Mission: To unify all members of our community in creating conditions that foster resilience, reduce substance misuse, and promote mental health and well-being. We are dedicated to preventing substance misuse and suicide through community-wide collaboration, education, and the strengthening of supportive networks for all residents.
Vision: A community free from stigma and the generational impact of substance misuse, where every individual feels supported on their journey toward a healthier, brighter future.
Updates from LIVE Staff
June Highlights: LIVE Coalition in Action
LIVE had a busy and rewarding June connecting with community members across Henry County. We were honored to participate in the Juneteenth celebration at the Arts Park in New Castle, where our team engaged with attendees and shared valuable educational materials on topics like tobacco, alcohol, vaping, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Our staff truly enjoyed meeting new faces, having meaningful conversations, and being part of a vibrant day that included inspiring guest speakers, live music, and talented youth dancers. It was a joyful, spirited celebration of community and culture.
LIVE also hosted a recent meeting of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), which was both lively and productive. Students had a chance to reconnect and engage in thoughtful discussions about the future of YAB. They explored ways to grow membership within each school district, as well as expand the countywide YAB presence. The group is currently working on securing a Champion in each of their schools, and the future of YAB is looking bright!
If you are a student in one of the Henry County school districts, or know someone who might be interested in joining, please reach out to Miranda Wright at:
In other news, staff had the opportunity to attend several valuable professional development events, including the Indiana School Health Network Conference, the Indiana Rural Health Conference, and the IYI Family Engagement Training. Participating in these conferences and trainings helps strengthen staff knowledge and skills, while also fostering connections and partnerships across the state.
Staff also participated in several partner meetings, including a Too Good For Drugs debrief with Aries; discussions with the CDC Foundation on implementing the TLC grant; and collaborative sessions with You Thrive Consulting and Alliance 4 Youth.
LIVE members and staff continue reaching out to schools, local non-profits, businesses, and community members to promote the LIVE Coalition. If you have any ideas or suggestions, or would like us to present at an event, please feel free to reach out to us!
Thank you to all who contribute to LIVE’s mission. Together, we are making a difference in Henry County!
Picture 1 & 2: YAB members attending a coalition meeting where they had the opportunity to speak with Sheriff Sproles, followed by dinner at Mancino’s with LIVE staff, Miranda and Emily. Picture 3: A community member stopping by our LIVE booth during the Juneteenth celebration.
Emily’s Corner!
Insights & Updates from Emily’s Desk
Community Engagement & Upcoming Mental Health Fair
Emily has been hard at work this summer, continuing to build strong connections with community members, local partners, and school leadership. She’s actively promoting the Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign, working closely with school athletic directors and administrators to help raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking.
One of the most exciting initiatives in progress is the planning of the LIVE Well, Be Strong Mental Health Fair scheduled for September 4th. This impactful event will reach all seventh-grade students in the county and aims to educate youth on mental health, substance use, and healthy coping strategies.
A highlight of the event will be an interactive presentation featuring the Mega Brain, a walk-through inflatable brain exhibit brought in from Houston, Texas. Students will explore how the brain functions and learn about the harmful effects of trauma and substance use on brain development and functioning.
The event doesn’t end with the students! That evening, the fair will open its doors to parents and community members. Families are invited to come meet local providers and wellness vendors, explore resources, and take part in promoting mental well-being throughout our community.
Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to this exciting and educational event!
If you have any questions, interested in volunteering or would like to be a vendor for this event, please email Emily at: [email protected]
Early Alcohol Use:
What Parents Need to Know
According to the CDC, alcohol is the most commonly used substance among teens. In 2023, about 20% of 14–15‑year‑olds had at least one full drink, and roughly 1 in 100 twelve- to thirteen-year-olds reported drinking alcohol in the past month. Even more concerning, early alcohol initiation significantly increases risk: youth who begin drinking before age 14 have a 41% chance of developing alcohol dependence later, compared to just 10% for those who wait until 21.
The Negative Effects of Early Drinking
Brain Development at Risk Teen brains continue developing into their mid‑20s. Early alcohol use can disrupt this process, affecting memory, learning, attention, and emotional control
Greater Likelihood of Problem Behaviors Starting early correlates with school problems, risky sexual activity, delinquency, and even mental health issues like depression or suicidal behaviors
Parental Influence Isn’t Always Helpful Research shows that allowing sips or supervised drinking at home does not reduce risk, instead, it often normalizes alcohol use, leading to heavier drinking and potential dependency later.
Peer Pressure Is Powerful Adolescents are particularly sensitive to peer influence. Having friends who drink is one of the strongest predictors of teen alcohol use.
Tips for Prevention
Talk Early (by ages 9–13) Pediatricians recommend discussing alcohol risks before middle school, children begin forming positive perceptions by age 9.
Set Clear Rules Strong household rules around alcohol use can significantly reduce early and heavy teen drinking
Be a Role Model Your habits matter. Teens whose parents drink heavily are more likely to drink and binge. Show moderation and make healthy choices.
