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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2026 AZYP's Linking Actions for Healthy Mothers and Babies Program Draws Nationwide Praise at Premier Addiction Conference GLOBE, AZ — Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit, held April 6-9, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. The annual summit is the nation’s premier gathering for stakeholders committed to addressing the opioid and addiction crisis – bringing together voices from federal agencies to advance evidence-based solutions in prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. About the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit The Rx and Illicit Drug Summit is where solutions are formulated, stakeholders from federal to family convene, and change begins. The Summit plays a vital role in addressing the ongoing addiction crisis by fostering collaboration across sectors and promoting evidence-based solutions – equipping attendees with the latest knowledge, tools and connections needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and organizations. AZYP Presents the LAHMB Program Julie Craig, Director of Community Impact at AZYP, and Charlene Becker, Senior Program Manager, co-presented on AZYP’s Linking Actions for Healthy Mothers and Babies (LAHMB) Program — a groundbreaking initiative designed to support pregnant mothers experiencing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Gila County, Arizona. Julie Craig opened the presentation with a compelling overview of the opioid epidemic’s devastating toll on Arizona and Gila County specifically, citing sobering statistics on opioid-related deaths. She also provided an educational breakdown of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), explaining how these conditions affect newborns and the urgent need for targeted, compassionate intervention programs. Charlene Becker then detailed the LAHMB program’s holistic, wrap-around model of care. The program integrates healthy pregnancy and childbirth education classes with individualized case management and peer support — creating a judgment-free environment where mothers with SUD can find community, strength, and hope. The program’s guiding philosophy is to meet mothers where they are: helping them feel accepted, supported, and empowered in their journey through motherhood rather than isolated or stigmatized. “Our goal is to help these mothers feel accepted and supported,” said Charlene Becker. “We want them to be with peers and find solace in motherhood, rather than feeling shame or being singled out. Every mother deserves that dignity and belonging.” Program Impact and National Recognition To date, the LAHMB program has successfully connected 10 mothers with the critical resources needed to support themselves and their babies through withdrawal — a milestone that reflects the program’s life-changing potential in one of Arizona’s most rural and underserved counties. The presentation was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees and HRSA representatives present at the Summit. The response was so enthusiastic that multiple participants inquired about the possibility of expanding the LAHMB model to other counties across Arizona and replicating it in states throughout the country — a testament to the program’s transferable, evidence-informed design. “We are incredibly proud of what this program represents and what it has already accomplished for families in Gila County,” said Julie Craig. “The interest we received from HRSA and our fellow grantees was inspiring.” About Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) AZYP is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building healthy, resilient youth. Through innovative evidence-based prevention programs and community driven initiatives like LAHMB program, AZYP empowers youth to harness their strengths to live healthy and purposeful lives. ###

Posted By: Mireya McPhee What is Love Notes? Love Notes Risk Avoidance Adaptation (SRA) is an Evidence-Based Program (EBP) that studies these matters through skill-building and knowledge to foster positive relationships in all forms (romantic, friendship, familial, educational, and professional). How Love Notes Applies to High Schoolers The high school years are crucial for making decisions. Love Notes empowers teenagers to safeguard their future. The Program Assists High Schoolers by: Setting Healthy Boundaries Understand the distinction between a healthy relationship and an unhealthy one. Selecting Partners Learn how to pick partners and friends who share similar visions and align with their long-term goals. Sexual Risk Avoidance Accentuate the value of excluding sexual behavior in youthful relationships, enabling them to concentrate on self-development and academic achievements. Trusted Connections Incorporates exercises which help in connecting the youth to their parents or other trusted individuals, initiating essential discussions on matters relating to life and romance. What’s Happening in the Classroom: A Look at the Lessons It starts by looking inward before looking at a partner. Students don’t just read a textbook. Instead, they engage in activities along with journal activities designed to reveal their own social patterns. Understanding Personality Colors: One of the most popular segments involves students discovering their own personality types. By identifying their traits, students can learn... Self-Awareness:  Why they react the way they do in stressful situations. Compatibility:  How to navigate a relationship with someone who has a completely different personality vibe. Empathy:  Recognizing that a friend or partner isn't being difficult -they just process information differently. Master Classes in Communication: In the how it applies phase, students move into the Evidence-Based Communication portion of the program. They move away from “you-statements" (which cause defensiveness) and learn the power of "I-statements." Specific skills taught include... The Speaker-Listener Technique:  A structured way to ensure both people feel heard without being interrupted. Conflict Management:  How to "time out" during an argument so a disagreement doesn't turn into a "red flag" situation. How High Schoolers Are Engaged If you were to walk into a classroom at Walden Grove or Sahuarita High School during a Love Notes session, you won’t see students staring blankly at a screen. You’ll see them engaged in real talk. High schoolers are leaning into this curriculum because it respects their autonomy. They aren't being told what to do - they are being taught how to think through their choices. Students are actively participating in shaping their own social and emotional intelligence. Testimonial After sitting through the lessons on healthy boundaries and the "Red Flags" of toxic behavior, a 9th-grade student realized that a relationship she was currently in didn't align with the values she was learning. A 9 th grade student at Sahuarita High School found the courage to end that toxic relationship because of what she learned in Love Notes. Kourtney Kazakos brought these lessons to life by creating a judgment-free zone where students feel safe enough to audit their own lives.

