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