began, two incredibly generous anonymous donors stepped forward, one matching the original amount and another contributing an additional $600, bringing the total available funds to $3,000. These fun

Rogers City and Posen, typically fierce school rivals, joined forces for a meaningful cause during Rogers City’s Homecoming basketball game. Together, their Students Leading Students (SLS) groups hosted a Basketball Bingo event in support of the Strive for a Safer Drive (S4SD) campaign. The Bingo sheets featured S4SD‑themed words to help promote safe driving awareness. Participants had three chances to win $25 by matching the words drawn throughout the game. The activity drew

Up North Prevention is excited to continue our partnership with Alpena Public Schools and the Alpena Police Department to support students and promote healthy, substance-free lifestyles. Through this collaboration, we work together to provide prevention education, positive engagement opportunities, and consistent messaging that encourages students to make healthy choices free from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. By partnering with schools and law enforcement, we are able t

The Alcona Electric Tigers e-sports team learns more than how to win at video games. They leave each night equipped with skills to win at life. Coach Les Thomas, a Prevention Specialist in Alcona County, is part of the team coaching the Tigers in one of the fastest growing sports sectors in the world, competitive video gaming. Thomas incorporates Botvin LifeSkills lessons into each meeting to help build skills that apply not only to athletics, but also to everyday life. These

The Alcona chapter of Students Leading Students (SLS) has been steadily growing thanks to extensive outreach over the past year, including events during high school athletics, school assemblies, and community activities. This school year, membership has grown from 13 to 27 students, including 12 new freshmen. In addition to these events, Alcona SLS hosted Dawn Flood from Student Leadership Services to facilitate two trainings, one for their chapter and one for regional chapte

The Alcona Chapter of the Students Leading Students (SLS) program welcomed Alcona Elementary students to school with positive affirmations and energy to close out the calendar year. Students gave high fives and fist bumps while celebrating students, teachers, and staff. At Alcona, athletic teams and student groups like SLS can sign up for a “High Five Friday” shift to help boost morale for everyone involved.

Rogers City Students Leading Students (SLS) had a few extra surprises for fellow students under their Giving Tree this holiday season.  Colorful backpacks were placed beneath the tree for students to take as needed. Each backpack was filled with engaging and comforting items such as fidget toys, doodle journals, decks of cards, colored pencils, stress toys, card games, and mini toys. These thoughtful items were intended to help keep minds busy and provide positive outlets dur