Blog

Understanding Substance Use Triggers in Teen Environments

Teen spaces are always alive. Sneakers hit linoleum, hallways echo with laughter, music leaks from cracked phone speakers, and the ever-present pressure to fit in never loses its ever-presentness. Within this landscape, some patterns point to substance use triggers in teen environments. To see them with clarity, and address them with empathy, we need to …

Biggest Little Basketball Camp

Lynda Vande Sandt, Liberty County The 4th Annual Biggest Little Basketball Camp took place July 7–9, 2025, at CJI Schools, drawing approximately 100 students in grades 1–12. Sponsored by Alliance for Youth and several local businesses, the camp focused on developing basketball skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Founded by CJI graduate Jayla Ramberg, the Hi-Line camp …

CADCA Mid Year Takeaways

Lucy Corbett, Ida Sisk, Sylvia Miller, Jody Hanisch, and Coleen Smith attended CADCA mid-year in Nashville. Here are their takeaway from their favorite sessions. About the above graphic: For the activity they provided a bag with construction paper, string, tape and a little car. We were to build a bridge out of the materials that would …

Dinosaur Trail

Gina Lamb, Phillips County Phillips County Prevention collaborated with the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Phillips County Museum to celebrate 20 years on the Montana Dinosaur Trail this summer. The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, “2 Million Years in the Making, 20 Years on the Trail”, along with the Phillips County Museum hosted Roar & Explore …

How Early Stress Exposure Can Increase Risk for Teen Substance Use

Teen substance use continues to rise, posing a significant threat to adolescent health. While many factors contribute to this behavior, early stress exposure is one of the most influential. Teens who experience stress at a young age, whether through family issues, abuse, or other hardships, often struggle with emotional regulation. As they navigate their teenage …

Health & Safety Fair

Barb Reiter, Jefferson County & Esther Lince, Madison County During the past school year Jefferson County Health Department and SW Montana Prevention partnered to organize a Health and Safety Fair at Jefferson High School in Boulder (January) and Whitehall middle/HS (April).  Both events were very successful and engaged students with varying health and safety experiences. …

Ham It Up

Lynda Vande Sandt, Liberty County The Ham It Up Fun Run and Bingo, sponsored by Alliance for Youth, Logan Health, and Thrivent, took place on May 4, at the Inverness Supper Club. This annual community event featured 1- and 2-mile Fun Runs, a brief presentation on vaping prevention, 12 rounds of bingo, and an optional …

Mental Health Awareness Activities

Gina Lamb, Phillips/Valley Counties Phillips County kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month with an evening Walk at the Malta High School Football Field, in collaboration with the Malta Elementary School’s Family Safety Night. Walk registrants wrote positive messages on white paper bags that were used as luminaries throughout the event. Volunteers offered ParentingMontana.org information along …