Up North Prevention had an amazing time taking part in another Family Fun Day hosted by the Alpena Family Resource Center! With over 200 local youth in attendance, the event was packed with energy, laughter, and hands-on activities that made learning important life lessons both exciting and memorable. Best of all, every participant walked away not only with new knowledge, but also with a sweet treat and a fun prize! Up North Prevention is already looking forward to next year’

Alpena Students Leading Students wrapped up the 2025–2026 school year on a high note, spreading positivity and purpose across the school community! Leading up to exams, members took the initiative to host outreach activities designed to inspire their peers to get involved next year, encouraging everyone to be part of something bigger by promoting kindness and raising awareness about mental health. With excitement building, the group is also looking ahead to the upcoming SLS L

Up North Prevention recently welcomed community members, business professionals, and local partners to a successful Business After Hours event hosted at the Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce. The evening provided an excellent opportunity for networking, sharing information, and building connections throughout the community. Guests enjoyed great food, entertainment, and engaging conversations while learning more about the prevention efforts and community initiatives taking

Up North Prevention staff member Les Thomas is able to partner in numerous in-school and after-school activities thanks to strong collaborations with school organizations, the athletic department, and school administration. One particularly valuable partnership is with the Alcona Junior National Honor Society and its advisor, Helen-Ann Cordes. Cordes and Principal Dr. Morris frequently collaborate with prevention staff to help plan and support events throughout the school yea

Alcona Prevention staff have been busy this summer participating in Alcona Schools’ middle school and elementary summer day camps. The program, supported by a Michigan Department of Education grant, was developed by the community group Inspiration Alcona and is hosted by Alcona Schools. This free program is designed to provide students with positive experiences alongside school staff while helping to reduce summer learning loss. The camps feature hands-on educational activiti

The Students Leading Students (SLS) chapter in Alcona has received funding from Alcona County through the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency to purchase an exciting new interactive educational tool. The chapter recently purchased a driving simulator designed to educate youth about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. The simulator incorporates impairment goggles and car-racing software to provide participants with a hands-on experience that demonstrates how impair

Prevention is not something that begins and ends with the school year. It is a year-round commitment that continues through every season, including summer. While many people associate prevention with classroom lessons or fall campaigns like Red Ribbon Week, the summer months are just as important. With school out and routines changing, youth have more free time and increased exposure to peers and environments where positive connections and healthy activities matter even more.

The Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition is excited to once again be a vendor at the Kalkaska Farm Market. For more than six years, we have enjoyed being part of this community tradition, connecting with residents while supporting local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. The market provides a wonderful opportunity for community outreach. It allows us to share information about coalition programs, prevention efforts, family-friendly activities, and volunteer oppor

As the school year came to a close, members of the Iosco Students Leading Students (SLS) chapter focused on recruiting the next generation of student leaders. Current SLS members met with eighth-grade students to share information about the program, answer questions, and encourage them to get involved. During the presentations, students learned about the leadership opportunities available through SLS, as well as the group's efforts to promote healthy choices and make a positi