Arizona Youth Partnership is proud to share our 2024–2025 Annual Report , highlighting a year of resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to youth and families across Arizona. Despite statewide uncertainty in nonprofit funding, AZYP continued to expand impact through prevention education, youth wellness programs, and community partnerships. This milestone year also marked our 35th anniversary , a testament to decades of showing up for young people with compassion, consistency, and purpose. In the past year alone, AZYP: Distributed 1,483 naloxone kits  to save lives Reached over 1,000 students  through drug prevention assemblies Supported 51 youth in shelters , 19 in transitional living , and 35 youth & families  in court‑related programs Trained 677 individuals  in Youth & Adult Mental Health First Aid Empowered 1,200 community members  through literacy and resilience‑building events Ensured that 84¢ of every dollar  directly supported youth and family programs This report also celebrates the retirement of Shirley Lamy , AZYP’s CFO of 14 years, whose leadership helped sustain and strengthen our mission. We invite you to explore the full report and see the powerful difference your support makes in communities across Arizona. Don’t forget that your support qualifies for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, allowing you to give back while reducing your tax burden. QCO code 20953. www.azyp.org/donate .

As the nation observes Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) , Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP)  is reaffirming its commitment to helping young people build safe, healthy relationships by offering two free , evidence-based virtual programs for youth across Arizona. Beginning this spring, AZYP will offer virtual cohorts of Positive Potential  for middle school youth and Love Notes for high school youth, removing geographic barriers and expanding access for teens statewide. Free Virtual Spring Cohorts Love Notes is a proven, research-based program that helps high school teens learn how to create and keep healthy relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. Participants explore communication, conflict resolution, boundaries, emotional safety, and how to identify the signs of unhealthy or unsafe relationships. Positive Potential is a proven curriculum for middle school youth that teaches how to build healthy relationships, strengthen decision-making skills, and set meaningful goals for their futures. Lessons support youth during a critical stage of development, helping them grow in confidence, communication, and resilience. A Crucial Moment for Prevention TDVAM brings attention to the alarming reality that one in three teens will experience some form of dating violence. AZYP is dedicated to prevention by equipping youth with skills that promote safety, respect, and emotional well‑being. “Empowering young people with the knowledge and tools to build healthy relationships is one of the most effective ways to prevent dating violence,” said Kourtney Kazakos, lead program coordinator. “We’re excited to offer these virtual programs so youth across Arizona can access them easily, no matter where they live.” Registration Now Open Parents, caregivers, educators, and community partners are encouraged to share these opportunities with teens who may benefit. For program details or to register, visit www.azyp.org/love-note   or www.azyp.org/positive-potential

