L;VE Coalition Newsletter – July 2025

What is LIVE?

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:

[email protected]

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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

Join Us for Upcoming Events!

Looking Ahead:

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

             ZOOM LINK

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

          ZOOM LINK

July 15-Senior Cafe, 11:30-12:30, Senior Center, 108 S. Main, Lunch Provided

July 19-Bike Rodeo, 10:00-2:00, 623 Locust Street, Middletown

July 20-24-CADCA Midyear Conference, Nashville, Tennessee

July 28-Back To School Festival, 11:00-1:30, New Castle Arts Park Pavilion

July 29-Community Pool Day sponsored by LIVE, 12:00-6:00, Baker Pool Aquatic Center

LIVE Coalition Tobacco and Alcohol Subcommittees: NO Subcommittee Meetings for the month of July.

You Thrive: Prevention 101

Presenter: Katie Wolf, You Thrive Consulting

July 14, 11:00-12:30

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.

Back to School Festival

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

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!

L;VE Coalition Newsletter – June 2025

What is LIVE?

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.

The Benefits of Volunteering:

Building a Better Henry County,

One Volunteer At a Time!

Volunteering is more than a kind gesture; it’s a powerful force for personal and community transformation. When individuals dedicate their time and skills to causes they care about, the benefits ripple far beyond the moment of service.

For volunteers, the rewards are substantial. Giving back builds real-world skills such as leadership, communication, and project management, experiences that can enhance job prospects and career growth. Volunteering also supports better mental and physical health by reducing stress, boosting happiness, and fostering a strong sense of purpose. Just as importantly, it helps people expand their social networks, form meaningful relationships, and feel more connected to their community.

For communities, the impact is profound. Volunteers fill critical gaps by supporting services like education, food access, healthcare, and housing, often reaching populations that need it most. Their efforts strengthen the social fabric, create support networks, and enhance resilience in times of crisis. Volunteer-driven initiatives also advocate for equity, environmental justice, and systemic change, amplifying voices and creating pathways for long-term improvement.

On a broader scale, volunteering encourages civic engagement and drives innovation. It invites people to step into leadership roles, work across differences, and build inclusive, thriving communities. Whether in-person or virtually, through a local food pantry or a global outreach project, every volunteer effort matters.

At its core, volunteering is about building a better world together. For those who serve and those who receive, the impact is lasting. When you volunteer, you don’t just help, you heal, connect, empower, and transform. For more information:  https://tinyurl.com/4jx33c9a

A CALL TO ACTION

This summer, LIVE Coalition members are hitting the streets!
Instead of our usual meetings, we’ll be out in the community, volunteering at local events to connect with residents and share our mission.

We’re counting on your support! Keep an eye out for upcoming volunteer opportunities and consider signing up to help us make a meaningful impact.

Together, we can build a healthier Henry County!

Please see volunteer button at the end of this newsletter which will take you to available volunteer opportunities.

Partnering For Prevention:

LIVE & Middletown Police Unite

The LIVE Coalition is proud to partner with the Middletown Police Department for this year’s Middletown Bike Rodeo, happening Saturday, June 28 from 10 AM–2 PM at the Middletown Police Department. This family-friendly event will feature free bike giveaways, safety activities, and a chance for youth to engage with local law enforcement in a fun, positive setting.

Thanks to a generous $300 contribution from Henry Community Health, we’re also able to provide free helmets to children and families in attendance. Helmet safety plays a vital role in reducing injury and promoting active, healthy lifestyles, and we’re grateful to help make that possible for our community.

This event reflects LIVE’s ongoing commitment to promoting youth health, safety, and positive community connections. We hope to see you there!

Emily’s Corner!

Insights & Updates from Emily’s Desk

Our STOP ACT Grant summer campaign, “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most,” highlights the risks associated with parents providing alcohol to underage youth.  It emphasizes the potential for legal consequences, health risks, and damage to reputation for parents who host parties where underage drinking occurs. This campaign is aimed at increasing awareness about the dangers of underage drinking and encouraging parents to send a unified message against it.  Statistically, teens who drink before turning 15 years are 6.7 times as likely to develop alcohol use disorder later in life. Underage drinking just isn’t okay.  In fact, early alcohol exposure can interrupt critical brain development including the ability to learn new things, memory formation, impulse control, and emotional maturity.  Thankfully, most people support the legal drinking age of 21and agree that it is unacceptable to give someone else’s child alcohol!

We are also in the beginning stages of our fall campaign, “Protect Your Game.” I am meeting with county athletic directors to share this program for substance-free athletics. On the average, 60% of high school students play a sport of some kind.  It is our goal to reduce under-age substance use through common understanding and education that will empower our athletes to make wise and healthy choices.  

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer in our prevention efforts, please email Emily at: [email protected]

Updates from LIVE Staff

May Highlights: LIVE Coalition in Action

May was a productive month for the LIVE Coalition as our team stayed active in the community focusing on prevention, education, and supporting youth.

