Better Together: Creating Healthier Communities Through Prevention
Better Together: Creating Healthier Communities Through Prevention
By Char Barwin
The Power of the Pond: A Metaphor for Community Wellness
Picture a tranquil pond at dawn, its surface shimmering with the first light, frogs croaking melodiously from vibrant lily pads, plants swaying gracefully in the morning breeze, and crystal-clear water nurturing every living being within. In this vibrant ecosystem, each frog’s health depends on clean water, fertile soil, and abundant plant life. No frog thrives alone; their well-being is intrinsically connected to the entire pond.
Understanding the Ecosystem of Prevention
Prevention isn’t about finger-pointing or simple solutions. It’s about recognizing that each person’s choices are deeply influenced by the “pond” they inhabit—comprising family relationships, neighborhood resources, community support systems, and social environments. Just as the interplay between water quality and plant life affects the frogs’ well-being, our community’s health relies on the quality of our shared spaces and connections.
This vivid metaphor served as a guiding principle for our Community Health Immersion (CHI) participants, illuminating a pivotal insight: preventing substance use is a collective effort. Just as each frog relies on the pond’s ecosystem, our community’s health depends on the support systems, resources, and environments that surround us.
When each student received a small, squishy frog fidget it symbolized more than just a stress reliever. This playful tool represented the delicate balance of our community ecosystem, reminding them that their actions and well-being are intertwined with those around them. The fidget became a catalyst for viewing prevention through the lens of our shared environment, emphasizing that every individual’s well-being actively contributes to the thriving of our entire community pond.
Meet the Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center’s Substance Use Prevention (SUP) Team
Building on this ecological framework, our SUP team demonstrated to CHI students how three of our key initiatives work together:
1. Alliance for Wisconsin Youth (AWY) Led by Jodie Sorenson
- Connects and empowers local prevention coalitions throughout Northeastern and Southern Wisconsin Regions
- Free membership provides access to regional training, expert resources, and a supportive network of prevention partners
2. Healthiest Manitowoc County Substance Use Prevention Coalition Led by Emily Longmeyer-Wolf
- Festival Tool Kits that lower risks associated with Alcohol while maintaining fun and safe community events
- Medication safety tools (lock boxes, bags, and Deterra Drug Deactivation Kits)
- Drug Take Back Days to promote safe disposal of medications
- Harm reduction resources (Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and training)
- Hidden In Plain Sight trainings to educate parents and teachers
- Youth engagement initiatives to inspire healthy futures
3. Wisconsin Wins Led by Brinn Holschbach
- Tobacco retailer education
- Compliance checks to reduce underage sales
- Community outreach to keep youth tobacco-free
Each initiative contributes to building a healthier “pond,” where every individual—like each frog—has the best chance to flourish.
Ripples of Change
Like ripples on water, positive changes in one corner of a community spread outward, influencing countless lives. When we improve the environment, we make it easier for everyone to thrive. Our CHI students witnessed this firsthand, realizing that prevention isn’t just about “stopping” something—it’s about fostering well-being at every level.
Inspiring Tomorrow’s Prevention Leaders
For UW–Madison Master of Public Health student, Rosemary Philip, the ecological perspective was especially meaningful. “This is the framework of how I want to approach public health issues,” Philip said. “I’m glad to know that AWY is using comprehensive methods to address substance use in the youth of Wisconsin.” Her excitement underscores how shifting our focus to the entire ecosystem can inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Your Role in the Ecosystem
A healthy pond thrives through collective attention and shared purpose. While healthcare professionals play a vital role in Navigating Pathways to Recovery, you too can be part of substance use prevention work:
For Youth (Ages 16–17): Join our Wisconsin Wins team as a youth tobacco compliance inspector:
- Earn $10/hour while gaining public health experience
- Strengthen college applications
- Create positive change in your community
- Ready to dive in? Email hmcintern@newahec.org
For Community Members:
- Get involved with a local prevention coalition
- Support or advocate for tobacco-free initiatives
- Spread the word about prevention resources
- Participate in community health events
For Coalitions: Become an AWY member (it’s free!) to unlock the benefits of:
- Specialized prevention training
- Evidence-based strategies
- A network of partners
Next Up: Person-Centered Pathways to Healing
Just as a healthy pond requires multiple elements working in harmony, supporting recovery demands a variety of approaches and dedicated professionals. In our next “Better Together” story, we’ll explore how Cody Richards, MSW, APSW, CSAC, CCHP, leverages his experiences as both a veteran and recovery professional to provide individualized care. Because a truly healthy pond not only prevents harm—it also heals.
Curious About Community Health Immersions?
Priority is given to Wisconsin AHEC Scholars, but other students may join as space allows! These impactful experiences cover diverse healthcare topics and are offered across Wisconsin.
👉 Learn more about Community Health Immersions
👉 Discover the Wisconsin AHEC Scholars Program
Join us in building a healthier “pond” for all. Together, we can create communities where every person feels supported, valued, and empowered to make positive choices.