Here's a quick update from us.

July/August 2026

AC4C Roundtable

Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) Trainings for YSS/AC4C Opioid Prevention Coalition Capacity Project

Here is a list of the trainings that are available for any coalition members and prevention specialists in Iowa through this project and are free of charge.

Capacity Building Training YSS/AC4C

July 21, 11AM-12noon

Planning Training YSS/AC4C

August 4, 11AM-12noon

Implementation Training YSS/AC4C

August 18, 11AM-12noon

Evaluation Training YSS/AC4C

September 1, 11AM-12noon

Sustainability Training YSS/AC4C

September 15, 11AM-12noon

AC4C's June Work Retreat was well attended both in-person and virtually. See below in newsletter for pictures of the kids on the Leadership Reaction Course!

Free virtual

EARLY INTERVENTION

for Iowa youth grades 6-12 from YSS

There was a small group of youth at the June Retreat this year, but they were excited that they conquered a part of the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC) that they were not able to last year!

Photo credits: Amy Doerrfeld

The transportation back from the LRC was another fun part of their day!

Jen Stolka is AC4C's New President!

Jen Stolka took on a new role on the AC4C Board starting back in mid-April when the Board members officially appointed her to the vacant officer position after elections in March. Thanks, Jen for being willing to lead AC4C! In case you don't know Jen, here is the introduction taken from last year's newsletter when she was elected to the board, at that time filling an At-Large position.

Hello! My name is Jen Stolka, and I serve as the Director of Prevention Services at Helping Services for Youth and Families in Northeast Iowa. I am an Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist (ACPS) and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), which helps to guide my efforts in delivering effective, evidence-based strategies in prevention. In this role, I oversee prevention efforts focused on substance use, mental health, and problem gambling, as well as youth mentoring programs across Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Fayette, Clayton, and Delaware Counties.

With over 17 years of experience working alongside coalitions and communities, I’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration. Being part of AC4C allows me to stay connected with dedicated professionals across the state and contribute to impactful, statewide prevention initiatives. Having previously served on the AC4C Board, I’m excited for the opportunity to once again collaborate, share ideas, and work together to make Iowa a healthier, safer place for all.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me cheering at sporting events, binge-watching my favorite TV shows, spending time with my amazing family and friends, or leading a small youth mentoring program in my home community.

AC4C Annual Prevention Conference- tentatively set for November 4! (More information to come soon.

Be looking for something new this year with half day pre-conference opportunities- AI and Prevention Ethics Recert!)

Theme: Prevention in a Rapidly Changing World!

Day on the Hill 2027 -February 24

2026-2027 Quarterly Work Retreat Dates: (Tentative)

-September 22-23, 2026

-December 3-4, 2026

-March 23-24, 2027

(Legislative Learning Event tentatively also set for March 24, 2027, during the spring retreat.)

Resources to Share and Links to check out...

Members, keep up with the latest in the news

AC4C on Facebook

AC4C Youth on Instagram

Looking for a training

Iowa Board of Certification

Iowa ODCP

Iowa State Patrol

Iowa Health and Human Services & Your Life Iowa

Partnership for A Healthy Iowa

Do you know about RALI Iowa?

Check out this organization and information about their virtual trailer HERE

More resources...

Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau

Drive Smart Iowa

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Traffic Safety Marketing

Stop Drugged Driving

Did you know you can now utilize Your Life Iowa to find the Tobacco Prevention & Control and Alcohol Prevention social media and other resources such as the My Life, My Quit images and posts? Check these and others out at YOUR LIFE IOWA.

Quitting vaping is good for your health — and the environment. My Life, My Quit offers free, confidential support to help you quit. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or start chatting now: ia.mylifemyquit.org

Why are you ready to quit vaping? Whatever the reason, we’re here to help with free, confidential support. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or sign up here: ia.mylifemyquit.org

There are so many reasons to quit tobacco. Especially when you realize it’s the leading preventable cause of death for Iowans. Quitline Iowa offers free, non-judgmental support. Sign up now: quitlineiowa.org

Iowa may rank high on alcohol-related cancer rates, but there’s good news. We can lower our risk of cancer by drinking less. Get tips to help you drink less at YourLifeIowa.org/alcohol.

Source: 2024 Cancer in Iowa Report

VISION Statement:

To be the leading, statewide coalition and community based resource promoting the health of Iowans.

MISSION Statement:

Unifying Iowans to address substance use and mental health issues across the lifespan on a state

and community level.

Join an Action Team or Work Group session every month!

Access the action team meetings on Mondays. Login information here

Other Substances Action Team

Next meetings- July 6 and August 3 @ 9:30 a.m.

Marijuana Action Team

Next meeting- August 10 @ 9:30 a.m. (No meeting in July due to CADCA Midyear and other conflicts.)

Nicotine Action Team

Next meeting: July 20 and August 17 @ 10:30 a.m.

Alcohol Action Team

Next meetings- July 27 and August 24 @ 9:30 a.m.

_______________________________

Policy Work Group

Co-Chair:

Jennifer Husmann

Co-Chair:

Maggie Ballard

4th Wednesday at 2:00 pm

Looking for a volunteer to replace Jennifer as a Co-chair on this work group. If you are interested in this position please contact a board member or Jennifer.

Meeting information can be found here

Purpose: To collaborate with the community and statewide entities to advocate and educate on substance abuse legislation, policies, and related issues.

_________________________________

Capacity/Sustainability Work Group

We are in need co-chairs for this group. Please let us know if you would like this leadership opportunity.

3rd Monday at 2:00 pm (Every other month now- next meeting scheduled is July 20.)

Please let Jennifer know if you would like to be sent the link for the meeting.

Purpose: Create a network of professionals that have diverse knowledge, experience, and interests to build skills and provide resources to members of AC4C.