Meeting Recap - June 11, 2026
Quick recap
This meeting was a prevention providers' discussion group where participants shared updates and experiences following the recent APPM (Annual Prevention Providers Meeting). The group discussed positive changes from the directors' meeting at APPM, including moving deliverable dates from the 15th to the 30th and potential changes to travel money allocation. Participants from various regions shared their current activities and initiatives, including World Cup-related naloxone distribution efforts, summer prevention programs, and pilot projects in schools. The conversation then shifted to legislative challenges, particularly regarding Senate Bill 12 and its impact on prevention services in schools, with Noelle providing updates on upcoming meetings with TEA and HHSC to address these concerns. The conversation ended with a discussion about the importance of ongoing communication through ASAP's online groups to help advocate for prevention services at the legislative level.
Next steps
Abigail
Collaboration
Summary
Texas Prevention Organizations Meeting
The meeting began with introductions from participants representing various organizations across Texas, including ASAP, Challenge of T, Hill Country Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and others. Noelle announced the upcoming Executive Finance Forum starting the next day at 10 a.m., led by Victor with Aliviane. The group discussed their recent attendance at the prevention provider conference, with Tiffany noting it was one of the best conferences she had attended. The conversation ended with Abigail preparing to lead the discussion about the third/final quarter of the fiscal year and addressing any challenges or support needs among participants.
APPM Directors Meeting Updates
The group discussed a productive APPM directors meeting where significant changes were announced, including moving deliverable dates for prevention from the 15th to the 30th and allowing flexibility with travel money. Lakeysha and Cindy expressed satisfaction with the meeting's openness and the potential benefits, though they noted these changes weren't yet in writing. Erin highlighted the unusual level of program-specific information shared during the meeting and announced a documentary screening about fentanyl at 2:00 PM at the Lena Pope Amon Carter Center in Tarrant County.
Naloxone Kit Distribution Updates
Jennifer reported that coalitions prepared 1,500 naloxone kits with cooling towels and instruction cards for World Cup events in Arlington, with 500 kits already requested within 48 hours of posting. Jennifer also mentioned a sold-out vaping conference scheduled for August with 250 slots filled and a waiting list started. Payal shared that their coalition outside Houston is distributing similar prevention kits to local businesses and has received positive media coverage.
APPM Conference and Program Updates
The team discussed their positive experiences at the APPM conference, where new staff members gained valuable knowledge and new ideas. Chris reported on upcoming summer camp activities with up to 80 kids registered and a waiting list. Andrea shared updates on program partnerships and hiring plans, while Abigail praised Andrea's team for successfully completing a QM visit with zero findings. Payal suggested improving the coalition boot camp by creating separate tracks for new and experienced coalition coordinators, as the current content was too basic for seasoned professionals.
Training Program Enhancement Discussion
The group discussed the value of training programs, with Payal and Abigail agreeing that more meaningful training would be beneficial than basic 101 sessions. Abigail suggested writing recommendations to CARE Consulting about incorporating new strategies and ideas into training for seasoned coalition members. Priscilla from Region 10 shared updates about their summer prevention activities, including partnerships with parks and recreation centers, local churches, and high schools, as well as the implementation of a Narcan machine in their community center.
First-Offender Vape Program Expansion
Priscilla explained that her district, in partnership with JPD, started a first-offender program for students caught with vapes about two years ago, initially focusing on alternative schools. Due to continued issues and an overflow in alternative schools, they piloted bringing the program into high schools this summer to intercept students before they reach alternative school. The program is using CBSG curriculum, and Ivonne shared positive feedback from early sessions, noting how some male participants were actively engaging and even facilitating discussions, which helped them focus on the future and consider becoming co-facilitators.
Juvenile Probation Prevention Pilot Project
Ivonne discussed a pilot project where juvenile probation and the school district recognized the importance of preventative services rather than waiting for students to need treatment. She highlighted how prevention reaches more people at a lower cost than treatment services, noting that treatment reached less than 3,000 people while prevention reached over 140,000. Ivonne also mentioned a successful partnership with the fire department that provides free naloxone through a vending machine outside an opioid treatment clinic.
Senate Bill 12 Implementation Challenges
The group discussed challenges with Senate Bill 12, which has created barriers for prevention services by requiring parent consent forms that are preventing implementation of required behavioral health and substance use education. Noelle reported that meetings with TEA and HHSC are planned to address these issues, with the goal of finding ways to work within the existing law rather than opposing it directly. The team was asked to increase participation in online discussions and group chats to provide specific examples and feedback to help craft their narrative and advocacy strategy, with legislative priorities to be defined before September.