A naloxone training will be held for the public at the Alcona Commission On Aging on Wednesday, December 10, from 4 – 5 Pm.  The program, sponsored by the Alcona Opioid Settlement Committee, will feature Up North Prevention’s Donna Hardies as the afternoon’s facilitator and instructor.  The focus will be about how to safely and correctly reverse an opioid overdose, and the steps to take to ensure an effective recovery.  The program will also feature the science of naloxone, a

Kevin Szawala, known as, “Mr Peace” came to Alcona Schools in November to talk to students about bullying, the importance of taking care of your mental health, and being the best possible version of yourself.  The program was catered to three groups, 3 rd - 5 th graders, middle school, and high schoolers.  Each program was filled with heartfelt stories, life lessons, and Mr. Peace’s signature hip-hop.  Each show was interactive, engaging and addressed key issues for student

Last week, the Students Leading Students (SLS) chapters from both Atlanta and Hillman participated in a full-day leadership training at Alcona High School. They joined fellow chapters from Alcona, Tawas, Rogers City, and Oscoda. Throughout the day, students engaged in a variety of sessions designed to strengthen their chapters and enhance their ability to make a positive impact within their schools.

The members of the Alcona Chapter of Students Leading Students hosted a food drive at the end of October to address food insecurities among students and their families.  The drive was set up as a classroom challenge, with all proceeds going to the Alcona School’s student locker.  The “locker” serves both the high school and elementary and is a place where students can go and pick up free items, from food, to personal care, clothing and winter boots.  With the prospect of SNAP

Up North Prevention partnered with the Alcona Commission on Aging and the Alcona Sherriff’s Office to facilitate a prescription medicine take back day in October.  In addition to the takeback portion of the event, prevention staff also gave away Naloxone, cannabis and nicotine test kits, as well as t-shirts and zipper lock bags.  Almost 4 pounds of medicine was collected and turned over to the Alcona Sherriff’s Office and staff interacted with more than 20 individuals.  Anoth

Alpena High School’s Students Leading Students (SLS) members enthusiastically embraced Red Ribbon Week by actively engaging their peers in meaningful conversations about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Through creative messaging and peer-led initiatives, they promoted awareness around making positive choices that steer clear of drugs, alcohol, and other self-destructive behaviors. Their efforts not only highlighted the value of personal well-being but also foste

National Drug take back day, October 27,2025, Up North Prevention collaborated with four Northeast Michigan law enforcement agencies to facilitate the safe disposal of unwanted or outdated prescription medications. Through this partnership, a total of 649.5 pounds of medications were collected from the participating agencies and transported to Flint, Michigan, where it was turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for proper disposal. This coordinated effort pl