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.
L;VE Goes To Washington!
Reflections from the 2025 CADCA National Leadership Forum
The LIVE staff, along with LIVE members and 6 Henry County students recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 CADCA National Leadership Forum, the leading training event for community leaders, coalition members, and advocates in the prevention field. This annual gathering equips coalitions with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.
With over 4,000 attendees from around the world, the Forum provided an invaluable platform to exchange insights, learn best practices, and connect with like-minded professionals. We participated in dynamic workshops, engaged with expert speakers, and explored strategies to strengthen our coalition’s impact.
Two standout moments were SAMHSA’s Prevention Day and Capitol Hill Day, where we had the chance to advocate for prevention policies and discuss important issues with legislators. These experiences reinforced the importance of collaboration and policy engagement in creating healthier communities.
Armed with new knowledge and resources, we’re excited to bring fresh ideas back to our coalition and continue making a difference. Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives inspired by this transformative event!
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].
Updates from LIVE Staff
February 2025
LIVE Keeping Busy!
LIVE started the month out strong by attending the CADCA 35 Annual Leadership forum from February 3-6, which included SAMHSA’s Prevention Day, as well as Capitol Hill Day. The students were able to meet directly with Indiana Representative Jefferson Shreve. The students presented the need for youth substance prevention funding in Henry County, supporting their message with facts and data that highlight the urgency of the issue.
LIVE staff successfully completed the “Catch My Breath” vaping prevention program with 18 New Castle Middle School students. Moving forward, the plan is for LIVE to expand the program across all five county school districts through train-the-trainer opportunities.
LIVE partnered with the Henry County Health Department and Susan Lightfoot of ARIES Henry County (Abuse-Reduction-Intervention-Education-Support) to create a plan to implement the “Too Good For Drugs” program. This initiative will be taught to all second-grade students across Henry County and is set to be completed by May 30, 2025. Through this partnership, we aim to equip young students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy, substance-free choices from an early age.
LIVE Coalition Awarded Federal Grant for Teens Linked to Care
The LIVE Coalition is excited to announce that we have been awarded funding for the Teens Linked to Care (TLC) program, a federally funded initiative aimed at improving youth health and well-being in Henry County. This grant provides $80,000 in Year 1, $200,000 in Year 2, and$200,000 in Year 3, totaling $480,000 over three years.
TLC focuses on three key strategies:
Health Education: Expanding access to medically accurate, inclusive health education to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions.
Access to Health Services: Strengthening school-based referral programs to connect students with adolescent-friendly healthcare providers for mental health, substance use, and reproductive health services.
Safe and Supportive Environments: Creating safer school and community spaces to reduce risky behaviors and promote overall student well-being.
This program will be implemented in partnership with New Castle Community School Corporation, ensuring students have the resources and support they need to lead healthier lives.
We look forward to working with our partners to make a lasting impact in Henry County. Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out this exciting initiative!
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].
LIVE VAPE FREE 2025
Facts about the Vaping Epidemic
Vaping: What Parents Need to Know
As a parent, you can do everything right—set clear expectations, have open conversations, and model healthy behaviors—and yet, your child may still experiment with vaping. E-cigarette use is not limited to any one group; it occurs across all social circles, including student-athletes and honor roll students. The reality is that vaping has become more accessible than ever, with e-cigarette sales increasing by 46.6% since 2020 (CDC). Alarmingly, some vape shops have been caught selling to minors and falsely claiming that e-cigarettes are harmless. As we work to protect our youth, it’s essential to stay informed, talk to our children, and advocate for stronger prevention efforts in our community.
The Hidden Dangers of Nicotine in E-Cigarettes
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can significantly harm brain development in young people. Even vaping companies acknowledge that no level of nicotine is safe for adolescents. Research shows that nicotine exposure during this critical stage can rewire the brain, increasing the risk of addiction to other substances like drugs and alcohol. Beyond addiction, nicotine can negatively impact mood, behavior, and judgment, potentially leading to academic struggles and social challenges. Some disposable e-cigarette brands contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes, making them especially dangerous for youth. As vaping continues to rise, it’s crucial for parents and communities to stay informed and work together to prevent nicotine addiction among our youth.
E-Cigarettes: What Young People Don’t Know
Many young people believe e-cigarettes are safe, but the reality is far more dangerous. Many children and teens are unaware of the harms associated with vaping and often try it out of curiosity—especially drawn in by appealing flavors. However, research shows that youth who use e-cigarettes are 2 to 3 times more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes. Additionally, the tiny particles inhaled from vaping can damage the lungs, making it harder to breathe. Even more concerning, unregulated “street” vaping products have led to severe lung injuries and, in some cases, death. Scientists are still studying the long-term effects of e-cigarettes, meaning today’s youth are unknowingly part of an experiment with unknown consequences. Parents and communities must work together to ensure young people understand the risks and make informed choices.
Vaping Can Be Hard to Spot
Many parents may not realize just how easy it is for teens and tweens to hide vaping. E-cigarettes are often designed to look like everyday objects, making them difficult to detect. Unlike traditional cigarettes, they don’t produce a strong smell, allowing young people to discreetly vape in classrooms, school bathrooms, and even at home. To make detection even harder, specialized accessories—such as clothing, backpacks, and cases—are available to conceal e-cigarettes. Because vaping is still relatively new, many parents may not recognize the signs or symptoms of use. Staying informed and aware is crucial in helping prevent youth vaping.
Learn more from The Surgeon General (e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov) and The CDC (cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm).
This information is provided by the Catch My Breath vaping prevention program.
Join Us for Upcoming Events!
Looking Ahead:
March 4 – Live Coalition Meeting-Full Membership
March 12 – Subcommittee Meetings
Alcohol Awareness – https://zoom.us/j/93753531330
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – https://zoom.us/j/96255942546
Tobacoo/Vaping – https://zoom.us/j/96885975469
March 13-Blue Rive Health Fair – 5:30-7:30
March 14-Addictions Coalition of Delaware County Symposium of Substance Use Disorder
March 19-Youth Advisory Meeting (YAB) 4:30
March 24 – You Thrive Consultant Meeting
March 24-Act Training (Ask, Counsel, Treat) – Youth Vaping Training
Member Spotlight: Emily Lawson
The Henry County Health Department recently welcomed Emily Lawson as the new “STOP Act” Coordinator, where she will focus on youth substance use prevention efforts across the county. With deep roots in the community, Emily brings both passion and experience to her new role.
Born and raised in New Castle, Indiana, Emily graduated from New Castle Chrysler High School in 1997 before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University in 2001. She married her high school sweetheart, Wayne, in 2002, and together they have two children—Merrick, a junior at Indiana Bible College studying Christian Leadership, and Laynie, a freshman at New Castle High School.
Emily began her teaching career in New Castle at Westwood and Parker Elementary, later spending 10 years at Shenandoah Elementary, where she taught 3rd and 4th grade. Teaching and working with youth has always been her passion, and she and Wayne have served as youth pastors since their 20s, something she describes as “our heartbeat.” After a decade in the classroom, Emily felt called to step away and focus on her family, remaining deeply involved in both her children’s lives and her church’s youth ministry.
With her son now in college, Emily was drawn back into community work and found the perfect fit in prevention. Her husband, Wayne, works in medical sales with a focus on addiction, a cause that is deeply personal for their family. Having seen the impact of addiction firsthand, Emily is inspired by the opportunity to educate Henry County youth and community members, including, parents, teachers, coaches, and community leaders on youth substance use prevention.
Emily is excited for the future, embracing the chance to make a difference in her community and deepen her understanding of prevention efforts. We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she will make in Henry County!
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!