LIVE wrapped up Too Good For Drugs program with all of the 2nd grade classrooms throughout Henry County reinforcing our commitment to early prevention education. It was a pleasure providing this education to the children in Henry County. Overall, the feedback has been positive. There will be a debrief meeting on June 10 to discuss the successes, challenges and the future of the “Too Good For Drugs Program.” If you’re interested in being trained to teach this program during the upcoming school year, please contact Shay Bex at: [email protected]

Subcommittees focused on alcohol, tobacco, and mental health/suicide prevention met to provide updates, plan upcoming initiatives, and discuss new strategies to strengthen our community support efforts. The mental health committee will be hosting a Senior Cafe at the Henry County Senior Center in July. More to come on that next month!

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 contact Shay or Miranda at: [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected].

Thank you to all who contribute to LIVE’s mission. Together, we are making a difference in Henry County!

LIVE VAPE FREE 2025

Catch My Breath Training

LIVE has discussed the Catch My Breath program in previous newsletters. To recap, Catch My Breath is a youth vaping prevention program developed by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). Designed for students in grades 5–12, the program aims to reduce and prevent e-cigarette use among adolescents through evidence-based education.

Key features of Catch My Breath:

• Curriculum-Based: Includes lessons aligned with national health education standards, focusing on the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction.

  
  

• Peer-Led Approach: Encourages student engagement through peer-to-peer learning and interactive activities.

  
  

  Health-Focused Messaging: Emphasizes the short- and long-term health risks of e-cigarette use, including addiction and lung damage.

  
  

  Flexible Delivery: Available in digital and print formats, making it easy to implement in classrooms, after-school programs, or community settings.

  
  

Overall, Catch My Breath empowers students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and resist peer pressure related to vaping.

Training is Open to Anyone! Whether you work directly with youth or simply want to better understand vaping prevention, training only takes a few hours of your time. If you’re interested in becoming a certified trainer and delivering the Catch My Breath program to schools, civic groups, or community organizations, please contact:

Miranda Wright, LIVE Coalition Coordinator at [email protected]

Join Us for Upcoming Events!

Looking Ahead:

June 9-11 – Indiana School Health Network Conference, schedule details at:        https://tinyurl.com/bdeahd8t

June 11 – YAB Meeting, 6:30-8:00 Mancino’s

June 21 – Juneteenth Celebration, 3:00 start time, Arts Pavillion, New Castle

June 12 – IYI Family Engagement Training, 11:30-1:00, New Castle Middle School

June 17 – Henry County TLC Monthly Meeting, 1pm-2pm, zoom

June 19 – Alliance 4 Youth Meeting, 12pm-1pm, zoom: https://tinyurl.com/5xj5sfn3

June 28-Bike Rodeo, 10am-2pm, 623 Locust Street, Middletown

LIVE Coalition Subcommittees: NO Subcommittee Meetings for the month of June

Why We Celebrate

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver the news and enforce the end of slavery.

Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. It honors the struggles and achievements of Black Americans and encourages reflection, education, and celebration of African American culture and history.

Today, Juneteenth is recognized as a federal holiday and is observed across the country with parades, gatherings, music, and community events.

Lightkeepers of Henry County will be celebrating Juneteenth on Saturday, June 21, 2025

Talesa Howell – Turning Challenge into Impact

Talesa Howell brings purpose, passion, and innovation to her role as LIVE’s Social Media Specialist. Tasked with growing LIVE’s digital presence, Talesa leads the development of strategic, mission-driven campaigns that amplify awareness around substance use prevention, mental health, and suicide prevention. Her work helps connect the community to vital resources in a meaningful and accessible way.

One of her most impactful contributions has been the creation of LIVE’s new website. In collaboration with Shay Bex, Director of Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Talesa designed and built a comprehensive, interactive platform that serves as a central hub for community education and support, making it easier than ever for individuals to find the help and information they need.

Outside of her role with LIVE, Talesa serves as the Data Quality Manager at Step Up Inc., a nonprofit focused on community health. Her professional path has included freelance work for a nonprofit supporting correctional staff, as well as serving as Webmaster and Program Manager for the Indiana Department of Correction. Her work across these roles reflects her unwavering commitment to service, impact, and excellence.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies with a focus on Analytics and Theology, Talesa plans to continue her academic journey with a Master’s in AI and Analytics. Her passion is driven by two powerful forces: creating social change and providing for her family.

Talesa is a proud single mother of three, one son and two daughters, and the youngest and only girl among three older brothers. Her family is the source of her strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication.

Talesa’s personal journey is a testament to resilience. During one of the most difficult chapters of her life, she enrolled in a pilot web development program while incarcerated, learning full-stack development without internet access. That experience sparked a transformation, instilling the confidence and purpose that now fuels her work.

She lives by the belief that adversity builds strength, mistakes are learning opportunities, and communities thrive when we all contribute. For Talesa, success isn’t defined by accolades, it’s defined by the impact we make on others. Her work with LIVE is not just a job; it’s a mission that brings her life meaning and helps others find hope.

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!