On August 31, 2026, Up North Prevention joined community members, families, and local organizations at the Botanical Gardens in Traverse City to recognize National Overdose Awareness Day. The annual observance provides an opportunity for communities to come together to remember those whose lives have been lost to overdose and to show support for individuals, families, and loved ones who have been impacted by substance use. The gathering created a meaningful space for remembra

The Montmorency Substance Free Coalition and Up North Prevention recently teamed up to bring prevention focused outreach and resources to families during the Hillman and Atlanta school open house activities. The two organizations connected with students, parents, caregivers, and community members while sharing information about substance use prevention, healthy choices, and resources available throughout Montmorency County. As part of the outreach, the organizations invited t

The Montmorency Substance Free Coalition was proud to participate in the 2026 Montmorency Project Connect, an event focused on bringing community members, organizations, and local resources together to strengthen connections and support the well-being of individuals and families throughout Montmorency County. Project Connect provided an opportunity for community organizations to share information, build relationships, and connect residents with valuable resources. As a coalit

The third annual Talents of Recovery Up North provided an opportunity to show our community what is possible in recovery. At the heart of the event is a celebration of the talents, passions, businesses, and accomplishments of people in recovery. This year’s participants included a musician, chef, tattoo artist, author sharing their personal story, talented crafters, and several recovery support organizations. Together, they demonstrated that recovery can mean so much more tha

Up North Prevention celebrated Recovery Month by hosting Save a Life Day at Grayling City Park during the Grayling Market. The event had a great turnout and provided community members with valuable education, resources, and tools to help keep themselves and their families safe. Christian Wargo, FF/EMT-B, CADS, with Frederic Township Fire Department and EMS provided adult, child, and infant CPR demonstrations, along with information on how to use an automated external defibril

Students Leading Students (SLS) kicked off the school year with energy and enthusiasm at the Freshman Bash at Alpena High School this September. SLS members connected with incoming freshmen through interactive games, prizes, and engaging conversations, creating a welcoming environment while building positive relationships with new students. The event provided a great opportunity to introduce freshmen to SLS and encourage them to get involved. SLS is looking forward to many mo

Prevention can take many forms. This August, it looked like a group of local youth spending a night outdoors, trying new things, learning new skills, building connections, and making memories together. During an overnight camping adventure, youth had the opportunity to kayak, fish, whittle, make music, explore the outdoors, and spend time around the campfire. Along the way, they learned new skills, helped one another, stepped outside their comfort zones, and experienced the s

The Prevent2Protect (P2P) Youth Coalition recently came together to create and distribute welcome packs for every senior across Cheboygan County schools! Each pack was designed to give seniors a little boost as they begin their final year of high school. Inside, students received a pencil, notebook, sticky notes, a $5 Starbucks gift card, an encouraging affirmation card, and a sucker—a few simple items to help brighten their day and remind them that their community is cheeri

The start of a new school year is always exciting, and Students Leading Students (SLS) was proud to be part of this year’s Back-to-School Event at Tawas Area Schools! The SLS table gave students and families an opportunity to learn more about the program, connect with members, and discover ways to get involved during the upcoming school year. One of the highlights of the event was partnering with the Iosco Substance Free Coalition to bring the Hidden in Plain Sight trailer to