SAFE in Northern Michigan quarterly newsletter

Welcome to SAFE in Northern Michigan newsletter!

SAFE in Northern Michigan exists to prevent youth substance use, increase community awareness and create change through collaboration, education, prevention initiatives and environmental strategies of tobacco, alcohol, and other substance use in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties. Each quarter, we'll bring you updates on the latest efforts by SAFE to prevent youth substance use in our communities!

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Keeping up with SAFE Youth

Throughout April, May and June 2021, the SAFE Youth were busy finishing the school year with substance use prevention projects. During April, the SAFE Youth hosted a #noneedforweed table in their school cafeterias. The purpose of this project is for youth to stand up to the pressures of marijuana use and pledge to be marijuana-free. During this event, 1,975 bracelets with the message of “Let’s Be Blunt. #NoNeedForWeed” were provided to high school students across Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties. Additionally, high school youth signed a banner with the same message as a pledge to stay marijuana-free. The banners were then displayed in the schools.

The SAFE Youth also hosted their annual SAFE Spirit Nights this spring. Typically, SAFE Youth at each high school select a home basketball game to designate as the SAFE Spirit Night and at this event SAFE will provide each high school student in the cheering section with a giveaway and resources promoting a drug free lifestyle. Due to COVID-19, the SAFE Youth modified this activity, and provided 860 bucket hats with the SAFE logo and webpage to the student section and athletes of an outdoor spring sport across the SAFE region. Remaining hats were distibuted at lunch time the next day.

Sticker shock, an activity where SAFE Youth partner with local retailers and place stickers on alcohol packaging with messages about not supplying minors with alcohol, occurred during the month of May. The youth received 1,416 stickers to place on alcohol packaging across the SAFE region. Below is a sample of the messaging on the stickers.

The SAFE Youth also participated in multiple projects to celebrate graduating seniors! The SAFE Youth distributed 1,000 key chain flashlights to graduating seniors with the SAFE logo on them, as a reminder to be alcohol and drug free after graduation. The SAFE Youth also distributed 2,045 cardboard fans at graduation ceremonies to not only help attendees stay cool but also remind parents/grandparents to lock up their alcohol, marijuana and/or prescription drugs in their homes.

SAFE shares message of prevention with state leaders

Each year SAFE youth meet with lawmakers to discuss their policy/advocacy concerns as they relate to youth substance use. This year the SAFE Youth met with Senator Wayne Schmidt via Zoom. Senator Schmidt was able to listen to the youth and ask questions about their concerns with youth substance use.

In May, Governor Gretchen Whitmer toured a COVID-19 vaccination clinic and SAFE adult coalition members were able to share SAFE educational materials and describe the prevention initiatives underway in northern Michigan. Connecting with state and local leaders is important to building support for policy changes to keep youth safe from harmful substances.

SAFE Youth champion

Meet Jacob Doss, a rising senior at Pellston High School. Jacob has been a member of SAFE for three years. As a SAFE Youth, Jacob enjoys the time spent meeting and serving with other SAFE teens. Jacob believes the biggest issues facing students today are the use of vaping devices, dab pens and marijuana use. Dab pens are devices used to consume potent concentrates of THC.

To help spread the word about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, Jacob has participated in SAFE After Hours and in meetings with state representatives. "SAFE helps make sure students are safe by providing them with information about harmful drugs and the dangers of alcohol," said Jacob.

Thank you, Jacob, for your commitment to SAFE and to living a substance free life!

Meet the adult coalition members

Beth Anne Piehl is the communications coordinator for Char-Em Intermediate School District (ISD). In her role at the ISD she provides a broad array of communication services, project coordination and communications consultation to the 11 school districts within the Char-Em ISD. She has been a member of the adult SAFE coalition for many years. Beth is the design genius behind all of SAFE's printed and electronic materials, along with maintaining the website, safeinnm.com. Beth is also able to connect her work with the ISD by communicating important information about SAFE's initiatives to our region's school administrators.

Beth enjoys her work on the SAFE coalition, in particular working with leaders across many organizations toward the common goal of preventing youth substance use. "With twin teenage sons, I am concerned about youth substance use and appreciate the insights gained from the coalition's members," she said. "I enjoy the energy of the group and common mission of its members! I am also proud to have a role in our community in contributing to positive messages for our kids."

In her free time Beth Anne enjoys skiing, reading, walking her dog and taking part in outdoor activities with her sons. She also enjoys traveling and exploring our beautiful region!

Did you know that SAFE is a nonprofit organization that is partially funded by sponsorships? Each year, local businesses and organizations help provide donations that help fund SAFE programs and activities. The SAFE in Northern Michigan Fund is held at the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation. We would appreciate your sponsorship!

Learn more about becoming a sponsor

Keep up on the latest SAFE news and activities on our website!

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