We believe it is important to invest in prevention of unhealthy substance use as well as in treatment of problems related to substance use.

Kentucky’s Regional Prevention Centers (RPCs) can help individuals and groups develop prevention programs that will encourage healthy choices about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Prevention specialists at each center provide education and training programs, information, and consultation services.

NorthKey Regional Prevention Center provides the following:

  • Community Development
  • Consultation and Technical Assistance
  • Early Intervention Services
  • Public Information
  • Training and Education

Resources

Resources For Military Families:

 

Dinner Table Project: The Dinner Table Project was created by Four Rivers Behavioral Health Regional Prevention Center in 2015 with the basic idea that families that eat together, have better relationships.

Kentucky Army National Guard – Child & Youth Services: The Child and Youth Program serves Kentucky National Guard connected youth ages 6-18. Events include: Summer Youth Camp, Military Child Appreciation Days, Operation Military Cheer Christmas Assistance, Kentucky Teen Council Meetings, State Symposium, Yellow Ribbon Event support and more.

Military Child Education Coalition: Resource to help children growing up in military families by providing them, their parents, and professionals with programs, resources, and guidance—helping the child stay on course academically, socially, and emotionally

Operation Purple® Camp: Operation Purple® Camp offers military kids a free week of summer camp where they connect with other kids, just like them.

Our Military Kids: Our Military Kids provides activity grants for children and teens during a parent’s National Guard or Reserve deployment or combat-injury recovery.
Sesame Street for Military Families: Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit organization best known for creating Sesame Street. Their mission is to help children grow stronger, smarter, and kinder through educational content that spans over 150 countries. Beyond television, they produce resources across various media, addressing topics like literacy, health, diversity, and military deployment to support kids and families in developing essential skills and emotional strength for lifelong learning.
Talk They Hear You: The “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign seeks to prevent underage drinking and substance use among youth under 21 by equipping parents and caregivers with the information and resources they need to start important conversations early and often.
YMCA of Central Kentucky: Since 1853, the YMCA of Central Kentucky has focused on empowering youth, promoting health and well-being, and strengthening communities. We bring together people from diverse backgrounds to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Our mission is to support individuals and families through programs that build healthy minds, bodies, and communities, making Central Kentucky a better place for all.
Resources For Veterans:

 

Veterans Crisis Line:Veterans Crisis Line now offers 24/7 call, chat, and text support with over 500 trained responders, many of whom are Veterans. It provides immediate help and can connect Veterans to local VA suicide prevention coordinators for ongoing care. The Military Crisis Line also serves active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserves, and their families. Reach them at 988 (press 1), chat at MilitaryCrisisLine.net, or text 838255 for free, confidential support.

Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS) : TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to those grieving the loss of a military service member or veteran. Since 1994, TAPS has offered comfort and hope through a national peer support network and access to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. TAPS provides a wide range of programs, including the National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp, held annually in Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day weekend, as well as regional survivor seminars, youth programs, and global retreats and expeditions. TAPS also assists survivors in connecting to community counseling and navigating benefits and resources. The 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline (800-959-TAPS) is always available to provide loving support and guidance. As a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) Veterans Service Organization, TAPS welcomes those who share their mission to support families of America’s fallen heroes through giving, volunteering, or professional engagement.

Survivor Outreach Services: Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) is dedicated to upholding the Kentucky National Guard’s commitment to supporting Families of the Fallen by connecting them with resources and people who can help them navigate their loss and move forward. SOS teams provide active case management, advocate for survivors, and coordinate benefits and services while organizing outreach events and life milestone management. They also collaborate with community agencies and Non-Government Organizations to offer a comprehensive network of support. By maintaining a holistic, multi-agency approach, SOS ensures that Active, Reserve, and Army National Guard Families receive consistent support and all benefits they are entitled to, helping them remain a vital part of the National Guard family for as long as they wish.

