Alternative Paths, Inc.

04/29/2026

Today is National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Fentanyl is powerful, unpredictable, and showing up where people don’t expect it. Knowing the signs of overdose and carrying naloxone saves lives. Share this post—awareness and action can make the difference.

04/27/2026

Help us spread the word about this upcoming FREE program for seniors and their care providers. (Shared content follows.)

Planning ahead can make all the difference—for you and the people who care about you. Join us for the first session of Aging with a Plan, a six‑month community series sponsored by the Buckeye Area Ministerial Association intended to help families navigate aging together. This free, informational program will help older adults, family members, and caregivers better understand important healthcare decisions before a crisis occurs. The first topic is Healthcare Needs in an Emergency and is scheduled for May 7, 2026. Topics in this first session will include Emergency Programs for Households and Understanding Advanced Directives.

For more information, visit www.lifescc.net/agingwithaplan or contact Diane Phelps @440-476-1562.

04/23/2026

Healing isn’t a straight line. Some days you grow; some days you just get through—but both count. Be patient with yourself; every step, forward or back, is still part of your progress. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Medina County Crisis & Behavioral Health Helpline at 330‑725‑9195. (Thank you to our GIVE students for the post.)

04/21/2026

Alternative Paths and The Medina County Coalition for Su***de Prevention are honored to recognize Isaac Watson, a 6th grade student at Wadsworth Intermediate School, for earning 2nd Place in our 2026 Art Made. Lives Saved. Poster Contest with his poster titled “Together We Are One.” Isaac shared this powerful message behind his artwork:

“One message I want the audience to walk away with is never give up and always keep on going. The world needs you in it.”

We are grateful to Isaac for sharing a message of strength, perseverance, and belonging through his art.

04/20/2026

Alternative Paths and The Medina County Coalition for Su***de Prevention are proud to recognize Mallory Gabor, an 8th grade student at Wadsworth Middle School, for earning 1st Place in our 2026 Art Made. Lives Saved. Poster Contest with her poster titled “Su***de Prevention.” In her creative brief, Mallory shared a message of hope:

“I want people to take away the message that there are people who want to help them, that there are others who care, and that they are not alone.”

Thank you, Mallory, for using your creativity to remind our community that connection and care can save lives. ***dePrevention

04/18/2026

Alternative Paths and the Medina County Coalition for Su***de Prevention are proud to announce the 2nd place winning video in our 2026 Stomp Out Su***de PSA Contest.

Congratulations to Sydney Schorr, Cain Hoover, and Alycen Gacek (11th–12th grade) of Medina High School for their PSA, “Su***de Affects Everyone.”

“Most people are unaware of the actual impact su***de has on the people around them. They only seem to realize it once they have experienced it firsthand. Our goal is for the audience to understand how impactful it is simply by watching the video. Su***de is a serious topic and should not be taken lightly.”

Thank you for using your voices and creativity to help raise awareness and encourage important conversations about su***de prevention. ***de
***dePrevention

04/17/2026

The Medina County Coalition for Su***de Prevention is proud to announce the 1st place winning video in our 2026 Stomp Out Su***de PSA Contest.

We extend our congratulations to first‑place winners Alistair McNeill (11th grade) and Marcas Gallagher (12th grade) of Medina High School.

“We wanted the audience to walk away with the idea that assumptions can be dangerous and that they should get help if they suspect their friends might be suicidal.”

We are deeply grateful for your thoughtful participation and for using your voices to support su***de prevention in our community. ***de ***dePrevention

04/17/2026

This morning, we attended the Medina County SHARE Coalition’s Annual Breakfast Award Celebration at Williams on the Lake. SHARE stands for Student Health Resources & Empowerment. The coalition has supported youth prevention and well‑being in Medina County since 1988 through collaboration and community partnerships.

Today, Alternative Paths and the Medina County Coalition for Su***de Prevention were proud to announce the winners of our Art Made. Lives Saved. Poster Contest and Stomp Out Su***de PSA Video Contest, recognizing students whose creativity and voices are helping save lives.

Stomp Out Su***de PSA Contest Winners
1st Place: “Assumptions” — Alistair McNeill (11th) & Marcas Gallagher (12th), Medina High School
2nd Place: “Su***de Affects Everyone” — Sydney Schorr, Cain Hoover, & Alycen Gacek (11th–12th), Medina High School

Art Made, Lives Saved Poster Contest Winners
1st Place: “Su***de Prevention” — Mallory Gabor (8th), Wadsworth Middle School
2nd Place: “Together We Are One” — Isaac Watson (6th), Wadsworth Intermediate School

Winning videos and artwork will be highlighted each day here on our social media page. Be sure to check back!

We’re grateful to the SHARE Coalition and all community partners for their continued commitment to youth empowerment and prevention. ***dePrevention

04/14/2026

Be kinder to yourself! The relationship you have with yourself is the longest relationship you will ever have. Be your own best friend and treat yourself like someone you love. Speak positively about yourself, take breaks without guilt (you deserve it), set boundaries, let go of the little things, and do something that brings you joy! If you or someone you know is struggling don’t hesitate to reach out to Medina Co. Crisis & Behavioral Health Helpline at 330-725-9195. (Thank you to our GIVE students for this post!)

04/11/2026

If you’re feeling extra anxious or stressed out, one way that might help is using breathing techniques. There are so many different breathing techniques, but this one is inhaling for 4 seconds then holding for 7 seconds and exhaling for 8 seconds. GIVE it a try! If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to Medina Co. Crisis & Behavioral Health Helpline at 330-725-9195. (Thank you to our GIVE team students for the post and the reminder to just breathe.)

04/08/2026

April reminder: breathe, reset, and give yourself grace. Your peace is productive, too. (Thank you to our GIVE team students for the post!)

04/08/2026

Join us for the Northeast, Ohio ODA Regional Lunch and Learn Training!

Attention Northeast Ohio Friends:

Spots are filling up fast for our upcoming Lunch & Learn training sessions—join us for valuable regional collaboration, education, and networking.

Our Northeast Regional Training will be held on April 29, 2026, from 10am-2pm at Summit County Public Health at 1867 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313.

Free to attend, with lunch provided.

If you RSVP and can no longer attend, please provide 48 hours’ notice so we can plan accordingly and offer your spot to others.

We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP to tom@ohiodeflectionassociation.org