Up North Prevention

08/15/2025

Va**ng doesn’t relieve stress, it increases it. Choose mental clarity over cravings. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or visit MyLifeMyQuit.com **ngisout

08/13/2025

Students Leading Students Host Golf Scramble to Support Area Chapters

Grab your clubs and make a difference! Students Leading Students is hosting a fundraising and awareness golf scramble on Saturday, September 14, at White Pine National Golf Resort in Spruce.

This exciting event isn’t just about a great day on the greens, it’s about empowering youth and raising awareness of substance use disorder in our communities. Proceeds will support Students Leading Students chapters at Alcona, Alpena, Atlanta, Hillman, Oscoda, Posen, Rogers City, and Tawas High Schools.

Event Details:

Cost: $85 per golfer
Includes: Lunch, driving range access, scramble games, golfer gift bag, raffles, and other prizesFormat: 4-person scramble
Space: Limited to 30 teams of four—pre-registration encouraged

Registration will remain open until the morning of the scramble, but spots are expected to fill quickly.

Register here: whitepinenational.com/product/scramble-for-students/

Interested in sponsoring? Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Les Thomas at lthomas@catholichumanservices.org for more information.

Join us for a day of golf, fun, and community spirit and help support local students as they lead the way toward healthier, brighter futures.

08/11/2025

The Power of Prevention in Nature: Building Resilience, Inspiring Conservation

In July, the Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition, Kalkaska Conservation District, Up North Prevention, and The Lewis School hosted a series of nature-based events that connected local youth and families with the outdoors and each other. One highlight was a guided hike at the Upper Manistee Milock Family Reserve, a 1,357-acre preserve rich with wetlands, hardwood forests, and history. Participants explored a former Boy Scout camp trail, learned to identify mushrooms and native plants, aged centuries-old trees, and reflected on how time in nature made them feel. These sensory reflections help promote mindfulness, emotional awareness, and a deeper connection to the environment.

In addition to the hike, two canoe trips down the Upper Manistee River gave participants a chance to experience the beauty and calm of one of Michigan’s most iconic waterways. The Manistee River stretches over 190 miles and supports a diverse ecosystem. Time on the water isn’t just relaxing, it’s good for your mental health. Studies show that being in or near water can lower stress, improve mood, and increase resilience, especially for youth.

These free, guided events provide safe, welcoming spaces for families and serve as powerful prevention tools. Nature offers a healthy alternative to risky behaviors and helps build lifelong habits rooted in curiosity, self-awareness, and respect for our natural resources. Thanks to support from the Kalkaska Sheriff’s Office and a community policing grant, these programs are open to all families in the area, no experience needed.

08/11/2025

We have an upcoming clinic on August 25th at Traverse City and Cadillac regions to help individuals enrolled in Medicaid access free, personalized support for substance use recovery.

💬 What’s included?
✔️ A dedicated team: coaches, a doctor, a nurse, and counselors
✔️ A care plan built around your goals
✔️ Ongoing support and access to local resources
✔️ Incentives for participation: $20 gas voucher + free lock bag

This program is like a premium subscription—but FREE for Medicaid enrollees.

📅 Next clinic date: July 28
📞 Schedule your appointment today: (989) 203-1487 ext. 2525

You don’t have to do it alone. Recovery is possible, and support is just a call away. 💙


Freedom Recovery Center

08/08/2025

Montmorency Student Leading Students Receive Leadership Training

On July 29, 2025, Atlanta SLS (Student Leading Students) members attended a summer leadership conference alongside six other area chapters. During the event, students were introduced to the Substance-Free Athletics Program, participated in a strategic planning session to map out events for the upcoming school year, and received training on how to deliver hands-on prevention education to younger youth.

The prevention training included interactive lessons on va**ng, distracted driving, and impaired driving. After completing the training, students wrapped up the day with some well-earned fun, playing laser tag, followed by pizza and bowling.

08/06/2025

Building Hope Through Collaboration: Catholic Human Services at the Save A Life Event

At the recent Save A Life event in Alpena, Michigan, dedicated professionals from Catholic Human Services’ Prevention, Peer Recovery, and Clinical teams joined forces with other local agencies to demonstrate a shared mission: showcasing the depth and accessibility of support services available to the community.

Their collaboration reflected a strong commitment to holistic care as they engaged with attendees, shared resources, and offered guidance to individuals and families facing challenges related to mental health, substance use, and overall well-being. The event not only highlighted the broad range of services offered by local support organizations, but also emphasized the power of compassion and connection in fostering hope throughout Alpena County.

08/06/2025

Trusted Partnership. Focused on Recovery.

Recovery Care Services is proud to partner with Jason Beatty, DO of Freedom Recovery Center —combining medical expertise with compassionate support to deliver the highest
quality of care for individuals facing substance use challenges.

Together, we’re creating real pathways to healing across Northern Lower Michigan.

08/05/2025

Area SLS Chapters Build Leadership Skills and Capacity

The Students Leading Students (SLS) chapter at Alcona participated in a 10-hour summer leadership program in July to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their prevention toolkit, and connect with other area chapters.
Sponsored and facilitated by Up North Prevention, the program brought together 45 youth from six regional SLS chapters. Participants engaged in a full day of facilitated group work, team-building activities, and education on a variety of prevention strategies.

Twelve students from Alcona, including six new members, attended the event, which was also designed to help chapters build capacity for the upcoming school year, particularly through direct recruitment of incoming freshmen.

Chapters also had dedicated planning time to map out their events for the school year, with many organizing collaborative activities such as tailgate parties, recruitment drives, and Red Ribbon Week celebrations.

08/04/2025

Students Attend Day Camp to Avoid Summer Slump

Local youth participated in a three-week day camp held at Alcona Middle School, aimed at building social skills and preventing summer learning loss. Sponsored by Alcona Schools, the camp provided 60 hours of hands-on programming for 15 students.

Campers engaged in a variety of activities, including educational field trips, arts and crafts, woodworking, and community service projects. They also explored Michigan history and learned about traditional Native American skills.

The program was made possible through collaboration with several community partners, including Inspiration Alcona, Willow Winds, the U.S. Forest Service, and Up North Prevention. The substance-free camp also emphasized important life lessons on responsibility, kindness, and mindfulness.

08/01/2025

Up North Prevention at the Rogers City Farmers Market

Up North Prevention recently participated in the Rogers City Farmers Market, offering a fun and engaging experience for attendees of all ages. The prevention table featured a variety of giveaways and valuable informational materials to promote healthy lifestyles and substance misuse awareness.

Children and families enjoyed items like coloring books, pencils, beach balls, fidget spinners, candy, stickers, temporary tattoos, bubbles, and toy airplanes. Adults received a selection of informative brochures focused on substance misuse prevention.

The event provided a great opportunity to connect with the community, share important resources, and promote prevention in a friendly and welcoming environment.

07/31/2025

Up North Prevention proudly participated in the Rogers City Pirate Parade, bringing community spirit and essential resources to the area. During the event, the Recovery Care Services mobile unit van was showcased. This is a vital asset in the ongoing fight against substance dependency.

Now fully operational, the mobile unit offers confidential assistance and helps coordinate critical resources for individuals struggling with alcohol, opioid, or stimulant use. With this new outreach tool, Up North Prevention aims to bring hope, connection, and access to recovery support where it is needed most.

07/30/2025

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