Military One Source : Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive. As a member of our military family, you are eligible to use this Defense Department-funded program anytime, anywhere. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more. Learn about some of the ways we serve you.
Kentucky Army National Guard – Family Assistance Center: The Kentucky National Guard consists of approximately 7,500 Soldiers and Airmen in the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, serving as components of the United States Army and Air Force. Unique in its dual mission, the National Guard supports both federal and state operations. Since September 11, 2001, the Kentucky National Guard has mobilized and deployed over 18,000 Soldiers and Airmen in support of the Global War on Terror. Additionally, the Kentucky National Guard is always prepared to assist communities during local disasters such as floods, tornadoes, and ice storms, as well as to provide security for high-profile events like the Kentucky Derby, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of the Commonwealth.
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization driven by a mission to prevent and alleviate suffering both at home and around the world.
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA): The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA), established in 1998, helps veterans and their families access federal, state, and local benefits. KDVA oversees veterans centers providing skilled care, dementia support, and recreational activities; manages state veterans cemeteries; and offers services for benefits, employment, housing, and financial assistance.

Kentucky Purple Star Award

The Kentucky Purple Star Award honors schools that actively support military-connected students and their families. It highlights a school’s commitment to understanding the unique challenges these students may face—such as frequent moves or deployment-related stress.

What Schools Do

To earn the designation, schools must:

  • Appoint a Purple Star Liaison
  • Complete military youth training
  • Host a military recognition event
  • Provide a military family resource webpage

Application

Schools apply in spring (Feb 15) or fall (Sept 15), with awards announced in April and November.

Why It Matters

Families gain a welcoming, knowledgeable school environment; schools strengthen their ability to support students who serve alongside our service members.

 

 

Resources:

 

 

Student to Student (S2S): This peer-led program unites military and civilian students to welcome newcomers, foster a positive school culture, support educational initiatives, cultivate connections through community service, and facilitate smoother transitions for all students.

Anchored 4 Life: A dynamic peer-to-peer club designed to connect youth while developing change and resilience skills. Participants gain valuable social and leadership skills, enhance their self-esteem, and build character, all while integrating into their community through engaging club activities.

Global Game Changers: A national nonprofit organization, Children’s Education Initiative, Inc. (GGC) offers a project-based program that provides evidence-based, teacher-tested curriculum and resources for free to Pre-K through 5th-grade educators. Utilizing service learning and talent development, GGC nurtures children’s social, emotional, leadership, and academic growth, including free lessons on topics such as 9/11, Veterans, and the Purple Star Award Program.

School Quest: This free, interactive tool supports highly mobile military-connected parents and students in making informed decisions before, during, and after transitions, enhancing both academic success and social well-being.

Military Interstate Compact Commission: Recognizing that military families frequently relocate, the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children ensures seamless transitions for their children across various states and school districts, addressing the unique challenges they face during these moves.

Military Student Consultant: (MSCs) are education professionals who provide concierge support to students, parents, or professionals who serve military families (Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, ROTC cadre, recruiter, and veteran) anywhere in the world. They offer individual professional services to education professionals, parents and students with our goal being to educate professionals and parents to best serve the needs of the military child.

Military Child Well Being Toolkit: This resource offers accessible social-emotional support and tools directly for parents, educators, school counselors, administrators, and youth-serving professionals working with military-connected youth, ensuring they have the assistance needed to thrive.

Month of the Military Child Toolkit: Celebrating the invaluable contributions of military children, the Month of the Military Child (MOMC) highlights their sacrifices and strengths throughout the year. This toolkit provides resources for communities to honor and celebrate these remarkable young individuals.

Tutor.com: Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) General Library Program, this initiative offers eligible service members, civilians, and their dependents on-demand online tutoring and homework assistance at no cost, ensuring academic support is readily available.

Supporting Military Families in Kentucky’s Schools: Military-connected youth—children with family members serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces—face unique challenges when transitioning between schools due to deployments and relocations. Discover resources and strategies to effectively support these students and their families within Kentucky’s educational landscape.

A Toolkit for Communities: The National Military Family Association is a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting the families of active, retired, wounded, and fallen service members across all branches of the military, providing essential information, advocacy for benefits, and programs that enhance their lives, making it a trusted resource for military families and national leaders for over 40 years.

