At Alcona Schools, the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports) team is committed to supporting not only student success, but staff wellness as well. In March, the PBIS team partnered with Elementary Principal Tim Lee to surprise building staff with an impromptu snack delivery. The “Woot Woot Wagon” (featuring Cassie, Les, and Natalie) made its way through the building, bringing tasty treats along with upbeat music, dancing, and plenty of positive energy. The unexpect

Members of Alcona Students Leading Students (SLS) partnered with Jonny Zawaki of True North Radio to record radio commercials aimed at supporting individuals experiencing the “winter blues.” The messages focused on promoting mental health through intentional self-care and encouraging engagement in enjoyable winter activities that help boost dopamine levels—both of which can support individuals during the winter months. The students enjoyed the recording process and look forwa

Members of the Alcona Chapter of Students Leading Students (SLS) partnered with Jenn Pavlak and Mikayla Ranger of Hope Shores Alliance to raise awareness about teen dating violence among their peers at Alcona Middle and High School. Students engaged with an interactive booth where SLS members presented relationship scenarios. Participants responded by raising a red, yellow, or green flag to indicate whether the behavior reflected an unhealthy, concerning, or healthy relations

In the wake of the recent devastating ice storm in Alpena, Michigan, Up North Prevention has stepped up to partner with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide critical relief to community members left without power or access to food. The local shelter has become a vital refuge, with up to 25 area residents visiting daily to escape freezing temperatures and receive a hot, nutritious meal. As individuals navigate the logistical and emotional challenges br

The Crawford Partnership to End Substance Misuse has maintained a strong partnership with Kirtland Community College (KCC) for many years. Through this collaboration, the coalition works to support KCC students and faculty while also providing education on substance misuse prevention, reducing stigma, and promoting recovery. Our new prevention specialist, Andrea Schans, recently spent an afternoon on campus interacting with students and sharing naloxone, prevention literature

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