Iosco substance free coalition working to reduce youth substance use and its consquences. - the iosco substance free coalition (ISFC) seeks funding under the drug-free communities (DFC) support…

The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded the Board of Education Iosco & Arenac Tawas Area Schools $125,000 under the Drug-Free Communities Support Program on July 1, 2026.

The Iosco Substance Free Coalition is implementing youth substance use prevention and reduction initiatives targeting marijuana and nicotine use across Iosco County, Michigan. The coalition identified these substances based on 2024 Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth survey data and 2025 student focus groups, which revealed high rates of vaping among youth, low perceived risk, widespread peer and sibling access to nicotine and marijuana products, minimal perceived consequences, and normalization of vaping during school hours and social gatherings. The initiative addresses risk factors in the county, including nearly 70 percent of school-aged children qualifying for school meal assistance, early substance use initiation, and easy access to vaping products through local shops, including drive-through locations.

The award period runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031. Place of performance is Michigan. The Drug-Free Communities Support Program aims to establish and strengthen collaborations supporting community coalitions working to prevent and reduce youth substance use by addressing community risk factors and promoting protective factors. The coalition must provide 100–150 percent cash or in-kind match and participate in program evaluation.

Iosco substance free coalition working to reduce youth substance use and its consquences. - the iosco substance free coalition (ISFC) seeks funding under the drug-free communities (DFC) support program to prevent and reduce youth marijuana and nicotine use across iosco county, michigan. Located in the northeastern region of michigan's lower peninsula, iosco county is a predominantly rural community bordered by lake huron and characterized by scenic natural resources including the AU sable river, huron national forest, and multiple inland lakes. The county has a population of approximately 25,000 residents, with over 58% living outside incorporated towns and cities. East tawas, tawas city, and whittemore serve as the main population centers, along with several unincorporated communities. The region has experienced long-term economic challenges following the closure of wurtsmith air force base and continues to face community conditions associated with financial strain, lower levels of educational attainment, and limited availability of health and mental health services. Youth in iosco county face elevated risk factors, with nearly 70% of school-aged children qualifying for school meal assistance programs, and many reporting early initiation of substance use, low perception of risk, and easy access to nicotine and marijuana products. The coalition has selected nicotine and marijuana as its primary target substances based on local data from the 2024 michigan profile for healthy youth (MIPHY) survey and a 2025 student focus group. Findings revealed high rates of vaping, low perceived risk, and widespread social access-particularly through peers and siblings. Students also reported minimal consequences for substance use and normalization of vaping THC and nicotine during school hours and at social gatherings. These conditions are further influenced by the growth of local vape shops, including drive-through locations, and limited enforcement consistency at the community level. ISFC's mission is to protect youth from substance misuse and its consequences by strengthening protective factors, reducing risk factors, and promoting a supportive community environment through multi-sector collaboration. Guided by samhsa's strategic prevention framework and the seven strategies for community change, ISFC will implement a comprehensive, data-informed prevention approach. Key activities include expanding coalition membership, strengthening school-based prevention programming, supporting youth-led initiatives through the impact youth coalition, increasing parent and community engagement, and promoting policy improvements related to substance access and enforcement. Short-term objectives (by 2027) include increasing coalition collaboration by 10%, formalizing partnerships with local schools and government entities, expanding public awareness efforts through media and outreach, and improving the availability of clear, practical prevention resources for families and community members. Intermediate outcomes (by 2029) include increased youth perception of harm related to marijuana and nicotine use, reduced reports of ease of access, and improved community readiness levels. Long-term goals (by 2031) include reducing past 30-day marijuana use among youth from 10.5% to 6% and reducing nicotine vaping from 12.4% to 8%, as measured by the MIPHY survey. Through this initiative, ISFC will continue to strengthen community-wide prevention efforts and promote healthier outcomes for youth across iosco county.