Kentucky Principals Podcast: A podcast that explores the Purple Star Award, a state-sponsored recognition celebrating schools’ commitment to supporting military-connected youth. Launched in 2016 in Ohio, the program emerged from discussions with veterans, educators, military family members, students, and service members, focusing on how schools can enhance their support for military students and their families.

Things Military Teens Want You to Know: Each summer, the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple® program offers a free week of camp for military youth worldwide, providing them with recreational activities while addressing the unique challenges they face as children of service members, including those dealing with deployment, combat-related injuries, or the loss of a parent, through a toolkit designed to help teachers, counselors, and community leaders support these teens in managing stress and affirming the positive aspects of military life.
Supporting the Military Child: Each summer, the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple® program offers a free week of camp for military youth worldwide, providing them with recreational activities while addressing the unique challenges they face as children of service members, including those dealing with deployment, combat-related injuries, or the loss of a parent, through a toolkit designed to help teachers, counselors, and community leaders support these teens in managing stress and affirming the positive aspects of military life.

Helping Hands Guide: The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) recognizes the unique challenges faced by military children due to deployment, providing comprehensive support through trained educators who use motivational strategies, maintain structured environments, and promote resilience, while also offering resources such as tutoring, community programs, and a “Helping Hands” guide to connect families with additional support to ensure the emotional and social well-being of students.

Educator’s Guide to Deployments: The increasing and complex demands placed on military families, particularly during deployments, create significant emotional challenges for children, making schools a crucial environment for providing stability and support, which educators can facilitate through specific guidelines and strategies aimed at helping military-connected students build coping skills during these transitions.

Kentucky Moms Maternal Assistance Towards Recovery (Ky-Moms MATR)

KY-Moms provides prevention education and service coordination to pregnant Kentucky mothers, or women up to 1 year postpartum, to prepare moms for a safe, healthy delivery, and postpartum life.

If you are an expectant mother, some of the reasons you may seek assistance include:

  • You want to know about having a healthy pregnancy
  • You are concerned about the effects of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs on your baby
  • You feel unsafe in a relationship or in your home
  • You have difficulty coping with your emotions or daily responsibilities

Our specialists meet with you to provide support and help you find resources to decrease stress and risk during your pregnancy, such as:

  • Financial supports and resources
  • Housing supports and resources
  • Nutritional information
  • Transportation assistance to medical appointments
  • Help with stopping use of alcohol and other drugs
  • Help with stopping smoking
  • Help to reduce anxiety and/or depression

Our team may also provide:

  • Free classes for any pregnant woman (available in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Owen, Pendleton, Grant, Gallatin, and Carroll counties)
  • Free baby items for attending classes
  • Telehealth options for Prevention Education and Case Management services
  • Community baby showers

Learn more

Case Management services may be provided throughout pregnancy and up to 1 year postpartum, even if the woman does not go into treatment. Through case management services, a woman’s immediate needs (e.g. safety, housing, childcare, medical care, financial assistance, employment, etc.) will be identified and addressed.

Women will be engaged with programs such as HANDS, WIC, and prenatal care; along with referral to services for substance use treatment if necessary. Women involved in case management services will be able to maximize their functioning through community supports, while reducing barriers to a healthy lifestyle.

Community Development

Assist community residents, leaders, and groups in coming together to discuss their community’s strengths and needs and to develop a comprehensive prevention plan.

Consultation and Technical Assistance

Provide information and advice on effective prevention programs and strategies and how to tailor them to individual situations.

Early Intervention Services

Provide multifaceted prevention and interventions to target specific needs related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug behavior and choices for youth and their parents. The mission is to help youth and their families to learn about risks and consequences associated with alcohol and other drug use.

Training and Education

Provide interactive training for adults and youth on how to implement prevention strategies. Train individuals and groups who will subsequently affect or train others.

Public Information

Publicize prevention efforts and get accurate and helpful information to the public

Any Questions?

Contat Caroline Mullins
caroline.mullins@northkey.org
(859)- 578-3200 Ext. 5706

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