Prevention Doesn’t Take the Summer Off

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. That is why providing safe, engaging opportunities during the summer is a key part of strengthening resilience and reducing risk.

Here in Kalkaska County, the Live Well Kalkaska Substance-Free Coalition continues prevention efforts through community partnerships, outreach, and youth-focused activities that promote wellness and connection. This June, youth have had opportunities to participate in outdoor recreation activities such as biking with Norte, hiking with the Kalkaska Conservation District, and other community-based experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and healthy relationships.

Prevention also continues through structured education and support programs, including prevention classes such as INDEPTH for youth on probation. These programs provide skill-building opportunities and education to help youth make healthier choices moving forward.

Alongside these efforts, ongoing initiatives such as the Lock It Up campaign and naloxone distribution remain active throughout the summer. Every conversation between caring adults and youth, every positive activity, and every effort to keep homes and communities safe contributes to prevention.

Together, these year-round efforts help ensure that youth are supported, connected, and empowered to make healthy choices in every season.