Strengthening the Heartland Co-Director Amber Letcher on a laptop working
Icon of a star
Serving the Heartland
Past Programming

Over the past five years, our collaborative has hosted a number of high-impact programming opportunities.

Teen Programming

The one-hour, media-based presentation 鈥淭his is (Not) About Drugs" was targeted toward youth in grades 6-12. The program helped youth raise awareness of the risks of misusing prescription opioids and encouraged youth to seek alternatives to substances when dealing with stress. The presentation was a success in 58 communities, reaching youth in schools, 4-H clubs, youth groups, youth conferences and after-school programs.

Graphic Map of Teen Programing for North and South Dakota, showing coverage of 50+ communities.
This was by far one of the best drug-type presentations that I have been a part of. I really like that it was more about the choices you make and not about 'don鈥檛 do this,' or 'don鈥檛 do that.' The students were engaged, and I could tell they were really thinking and digesting the material. It was also timely for my seniors, who are going off to a new adventure this fall. It really put a seed in their minds to think about their actions and how this can change not only their lives, but the lives of others. I highly recommend this program!
Andrew Jensen, ag education teacher | Chester, South Dakota

Adult Programming

The one-hour presentation "The Opioid Public Health Crisis" addressed opioid misuse, risk factors and suggested prevention methods. Participants learned how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how the opioid reversal drug Naloxone works, and some of the solutions that states and communities are applying to reduce the effects of the health crisis.

We trained parents, employees, employers, teachers and service providers in 16 communities.

Graphic map of North and South Dakota with locations of presentations
Graphic Banner of man comforting a friend over coffee with CRAFT Community Support Groups logo

CRAFT Community Support Groups

CRAFT Community Support Groups are a virtual and face-to-face training for the friends and family members concerned about their loved ones who live with a substance use disorder. This program is based on the Community Reinforcement and Family Training model. The CRAFT model is a highly effective, evidence-based, motivational program that impacts communities and families in multiple areas of their lives.

  1. Reduce your loved one鈥檚 harmful substance use.
  2. Help move your loved one toward treatment.
  3. Improve the lives of the concerned family and friends.

Topics include:

  • Relationship dynamics: identifying triggers and motivators.
  • Developing positive communication techniques.
  • Helping the loved one enter treatment services and engage in recovery.

Testimonials

鈥淛ust wanted to let you know that the classes I took worked. During (my daughter鈥檚) treatment, we had two over-the-telephone counseling sessions with her counselor, and (she) brought up how it was so much easier to talk to me. She said, 鈥淢y mom is a different person, and I really love my new mom!鈥 She said, 鈥淚f my mom was willing to take classes so she could communicate better with me, then I had to meet her halfway.鈥 So, I want to thank you so much for the classes. They were successful for me and my daughter.鈥 鈥 CRAFT Participant

Couple walking as they hug eachother
Headline for Art Contest over bold abstract shapes on a blue background

Healthy Decision-Making Art Contest

The Healthy Decision-Making Art Contest gave youth the opportunity to share their art across the region. For the 2024 art contest, youth were asked to create art that represented what building stronger communities meant to them.

In response, we received a myriad of creative submissions including illustration, drawing and painting. Submissions were judged based on criteria craftsmanship, originality and interpretation of the topic. The winning entries will be printed as posters and bookmarks to be displayed across the state.

Get Connected
Want to learn more about our free resources? Here's a few ways to get in touch with us: