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

Up North Prevention is excited to continue our partnership with Alpena Public Schools and the Alpena Police Department to support students and promote healthy, substance-free lifestyles. Through this collaboration, we work together to provide prevention education, positive engagement opportunities, and consistent messaging that encourages students to make healthy choices free from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. By partnering with schools and law enforcement, we are able t

The Alcona Electric Tigers e-sports team learns more than how to win at video games. They leave each night equipped with skills to win at life. Coach Les Thomas, a Prevention Specialist in Alcona County, is part of the team coaching the Tigers in one of the fastest growing sports sectors in the world, competitive video gaming. Thomas incorporates Botvin LifeSkills lessons into each meeting to help build skills that apply not only to athletics, but also to everyday life. These

The Alcona chapter of Students Leading Students (SLS) has been steadily growing thanks to extensive outreach over the past year, including events during high school athletics, school assemblies, and community activities. This school year, membership has grown from 13 to 27 students, including 12 new freshmen. In addition to these events, Alcona SLS hosted Dawn Flood from Student Leadership Services to facilitate two trainings, one for their chapter and one for regional chapte

The Alcona Chapter of the Students Leading Students (SLS) program welcomed Alcona Elementary students to school with positive affirmations and energy to close out the calendar year. Students gave high fives and fist bumps while celebrating students, teachers, and staff. At Alcona, athletic teams and student groups like SLS can sign up for a “High Five Friday” shift to help boost morale for everyone involved.

Rogers City Students Leading Students (SLS) had a few extra surprises for fellow students under their Giving Tree this holiday season. Colorful backpacks were placed beneath the tree for students to take as needed. Each backpack was filled with engaging and comforting items such as fidget toys, doodle journals, decks of cards, colored pencils, stress toys, card games, and mini toys. These thoughtful items were intended to help keep minds busy and provide positive outlets dur

Presque Isle County Up North Prevention brought plenty of holiday spirit to the community over the past two weekends as their float proudly participated in two Christmas parades across the county which covered Rogers City and Posen communities. Adding a playful twist to their message, the Christmas Grinch waved along the parade route with an important reminder for all: “Don’t let the Substance Grinch steal your Christmas spirit—stay substance free!” Children and adults lined

The Students Leading Students (SLS) chapters at Rogers City High School and Posen High School have been selected to participate in the statewide Strive For A Safer Drive (S4SD) campaign. S4SD is a teen driving initiative focused on reducing serious traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities among Michigan’s most inexperienced drivers. The program is presented by Ford Philanthropy in partnership with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP). Both schools will recei

In October and November, the Live Well Kalkaska Coalition partnered with the Michigan State Police to engage with families during Parent–Teacher Conferences at Forest Area High School and Middle School, as well as Kalkaska High School and Middle School. The team set up an information table inside the schools, offering parents a variety of valuable resources aimed at keeping kids safe and supporting healthy choices. Materials included Narcan, Deterra drug deactivation bags, an

On a crisp evening last month, the Live Well Kalkaska Coalition welcomed over 30 community members to the annual Serenity Vigil , a moving event dedicated to remembering those affected by substance use and offering hope and support to those on the journey toward recovery. Families, friends, and neighbors gathered together, sharing a moment of reflection, compassion, and connection that highlighted the strength of our community. The vigil was bathed in the soft glow of candle

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