Welcome to Prevent 2 Protect
P2P is a student-powered coalition working to create a substance-free future in Cheboygan County. Led by high school students from Wolverine High School, Inland Lakes Secondary School, and Cheboygan High School, P2P is about more than saying “no” to drugs and alcohol — it’s about saying “yes” to leadership, wellness, connection, and a stronger community.
We believe that youth have the power to inspire change, and we're here to make that happen through education, advocacy, and action. From planning school-wide campaigns to speaking at county meetings, our students are leading the way toward a healthier future.
What is Prevent 2 Protect?
Prevent to Protect (P2P) is a student-led, high school coalition dedicated to promoting a substance-free lifestyle among youth in Cheboygan County, Michigan. P2P gives students a platform to take an active role in shaping their future and supporting their peers through prevention, education, and community engagement.
P2P is the youth leadership branch of the broader Pulling Together Coalition, a community-wide initiative focused on preventing substance use and promoting wellness. While Pulling Together works with all age groups, P2P is completely driven by high school students who are passionate about making a difference in their schools and communities.
Through creative projects, outreach efforts, and leadership development, P2P empowers teens to speak up, take action, and lead by example.
What Does P2P Do?
P2P members lead a wide range of projects designed to educate, inspire, and connect with their peers and the broader community. These activities are developed and led entirely by students, with guidance and support from caring adult mentors.
Some of the key things P2P students do include:
Planning and hosting substance-free events such as movie nights, school-wide competitions, themed spirit weeks, and wellness activities. These events give students safe and fun alternatives to risky behaviors.
Creating public awareness campaigns on important topics like vaping, underage drinking, mental health, and peer pressure. Campaigns often include posters, social media content, videos, announcements, and classroom presentations.
Speaking out in the community by giving presentations at town halls, school board meetings, and even in front of the Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners. P2P students advocate for positive change and represent the voice of youth in local decision-making.
Partnering with local organizations to expand their impact and bring their ideas to life—such as working with health departments, law enforcement, and nonprofits on shared goals.
Each project is designed using the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)—a proven approach that guides students through assessing needs, planning solutions, taking action, and evaluating their impact.
Why is P2P Important
P2P matters because it gives high school students the chance to lead real, meaningful change in their communities.
Teen voices are powerful. P2P recognizes that young people know best what challenges their peers are facing. They have fresh ideas, unique insights, and the creativity to solve problems in ways that adults may not think of. P2P gives teens a platform to speak, act, and influence.
It builds lifelong skills. By being part of P2P, students gain confidence, leadership experience, public speaking abilities, and project management skills. These are valuable tools they’ll carry with them into college, careers, and life.
It makes a real difference. Research shows that peer-to-peer prevention is one of the most effective ways to reduce substance use. P2P students are role models who prove that living substance-free is not only possible—it’s powerful and inspiring.
It strengthens communities. When youth are actively involved in prevention, communities become safer, more connected, and more supportive of young people’s success.