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UP NORTH PREVENTION

Catholic Human Services

COLLABORATING FOR HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

Substance misuse remains a significant challenge for individuals, families, and communities across Northern Michigan. In response, Catholic Human Services launched Up North Prevention, a regional initiative dedicated to reducing substance use disorders through education, outreach, and strong community partnerships. Up North Prevention provides a coordinated and strategic approach to prevention, equipping local communities with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to take action and create lasting, positive change.

HOW WE WORK

Up North Prevention carries out its mission through two key strategies: Education & Awareness and Community Coalition Building. Together, these efforts empower Northern Michigan communities to prevent substance misuse and promote healthier futures.

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1. Education & Awareness:
We provide evidence-based prevention education—delivered both in person and virtually—to schools, workplaces, and community organizations. Each training is tailored to the needs of the audience and can address a broad range of substance use and wellness topics, including:

  • Youth prevention

  • Vaping and tobacco education

  • Alcohol and drug awareness

  • Mental health and resilience

  • Prescription drug safety

 

Whether you’re a school, business, or community group, our team can help you select or design a program that meets your goals. If you’re interested in scheduling a class, training, or presentation for your organization or
employee group, contact us here.

 

2. Community Coalition Building
Substance misuse is a complex, community-level issue—one that requires cooperation among many different sectors. Up North Prevention supports communities in forming and sustaining strong prevention coalitions, bringing together schools, parents, healthcare providers, law enforcement, businesses, and concerned residents to work toward shared solutions.

 

Through Catholic Human Services, we provide the staffing, structure, and ongoing support needed to help coalitions:

  • Share resources and align local efforts

  • Develop effective, localized prevention strategies

  • Advocate for meaningful policy change

  • Promote prevention across multiple sectors

 

Several coalitions throughout Northern Michigan are already active and making a positive impact. If you’re passionate about improving the health and well-being of your community, we invite you to get involved.


Find a coalition near you and contact information here. At Catholic Human Services, we believe that prevention is possible—and it begins with education, connection, and strong local leadership.

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