Help children and teens build routines that make room for schoolwork, sleep, movement, relationships, and downtime. Learn how regular check-ins and small adjustments can reduce stress and support well-being.

Bullying can be difficult for young people and for the adults supporting them. This Know! Tip offers practical guidance for preventing bullying, recognizing when a child may need support, and responding whether they’re experiencing bullying or bullying others.

We’re proud to share that Prevention Action Alliance has been awarded $199,251.50 from the OneOhio Recovery Foundation to launch the Resilient Families: Kinship Caregiver Support Program.

In partnership with PAXIS Institute and Apportis, this two-year initiative will equip kinship caregivers and family educators across seven Central Ohio counties with practical, evidence-based strategies and accessible digital resources. Together, we’re helping caregivers feel more confident and ensuring children have the stability and support they need to thrive.

Young children don’t understand the dangers drugs and medications can pose. That’s why prevention starts with the adults who care for them.

Join us on October 28 for a Fresh Takes on Prevention webinar featuring Franklin County Children Services. Learn how its “Lock it UP, Clean it UP, and Put it AWAY” campaign is helping families prevent accidental drug exposure in young children through practical harm-reduction strategies. The webinar will also explore Plans of Safe Care and how healthcare providers and families can work together to support healthy, safe outcomes for parents and babies.

PAA Executive Director and RecoveryOhio Advisory Council member Fran Gerbig joined RecoveryOhio at a Cincinnati Reds game where the Reds recognized Overdose Awareness Day. The event highlighted overdose prevention, recovery, and the importance of hope and connection, as well as Recovery Rachel, an AI-powered tool that helps connect people to treatment and recovery resources and was previously featured on PAA’s Fresh Takes on Prevention webinar 

PAA Marketing and Communications Manager Leah Blewitt attended the 2026 PCSAO Annual Conference, connecting with child protection professionals from across Ohio to raise awareness of FASD prevention and indicators and share PAA prevention resources that support children, families, and the professionals who serve them.

PAA Program Manager Max Doll, MPA, OCPS, presented at the 28th Annual Risky Business Prevention Conference in Maryland. His session, Scare Tactics: History, Evidence, and What Actually Works, explored why prevention should move beyond fear-based approaches and how evidence-informed strategies can more effectively support prevention efforts.

Date: October 14, 2026

Time: 1–3 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual via Zoom

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, National Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network, and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education will continue their national conversation exploring the evolving role of artificial intelligence in mental health and suicide prevention.

This third webinar in the series will examine emerging trends, practical applications, and key considerations for professionals working across the field. Participants will gain insight into the opportunities and questions created by rapidly advancing technology and consider how AI may influence the future of suicide prevention.

Date: October 14, 2026

Time: Noon–1:30 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual via Zoom

The Ohio Coaching and Mentoring Network will host this introductory training for professionals who are new to the prevention field and beginning their credentialing journey.

Presenter Lake Miller, OCPC, ICPS, will introduce participants to what prevention is—and is not—while addressing common prevention myths, protective factors, and the steps required to earn a prevention credential. Participants will also receive resources to support their continued professional development. The training provides 1.5 continuing education hours for prevention professionals and Certified Health Education Specialists.

Date: October 20, 2026

Time: 1–4:15 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual via Zoom

The Ohio Coaching and Mentoring Network will host this interactive training focused on using emotional intelligence to strengthen leadership, communication, collaboration, and workplace relationships within prevention organizations.

Presenter Andrea Hoff, MPA, GPC, OCPC, ICPS, will introduce the five major components of emotional intelligence and share practical skills participants can use to build stronger teams and increase prevention effectiveness. The training provides three continuing education hours for prevention professionals and Certified Health Education Specialists.

Date: November 5, 2026

Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

The Great Lakes PTTC will host this two-hour webinar to help prevention professionals better understand the factors that place young people at greater risk for substance misuse.

Presenter Kris Reed, MPH, CPS, will explore research-informed risk factors and their nuances, while helping participants apply a risk-factor framework within their communities. The training will also emphasize the importance of increasing protective factors while reducing risks to strengthen youth substance-use prevention efforts. Participants who attend the full webinar will receive a certificate of attendance.

Date: November 5, 2026

Time: To be announced

Location: Virtual

PreventionFIRST! will host its 2026 Coalition Academy as a free virtual conference supporting prevention coalitions and professionals in their work to create healthier communities.

The event was originally scheduled for October 8 but has been moved to November 5 and transitioned to a virtual format. An updated agenda, session descriptions, and registration details will be announced by PreventionFIRST!. Individuals who previously paid to register will receive a reimbursement.

Deadline to Apply: November 9, 2026

Time: Project Periods Vary

The Ohio Coalition Institute (OCI) Leadership Team and OCI 200 and 300 Advisory Committees are pleased to announce three learning communities to support and elevate behavioral health-connected coalitions throughout Ohio. Each learning opportunity will offer a flexible learning stipend of $4,000- $10,000 per coalition. 

1. OCI 100: Coalition Operations and Management 

2. OCI 200: Data-Driven Strategic Planning

3. OCI 300: Coalition Collective Impact

OCI serves as a hub for connection, capacity-building, and shared learning. In this newsletter, readers will gain:

• Actionable insights from real-world coalition success stories
• Curated resources and tools to support your coalition work

Boost your bottom line and improve your staff's well-being and productivity by making your company a champion of recovery! Join employers across Ohio by creating a supportive environment for employees recovering from mental health and substance use challenges.

Discover upcoming PAA events, trainings, and conferences designed to support prevention efforts and community impact!

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PREVENTION ACTION ALLIANCE

Address:  P.O. Box 340072, Columbus, OH 43234

Phone: (614) 230-4228