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The Empowering Minds Conference, held on October 21, 2025, was more than just an event, it was a movement toward stronger, more connected communities. Hosted by Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP), the conference brought together more than 200 participants for a full day dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and gatekeeper trainings. From Planning to Purpose: The Road to Empowering Minds The journey to the conference began months in advance, with a shared goal: to provide the best possible experience for attendees while increasing Arizona’s capacity to recognize and respond to mental health crises. Every detail mattered; from finding the perfect breakout session presenters to securing sponsorships and community partners that made this event possible. One of the biggest priorities in planning was ensuring attendees could walk away with real connections and local support. As a parent who has personally navigated the challenges of helping a child through a mental health crisis, I know how overwhelming it can feel to not know where to turn. That experience fueled my commitment to building a strong network of tabling partners representing a wide range of mental health, wellness, and community resources. The result was a huge success. The ballroom was filled with organizations ready to offer guidance, services, and support to anyone seeking help for themselves or someone they care about. Having those resources all in one place truly brought the vision of Empowering Minds to life. A Day of Learning, Healing, and Empowerment The conference opened with a heartfelt Land Acknowledgement by Mr. Jonathon Rios , followed by a warm welcome recognizing our sponsors, presenters, and tabling partners, the heart of this event. Their expertise and passion helped equip attendees with the tools to strengthen mental health supports in their communities. Our morning keynote speaker, Dr. Lexi Hernandez , set the tone with an inspiring message on resilience and self-care. We cannot give from an empty cup, and Lexi's message was a needed reminder for our attendees, dedicated to becoming gatekeepers and supporting their communities through a mental health challenge or crisis. Throughout the day, participants engaged in gatekeeper trainings such as SafeTALK, Be A Link, and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), gaining evidence-based skills to recognize and respond to signs of suicide and mental health distress. Breakout sessions offered opportunities for deeper learning on specific topics regarding populations in Arizona where there are high rates of suicide. These breakout sessions included: Mental Health Across the Lifespan: Supporting Older Adults In Our Own Voice (NAMI) Mental Health in Rural Arizona Self-Care and Coping Strategies Supporting LGBTQ+ Communities and Suicide Awareness Supporting Military Families and Veterans Honoring Resilience: Mental Health and Historical Trauma in Indigenous Populations During lunch, Dr. Anahi Ortiz, AZYP Board Member, delivered a moving keynote address rooted in lived experience. Her reflections on prevention, loss, and healing offered a powerful reminder of why this work matters. A Day Recognized and Remembered Adding to the celebration, the City of Tucson Mayor’s Office issued a Proclamation declaring October 21, 2025, as “Empowering Minds Day.” This recognition underscored the importance of collective action in advancing mental health awareness and suicide prevention across Arizona. The Lasting Impact By the end of the day, participants left not only with new knowledge but with a renewed sense of purpose. The Empowering Minds Conference succeeded in: Equipping community members with practical, culturally relevant suicide prevention skills. Expanding partnerships among schools, behavioral health agencies, and local organizations. Increasing Arizona’s statewide capacity for early identification, intervention, and referral for youth and adults experiencing mental health challenges. Connecting individuals and families to a powerful network of resources through our dedicated tabling partners. As one attendee shared, “It was more than a conference, it was a reminder that every one of us can be a lifeline.” Through shared learning, honest conversations, and collaboration, the 2025 Empowering Minds Conference truly lived up to its name; empowering each of us to build stronger, safer, and more compassionate communities. Written by: Kelley Coronado, Director of Youth Wellness Division.

Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP) is proud to announce that we have been selected as  the only grantee in Arizona  for the  Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) grant , awarded by the  Office of Family Assistance (OFA), Family and Economic Stability Demonstration and Innovation Division (FED Innovation Division) . This highly competitive national grant supports programs that help youth and families build and sustain  healthy relationships ,  strong marriages , and  positive father-child interactions —all essential components of long-term family and community well-being.    Through this funding, AZYP will launch  Project READY (Relationship Education & Development for Youth) , designed to strengthen the foundation of healthy relationships among high school students across five Arizona counties:  Gila, Navajo, Mohave, Pinal, and Pima . With a special focus on  rural communities , Project READY will use a  systems-level approach  to bring relationship education directly into schools and community spaces, ensuring both youth and educators have the tools to foster strong, respectful, and supportive relationships while learning skills that support  successful transitions to adulthood.    The initiative is part of the  Relationships, Education, Advancement, and Development for Youth for Life (READY4Life)  opportunity under the HMRF program. This effort aims to help youth, particularly those in  high school (grades 9–12)  and  early adulthood (ages 18–24) , develop skills to navigate relationships, understand the value of marriage and family formation, and prepare for a successful transition into adulthood.    Project READY will incorporate  evidence-based curricula  to teach essential life and relationship skills such as communication, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and decision-making. But the project extends beyond the classroom – it involves  school staff, peer groups, and community awareness campaigns  to create lasting change and promote a culture of healthy connections among youth.    “Strong relationships are the cornerstone of thriving communities,” said  Gauri Gladish, CEO of Arizona Youth Partnership .  Through Project READY, we’re equipping young people with the knowledge and tools they need to build healthy relationships in high school and for their future. Learning the importance of these skills during high school years creates a strong foundation for setting healthy relationship expectations, fostering stable families in the future, and contributing positively to the communities they call home.      Arizona Youth Partnership is honored to bring this impactful program to youth across the state. As the sole Arizona recipient of this federal award, AZYP remains committed to  empowering youth to harness their strengths, make positive choices, and live healthy, purposeful lives .    Stay tuned for more information  about Project READY, including updates on program activities, partnerships, and the launch of our new Project READY webpage —coming soon to www.azyp.org !

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As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for your generous support, which has been instrumental in creating meaningful change for youth and families across Arizona. Your kindness and commitment to our mission empower us to build stronger communities and brighter futures.     With your contributions, we’ve reached incredible milestones this year. From supporting 1,470 students through impactful youth assemblies to providing housing and guidance to 62 young individuals in our shelters and transitional programs, your support has touched countless lives. You’ve also enabled us to train 786 adults in Mental Health First Aid and distribute 5,000 Pocket Resource Guides, providing vital tools for resilience and wellness.    We are excited to share more about the difference your donations have made in our 2024 Annual Report, enclosed here. It highlights the many successes and stories of hope that your generosity has made possible.   Thank you  for believing in our work and standing with us as we cultivate healthy foundations for youth, families, and communities. Together, we’re transforming lives and creating a stronger, more vibrant Arizona.   P.S. Don’t forget that your support qualifies for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, allowing you to give back while reducing your tax burden. QCO code 20953. www.azyp.org/donate .

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We are thrilled to announce that Arizona Youth Partnership's (AZYP) Copper Corridor Coalition has been named a 2024 Blue Ribbon Coalition by CADCA’s National Coalition Institute (NCI). This prestigious designation, funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), is a testament to our unwavering commitment to improving community-level substance use outcomes. The Blue Ribbon Coalition Initiative recognizes coalitions that have made significant contributions to their communities through proven practices that yield positive outcomes. Being named a Blue Ribbon Coalition highlights our dedication to transforming the Copper Corridor communities by preventing and reducing drug and alcohol misuse . What’s Next? As a Phase I Blue Ribbon Coalition, we now advance to Phase II of the initiative. In this phase, we have the opportunity to earn one of three prestigious awards: Coalition in Focus : Recognizing coalitions based on short-term outcomes. Coalition of Excellence : Acknowledging coalitions for their intermediate outcomes. Coalition of the Year : Honoring coalitions that demonstrate long-term outcomes. These awards offer a platform to showcase our ongoing efforts and the impact we are making in the Copper Corridor. We are excited about the journey ahead and remain committed to our mission of creating a healthier, safer community. Join Us The Copper Corridor Coalition is open to all concerned community members who share our commitment to preventing substance misuse. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of our youth and the overall well-being of our communities. To be part of the coalition, visit azyp.org/copper-corridor-substance-abuse-coalition . To learn more about the Blue Ribbon Coalition Initiative and follow our progress, visit CADCA's Blue Ribbon Coalitions . Together, we can build a brighter future for the Copper Corridor and beyond. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission.