SAFE youth recently gathered to create new PSAs encouraging their peers about safe ways to handle stress, and reaffirming to teens that "we are all in this together." Youth from Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties gathered to record the PSAs and share how they personally manage stressful times. Watch our awesome youth shine in the public service announcements linked below. The PSAs will be broadcast on TV, radio and before movies at the local movie theaters. This was a large effort, put together by youth, adult members and area sponsors!  PSA links:
ANTRIM COUNTY YOUTH PSA
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY YOUTH PSA
EMMET COUNTY YOUTH PSA

Throughout October 2021, SAFE provided 280 Vape Quit Kits and 13 vape disposal boxes to schools across Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties. The project is a partnership between SAFE, school staff and Nurses/Nurse Practitioners/Behavioral Health Providers at the school.  School nurses/behavioral health providers are able to provide a quit kit to youth who may discuss with them that they interested in quitting vaping. The kits include the following tools to help them quit: My Life, My Quit Business Card (check out the for more information about this program: https://mylifemyquit.com/); Piggy Bank, representing of all the money they will save not vaping; chewing gum; fidget toy; Starburts; Tic Tacs; and rubber bands. Youth who would like to quit can dispose of vapes in the vape disposal box. SAFE staff will then properly dispose of the vapes through hazardous waste collection once they are collected from the clinics. Additionally, school staff that confiscates vapes can properly dispose of vapes in the box.

SAFE previously created a traveling trailer that demonstrates to parents and caregivers ways teens may be concealing substance use, in plain sight. The traveling mock bedroom resembles a real teen's bedroom and has items that could indicate substance use. Recently, SAFE was able to create a virtual interactive version of the bedroom that is available online. The virtual mock bedroom allows users to navigate around the bedroom and learn common ways and places drugs and alcohol are hidden. Parents are the #1 prevention tool in helping keep their youth drug and alcohol free. Tour the virtual bedroom here to educate yourself. 

The SAFE collaborative has created a traveling teen bedroom to help parents learn about how their teens might be using substances, in plain sight. The "Hidden in Plain Sight" trailer is typically open for parent tours at events such as sporting activities and parent-teacher conferences. Due to COVID-19, the trailer is not on display publicly this year. However, SAFE collaborative member Trooper Corey Hebner, Michigan State Police, recently narrated a tour of the trailer and this video was created to share with parents. Please take some time to watch the video and let SAFE know if you would like more information, at safeinnm@gmail.com. 

SAFE in Northern Michigan provides free locks for families to use to keep alcohol, medication and other substance safely locked up. SAFE also provides free alcohol and drug testing kits. The locks and kits are available at Health Department of Northwest Michigan offices in Emmet, Charlevoix and Antrim counties, as well as the Mancelona Family Resource Center. Click here for addresses of these locations. 

The 2020-21 SAFE annual report is now available online. Review the activities of SAFE youth and adult coalition members in this year's report! Click here to access the current and past years' reports