HOLLAND, Mich., April 29, 2025 — Holland Hospital is partnering with TalkSooner, a program aimed at preventing youth substance use, to expand community access to free, award-winning youth drug prevention resources.
Endorsed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), TalkSooner is powered by the Lakeshore Regional Entity, the public behavioral health plan for individuals with mental illness, developmental disability, and substance use disorders in Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, and Oceana counties.
By partnering with Talksooner, Holland Hospital’s Behavioral Health Services and School Nurse Program can further the organization’s commitment to community health and well-being to create a comprehensive approach to youth substance use prevention by empowering parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge to engage in meaningful conversations about substance use, creating a stronger, more proactive prevention network.
“Addressing youth substance use requires a multi-faceted approach, and TalkSooner provides invaluable resources that align with our commitment to preventative care,” said Kylene Krause, PhD, Interim Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at Holland Hospital. “By equipping parents with the confidence and tools to have these crucial conversations, we're building a healthier future for our community’s youth.”
TalkSooner, in partnership with Holland Hospital, focuses on empowering parents and caregivers to initiate the often-challenging "drug talk" with their children. The program provides free, accessible educational resources designed to facilitate these essential conversations.
“Research continues to show that parents can play an important role in prevention through regular, ongoing conversation with their children, yet we also know that having the `drug talk’ can be one of the most daunting conversations, with many parents unsure of when and how to start,” said Amy Embury, Substance Use Disorder Manager for Lakeshore Regional Entity. “TalkSooner’s online resources provide trusted information, as well as tools, tips and conversation starters to empower parents to approach these discussions with confidence, based on the latest drug trends and facts.”
TalkSooner’s materials are now displayed at Holland Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at 854 Washington Ave in Holland, inviting parents to turn to TalkSooner’s website to jump-start the “drug talk” with their children and teenagers. The information will also be displayed on digital monitors at over 20 locations throughout Holland Hospital.
The resources also have been made available to Holland Hospital’s school nurses through its School Nurse Program at its 28 schools within Holland Public, West Ottawa, Hamilton, Holland Christian, Fennville and Zeeland Christian districts, impacting over 12,000 students across the lakeshore.
"Our school nurses are on the front lines, supporting the health and well-being of thousands of students,” said Holland Hospital School Nurse Manager Hendrina Cupery. “Integrating TalkSooner into our program allows us to provide parents and caregivers with essential tools to foster open communication at home, reinforcing the preventative education our students receive in school. We believe this collaborative effort will significantly enhance our ability to protect and support our youth."
The talksooner.org website provides up-to-date facts about drug trends, age-appropriate talking tips for children at all stages of development, slang terms for the top trending substances, brief videos that show how parents can turn everything from car rides to snack time into springboards for conversation and more.
To learn more about Holland Hospital’s School Nurse Program, visit hollandhospital.org/snp, and to learn about Holland Hospital’s Behavioral Health Services, visit hollandhospital.org/bhs.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
April 29, 2025