Prevention Action Alliance

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet many men face barriers to seeking support, including stigma, social expectations, and a lack of connection. Prevention starts with creating communities where conversations about mental health are welcomed, support is accessible, and asking for help is viewed as a sign of strength.
This month, take time to check in with the men in your life. A simple conversation, a listening ear, or a message of support can make a meaningful difference.
Together, we can build stronger connections, reduce stigma, and create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
💚 You are not alone. Support is available. Hope is real.

At PAA we value collaboration and know that work is better together. Don't miss the several events hosted by OCAM and Great Lakes PTTC. Also check out the 4th Annual Black Mental Health Summit, and don't miss the early bird pricing for the Ohio Healthy Policy Summit.

❤️ One of the most powerful things a young person can hear during the coming out process is: "I love you."
Many LGBTQ+ youth worry that sharing their identity will change how the people they love see them. Reassuring them that your love and support remain unchanged can help them feel safe, valued, and accepted.
This Pride Month, remember: your child is still the same person they've always been.

🌻 School's out. The days are longer. And our June newsletter is packed with resources to help you make the most of summer. Inside you'll find: ✔️ Tips for supporting youth during the coming out process ✔️ Resources for discussing online safety ✔️ Healthy ways to manage boredom ✔️ An invitation to our upcoming webinar on school-based health centers ✔️ Introductions to three new PAA Board members ✔️ Upcoming community events Take a few minutes to catch up on what's happening across Ohio's prevention and behavioral health community. 📬 Read now: https://donate.preventionactionalliance.org/email_campaigns/43432/web?auth=1780932203

💙 Happy Father's Day!
Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, coaches, and father figures who make a difference in the lives of young people every day.
Positive relationships with caring adults are among the strongest protective factors for youth, helping them build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and navigate challenges with confidence. Whether it's offering support, setting expectations, sharing wisdom, or simply being present, these everyday moments matter.
Thank you to all the father figures helping Ohio's youth feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.

🖤❤️💚 This Juneteenth, we honor the end of slavery in the United States and celebrate the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the importance of freedom, equity, and opportunity for all. Creating healthy communities means recognizing the impact of history, fostering belonging, and ensuring every young person has access to the support, connections, and opportunities they need to thrive.
As we commemorate this day, let us continue working together to build stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone can reach their full potential.

🌈 Pride Month reminds us that coming out is an act of courage.
When a young person shares their LGBTQ+ identity with you, they are placing trust in a supportive adult. Your response doesn't have to be perfect—a simple "Thank you for trusting me" can help them feel seen, valued, and accepted.
Listening without judgment and leading with kindness can strengthen a young person's sense of safety, belonging, and well-being. Supportive adults remain one of the strongest protective factors in a child's life.
Learn more with this month's Know! Prevention Tip:https://preventionactionalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Know-Tip-Pride-June-2026.pdf

This Pride Month, celebrate courage by leading with kindness, compassion, and love.

Students can't benefit from services they can't access. School-based health centers bring healthcare directly to students, helping address barriers like transportation challenges, provider shortages, and limited access to care. Join us June 17 to learn how this evidence-driven model is supporting Ohio students and where prevention professionals fit into the picture. Register now: https://preventionactionalliance.org/event/school-based-health-centers-in-ohio-webinar/

🌈 Pride Month is a reminder that support doesn't require having all the answers.
One of the best ways to support an LGBTQ+ young person is to listen. Ask open-ended questions, follow their lead, and create space for them to share their experiences when they're ready.
Support can look different for every young person. What matters most is showing up with curiosity, respect, and care.

Meet our webinar presenter, Katherine Bissett, Director of Initiatives at the Ohio Alliance for School-Based Health Care. With more than a decade of experience developing and advancing school-based health programs, Katherine has worked alongside schools, healthcare providers, and communities to expand access to care for students and families. Join us on June 17 to learn about Ohio's school-based health center landscape and how these partnerships can strengthen prevention efforts and improve outcomes for youth. Register today: https://preventionactionalliance.org/event/school-based-health-centers-in-ohio-webinar/