Encourage Positive Peer Networks Support involvement in activities that promote confidence, self-esteem, and strong friendships, protective factors against peer pressure
July 7-Michelle Holaday, TLC Grant Coordinator starts with New Castle High School
July 9– Commissioner’s Meeting, 11:00-12:00, Susan Sailer Dwyer will present her findings from recent environmental scans of all tobacco and alcohol retailers in New Castle. This presentation will highlight key trends, compliance concerns, and opportunities for community action. Come support her work!
July 9-Mental Health/Suicide Prevention Subcommittee, 12:00-1:00
July 14-Henry County 4H Fair (LIVE has a booth), 9:00-3:00, Smith Building
July 14-You Thrive Prevention 101, 11:00-12:30, Curious about what prevention work really looks like? Katie Wolf will break down the basics in a way that’s clear, practical, and easy to understand, perfect for anyone new to the field or looking for a refresher
Ever wondered what prevention really means in the public health world? Prevention 101 is a great starting point. This session, led by experienced prevention professional Katie Wolf, will break down the core principles of prevention, how it works, why it matters, and how different sectors can play a role.
Whether you’re directly involved in prevention or you’re part of the coalition in another capacity, this training is incredibly valuable. It’s designed to help everyone, especially those who don’t work in prevention every day, better understand the strategies behind our efforts to reduce youth substance use and support healthier communities.
You’ll walk away with:
A solid understanding of prevention frameworks
Insight into how your role supports the bigger picture
Practical ways to apply prevention thinking to your work
This training is free and open to all coalition members and community partners. It’s being offered once, virtually, through Zoom.
Come learn how we can work together more effectively to create real change in our community.
The LIVE Coalition is proud to take part in the annual Back-to-School Festival on July 28th! This community event is open to all students in Henry County and is a fantastic opportunity to support families as they prepare for the new school year.
LIVE, in partnership with the Henry County Health Department, will be there providing school supplies to all student participants. It’s a meaningful day for students, parents, and the entire community, a time for us to come together and ensure every child is ready to succeed.
We’d love for you to stop by the LIVE table or consider volunteering with us from 9:30am-2:00pm! You won’t regret it. It’s always a fun and rewarding event!
SAVE THE DATE!
Our next full LIVE Coalition meeting will be held on September 3, 2025 at noon, and we’d love to see you there. Lunch will be provided. Location TBD.
This bi-monthly meeting is an important opportunity to stay informed about LIVE’s current initiatives, share your ideas, and help shape our work moving forward. It’s also a great chance to invite others who might be interested in getting involved.
LIVE VAPE FREE 2025
Spotlight: Susan Sailer Dwyer
Data, Dedication, and a Passion for Prevention
LIVE is proud to shine a spotlight on Susan Sailer Dwyer, a dedicated public health advocate who is making a meaningful impact in Henry County through her work with the Henry County Health Department, as well as the LIVE Coalition.
Susan first joined the Henry County Health Department through AmeriCorps as part of her graduate practicum while pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Health. She graduated on May 9, 2025, with a concentration in Epidemiology and Public Health Administration. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Criminology from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.
After raising seven children and spending many years focused on family, Susan felt a strong desire to reenter the workforce in a way that would allow her to continue learning and give back to her community. Around 2020, when her youngest daughter was leaving for school, Susan decided it was time for her own next chapter. She didn’t want to return to traditional social work but sought something that would keep her mind and body active while contributing to something meaningful.
Her interest in public health grew from a personal curiosity about disease, how people are exposed, what outcomes result, and how those outcomes can be changed through research and education. This interest evolved into a passion for data-driven prevention work. Through her role with the LIVE Coalition, Susan recently completed a comprehensive Environmental Scan focusing on the sales and marketing of alcohol and tobacco in Henry County. She gathered local data, studied marketing practices, and explored how these products are being promoted near schools and other public spaces frequented by youth. This work has helped her develop a strong desire to not only understand the issues but to share that knowledge with the community.
Susan will present her findings to the Henry County Commissioners on July 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. She hopes the data can help shape stronger ordinances to protect youth from harmful exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products. In particular, she advocates for expanding current restrictions to include not only school zones but also public parks, libraries, swimming pools, and other places where children gather. She has thoroughly enjoyed this work and is eager to continue learning and advocating for change.
Susan recently moved to New Castle on April 1, 2025. After spending a year in Indianapolis, she has found the return to small-town life both comfortable and familiar, having previously lived in Bargersville, Indiana. After completing her AmeriCorps service, Susan accepted a part-time role as a Community Health Worker with the Henry County Health Department. She also works part-time at Hagar’s Hope as a Resident Manager, where she supports women in transition. Susan finds this work both meaningful and inspiring, enjoying the opportunity to help women transition into healthier, more stable lives, and learning from them along the way.
As her current contract approaches its end in July, Susan hopes to continue serving the New Castle community. She believes she still has much to offer and is excited to keep learning, growing, and contributing to a healthier future for the youth of Henry County. LIVE is honored to have her as part of its mission and grateful for her energy, insight, and commitment to prevention.
How to Join L;VE Coalition!
Fill out our member application below! Our full coalition meets bi-monthly. Subcommittees meet monthly. Subcommittees include alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, and mental health/suicide prevention. Just let us know what you’re interested in on the form!
