Current Events
The Prom/Graduation Underage Drinking Prevention Campaign was conducted in two waves to address key celebratory periods. The first wave targeted prom season, while the second focused on graduation, both aiming to raise awareness and promote safe, alcohol-free celebrations for students
Prom:
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Publication and Infographic on the RUSD Parental Portal
Graduation:
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Social media advocacy
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Safe hosting guide for parents
The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's (CADCA) 24th Annual Mid-Year Training Institute (MYTI) will be held at the Gaylord in Orlando, July 13-16, 2026:
The MYTI is a four-day event that brings together community coalition leaders and staff to share solutions and learn about the latest trends and science in substance misuse. The event includes:
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Training sessions: Interactive sessions on topics like coalition building, strategic planning, evaluation, and research
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National Youth Leadership Initiative activities: Two levels of training: Key Essentials and Advanced
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Networking: Opportunities to connect with prevention advocates
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Keynote speeches: Speeches from experts in the field
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Information and tools: Access to information, tools, and strategies to improve prevention work
Focus on Community will send our very own Executive Director, Jason Meekma, to lead a workshop on "Is it Cheating?" How to Use AI in Coalition Work.
Hidden in Plain Sight
This exhibit is designed to help you recognize
everyday objects that could be indicative of
youth substance use.
There are many signs that a youth may be using substances. Some signs are obvious, but many items that could indicate substance use are common in everyday life. We need to look for a cluster effect and take notice when we see multiple red flags, including items being used in abnormal ways or frequencies. We should also take notice of any shifts in behavior or mood occurring alongside
these items.
If you would like to learn more about our exhibit or to schedule a walk-through, contact us at dfccoordinator@focusracine.org
For more information, please visit www.focusracine.org.
Alcohol
Colored Water Bottle | Tampon, Sunscreen, Umbrella Flasks | Tiny Funnel | Drinking Games Hangover l Cookbook | Hand Sanitizer (60% Alcohol) | Baking Extracts (35% Alcohol)
OTHER SIGNS OF USE:
Changes in Mood (e.g., angry or irritable) | Low Energy | Concentration or Memory Loss Issues | Changes in Friends | Loss of Interest in School or Other Activities
Smells Like Alcohol
Tobacco & Marijuana
Foil Pipe | Vape Watch | Vape Pods | Lighters | Awl & Torch | Empty Toilet Paper Roll with Dryer Sheets (Sploof) | Visine
OTHER SIGNS OF USE: Increased Irritability | Low Energy | Concentration or Memory Issues | Increased Anxiety | Changes in Weight | Sleep Disturbances | Red Eyes (marijuana) | Increased Thirst (vaping) | Increased Nosebleeds (vaping) | Smells Sweet or Like Smoke
RX & Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs
Pills Bottles | Pens with Ink Removed | Rolled Up Dollar Bills | Cough Syrup with DX or DXM | Imodium
OTHER SIGNS OF USE: Changes in Mood (e.g., angry or irritable) | Changes in Energy or Sleep | Concentration or Memory Loss Issues | Changes in Weight | Slurred Speech | Poor Coordination | Paranoia
Inhalants
Hairspray | Air Duster/ Compressed Air | Spray Adhesive | Febreze | Glue | Markers | Spray Paint l Cleaning Products | Paint Remover
OTHER SIGNS OF USE: Low Energy | Decreased Appetite | Weight Loss | Changes in Friends | Loss of Interest in Activities | Slurred Speech | Confusion | Irritable | Depression | Smells Like Chemicals
Past Events
The Racine County Drug-Free Communities Coalition, a partnership between Focus and the Racine Collaborative for Children’s Mental Health, launched a peer-led Lunch ‘n’ Learn events at Case High School, Horlick High School, Park High School, and Walden School. Events included educational materials and trivia games around the topics of the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and mind, the prevalence of substance use among young people, and strategies for prevention and intervention. The HOSA Future Health Professional Students staffed these tables, and prizes and giveaways were donated from various community partners, including Life Stance Health, Rogers Behavioral Health, Aurora Healthcare, and Ascension.
May 15th, 2025
Mental Health Action Day
To honor Mental Health Action Day, Focus on Community’s Teen Peer’s conducted peer interviews on Mental Health. They asked their fellow classmates five questions:
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What does mental health mean to you?
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How do you prioritize self care?
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How can you support your peers' mental health?
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How can others support your mental health?
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What is one thing you can do for your mental health today?
The Prom/Graduation Underage Drinking Prevention Campaign was conducted in two waves to address key celebratory periods. The first wave targeted prom season, while the second focused on graduation, both aiming to raise awareness and promote safe, alcohol-free celebrations for students
Prom:
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Teen photoshoot
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RUSD letter to parents
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Bottle tagging
Graduation:
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Social media advocacy
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Safe hosting guide for parents
Jan 10th to Feb 28th
Racine County Alcohol Retail Survey
Join us in shaping a healthier future! The Collaborative for Mental Health is hosting a survey event focused on retail alcohol, and we want to hear from you. Your insights are invaluable in helping understand community needs and improve mental health resources. Participate and make your voice count—together, we can create meaningful change!