Jefferson County Drug Free Coalition

03/02/2026

Today is Teen Mental Wellness Day 🧠, and our coalition knows that mental health and substance use prevention go hand-in-hand. 🤝

Often, when teens struggle with anxiety, loneliness, or pressure, they are looking for a way to feel better. Our mission is to ensure they have a "toolbox" full of healthy coping strategies.

How We Can All Support Teen Wellness:

Normalize the Conversation- Let the teens in your life know that it’s okay to not be okay. Talking about it is the first step toward healing.

Participation in Wellness Activities- Share and utilize wellness tips with teens to promote overall wellbeing.

Every teen deserves to grow up in a community that prioritizes their wellness. Let’s work together to build a foundation of resilience. 💚💜

02/27/2026

👜 V**es That Look Like Purses — Really?! 🚭

You’ve probably seen vapes that look like phones or pens, but now there’s one that actually looks like a purse! The RAZ RYL Classic 35K V**e is designed to resemble a stylish bag while delivering ni****ne, raising concerns among health experts about how to***co products are being marketed & disguised.

These kinds of “stealthy” designs may make it harder for parents, teachers, & others to recognize ni****ne products which can appeal to young people & increase the risk of accidental use or addiction.

📣 What do you think? Should products that look like everyday items be allowed, or do they make va**ng even more dangerous? Drop your thoughts below! 💭

https://ctri.wisc.edu/2025/09/03/vapes-shaped-like-purses/

****neProducts

02/26/2026

🚨 FINAL REMINDER – Registration Closes Tomorrow! 🚨

Don’t miss out on this FREE training: Tall Cop Says Stop!

Join us on March 10th from 9:30–11:30am at Fort Memorial Hospital (611 Sherman Ave E.) to learn about current alcohol, substance, and concealment trends and identifiers. This training is designed for educators, prevention & treatment providers, law enforcement, medical staff, social workers, probation & correction officers, and drug interdiction officers.

⚠️ Preregistration is required
📅 Register by tomorrow, February 27, 2026

Secure your spot today by clicking the registration links below:

English: https://forms.gle/CyQ7TjV59KaMhawj7
Spanish: https://forms.gle/DGymdqfgheiyS6J16

We hope to see you there!

02/24/2026

🚭 Health Concerns Around 3 New V**e Products

Three new va**ng products have hit the market recently, public health experts are raising red flags.🚩Research shows that va**ng can contribute to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems like COPD, sleep disturbances, mood effects, & even impacts on oral health and cognition. These concerns come as new devices continue to evolve & appeal to a broad range of users.

It’s important to stay informed about the potential risks of va**ng & support approaches that protect community health, especially for young people who may be more vulnerable.

💬 What are your thoughts on the rise of new va**ng products & these health concerns? Share below!

https://ctri.wisc.edu/2025/12/04/3-new-vapes-raise-health-concerns/

****neAwareness

02/19/2026

🍬 New Ni****ne Lozenges Look Like Candy & It’s Raising Concerns 🚭

A recent product on the market is drawing attention because ni****ne lozenges now resemble candy, complete with sweet flavors like Toffee, Blue Razz, & Mighty Mint. While some ni****ne lozenges are used in quitting smoking, this new packaging & flavor lineup could make them more appealing to young people & increase the risk of accidental use or misuse.

Ni****ne itself is highly addictive & can pose health risks, especially for kids & teens who might mistake these candy-like lozenges for sweets. Public health experts stress the importance of keeping these products away from children and being mindful of how they are marketed.

🔗 Read more about what this means for health & safety.
https://ctri.wisc.edu/2026/01/07/new-ni****ne-lozenge ***coprevention

👉 What do you think about products that look like candy but contain ni****ne? Share your thoughts! 💭

****neAwareness ***coPrevention

02/16/2026

🚨 New V**e on the Market With an Eye-Popping 100,000 Puff Claim 🚭

A newly surfaced va**ng product is drawing attention & concern by claiming it can deliver up to 100,000 puffs in a single unit. Despite being widely available online, these high-puff disposable devices may be unauthorized & appeal to young people with flavored options, raising public health questions. Experts warn about the risks of unregulated e-ci******es & urge caution.

📌 At the same time, Wisconsin health resources like the To***co Quit Line are expanding support to help people quit ni****ne altogether, including va**ng.

What are your thoughts on these high-capacity vapes & va**ng health impacts? 💭
https://ctri.wisc.edu/2026/02/04/product-watch-new-vape-offers-100000-puffs/

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Photo credit Prime Distro Supply

02/11/2026

🧠🚭 Quit Smoking, Boost Recovery!

New research shows that adults who quit smoking ci******es are more likely to have better recovery outcomes from other substance use disorders. In a large national study, people who stopped smoking had 42% higher odds of sustained remission from non-to***co addictions compared to those who kept smoking.

This evidence suggests that including smoking cessation support as part of addiction treatment could help people achieve long-term recovery.

https://www.addictionpolicy.org/post/study-finds-quitting-smoking-is-associated-with-improved-recovery-from-other-substance-use-disorders

02/10/2026

📣 UPDATE on Ma*****na Legalization in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Democrats recently introduced a bill at the State Capitol that would legalize both recreational & medical cannabis in the state - a move supporters say could bring economic benefits, expand access to medical treatment, & address past criminal justice disparities. The proposal comes as neighboring states already allow legal adult-use cannabis & a majority of voters in Wisconsin express support for legalization. 🌱

Under the plan, adults 21+ could legally use cannabis, &measures for regulation, testing, & record-clearing for past convictions are included. With Republicans controlling the legislature, the bill faces challenges ahead.

What do you think this means for Wisconsin’s future? 💭
https://www.wpr.org/news/wisconsin-democrats-marijuana-cannabis-legalization-legislation

*****naLegalization

02/09/2026

📣 FREE Community Training – Don’t Miss This! 🚨

Join us for The Tall Cop Says Stop training to learn about current alcohol, substance, and concealment trends and identifiers.

🗓 March 10th
⏰ 9:30 – 11:30 AM
📍 Fort Memorial Hospital
611 Sherman Ave E.

👥 Designed for:
Educators, Prevention & Treatment Providers, Law Enforcement, Medical Staff, Social Workers, Probation & Correction Officers, and Drug Interdiction Officers.

✅ Pre-registration required:
English: https://forms.gle/Uyeu29zESmxwkRuc7
Spanish: https://forms.gle/QBk63sBHw5mJe3j8A
📅 Register by 2/27/2026

Let’s work together to keep our community informed and our youth safe. 💙

02/06/2026

📣STAY INFORMED

In partnership with the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth (AWY) we work to sharing educational resources that support people to make informed choices for their health. An emerging substance is Kratom which is already accessible at gas stations, convenience stores, or other retailers throughout the state.

For more information, go to: https://ppi.communityadvocates.net/policy-projects/stay-informed-on-emerging-substances.htm



Community Advocates Public Policy Institute

02/05/2026

💙 Calling All Parents & Caregivers!

We’re working to keep our youth safe, healthy, and informed - and we need your input. Please take a moment to complete our Parent Survey on Youth Substance Misuse Prevention. Your voice helps guide our community’s efforts.

📝 Survey Link:
English - https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8525207/2025-DFC-Parent-Survey
Spanish - https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8529708/Encuesta-para-padres-de-DFC-2025

Thank you for supporting our kids’ future! 🙌

02/04/2026