ABOUT US
Empowering Families with Knowledge, Support,
and Prevention for Healthier, Brighter Futures.
Susan Blauner
Executive Director of Substance Misuse, Prevention, & Education
Susan Blauner leads the Saving Lives Family Resource Network’s initiatives in substance abuse prevention, education, and awareness. In her role, she focuses on providing families, youth, and educators with clear, practical guidance and resources to prevent alcohol and substance misuse and promote healthy decision-making.
Passionate about supporting young people and their families, Susan works to increase understanding of the challenges youth face today and equips caregivers with strategies to foster resilience, open communication, and wellness at home and in schools. Her work emphasizes the importance of prevention and education as tools to help families make informed choices and create environments where youth can thrive.
Through leadership, advocacy, and educational initiatives, Susan plays a critical role in advancing the Network’s mission to save lives and strengthen families. She is dedicated to empowering families, raising awareness about youth substance misuse, and ensuring that accurate and helpful information is accessible to everyone seeking guidance.
With a deep commitment to fostering healthy, thriving generations, Susan’s efforts continue to shape the Network into a trusted resource for families navigating the complexities of youth mental health, substance prevention, and overall well-being.
Issac Cwibeker
Co-Director of Substance Misuse, Prevention & Education
Supporting the health, safety, and well-being of youth is one of the most important responsibilities we share. Young people are the foundation of our future, and the choices they make today shape the communities and world of tomorrow. As a Youth Specialist, Isaac focuses on engaging young people directly through educational programs and presentations, helping them develop the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy decisions and build resilience.
Through the Saving Lives Family Resource Network, Isaac is dedicated to providing families, educators, and youth with trusted education and resources on substance misuse, youth mental health, and overall wellness. His work empowers families to foster open communication, recognize warning signs, navigate resources, and support young people in making informed choices.
Isaac encourages everyone to explore our resources, engage with educational materials, and apply what they learn to make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of those around them. Through awareness, education, and empowerment, he is committed to helping create a stronger foundation for the next generation — one that encourages growth, resilience, and thriving futures.
Let’s save lives. Together.
From Coalition to Family Resource Network
For over five years, the Saving Lives Five Towns Drug & Alcohol Coalition worked tirelessly to prevent youth alcohol and substance misuse and promote healthy choices for young people and families. Funded through the Federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Coalition built a foundation of prevention education, collaboration, and local leadership.
Throughout the DFC Grant cycle, the Coalition engaged parents, schools, youth organizations, and health professionals to raise awareness about the risks of underage drinking, vaping, and drug use. We provided education, prevention campaigns, and strategies that helped families make informed choices and foster environments where young people could grow safely and confidently.
As the Coalition approached the culmination of its federal grant cycle, it became clear that the need for reliable information and family-focused prevention extended far beyond the borders of any single community. Families everywhere were seeking accessible, evidence-based guidance to help navigate the growing challenges of youth mental health, substance misuse, and family wellness. From that realization, a new vision took shape — the creation of the Saving Lives Family Resource Network.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The Saving Lives Family Resource Network was born out of everything the Coalition achieved — the knowledge, the partnerships, and the community trust — but with a broader, more inclusive reach. Instead of serving a single geographic region, the Network now provides a comprehensive online platform designed to support families everywhere.
Our focus has expanded beyond prevention to include a holistic approach to family well-being. We offer resources, educational materials, and practical tools that address not only substance misuse but also topics such as mental health awareness, youth development, coping skills, and family communication. Each resource is carefully curated to reflect current research and best practices, ensuring families have the most up-to-date and trustworthy information available.
Through this evolution, our goal remains constant: to empower families with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions that strengthen resilience and promote lifelong wellness.
Prevention, Education & Awareness
At the Saving Lives Family Resource Network, we believe that prevention begins with understanding — and that informed families create stronger, healthier futures. Our mission is to connect families with accurate information, effective prevention education, and supportive tools that help them address challenges related to substance misuse, stress, anxiety, and youth mental health.
We are committed to offering clear, practical guidance — not just statistics or programs, but meaningful information families can use in everyday life. From conversation starters for parents and caregivers to evidence-based prevention strategies for schools and youth organizations, we strive to make education approachable, relevant, and empowering.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, Saving Lives Family Resource Network continues to build upon the legacy of the Saving Lives Five Towns Drug & Alcohol Coalition. Our foundation in prevention and education remains strong, but our reach has grown — expanding from a local coalition to a family-centered resource network with a national outlook.
We envision a world where every family has access to trusted knowledge and the confidence to take action; where prevention is part of everyday conversation; and where youth mental health and wellness are prioritized in every home, school, and community.
Together, we are continuing the mission that began years ago — saving lives by empowering families with knowledge, care, and connection.
Our Mission Today
The Saving Lives Family Resource Network empowers families, educators, and youth with evidence-based knowledge and prevention resources. Our goal is to provide clear, practical guidance that families can use in everyday life—from understanding youth mental health and substance misuse to building resilience, communication skills, and healthy habits.
Our website features:
-
Informative content on youth mental health, alcohol, and substance misuse
-
Practical tips and guidance from highly regarded experts in the field
-
Educational videos to help families become informed and confident
-
Additional resources and contacts for further research on specific topics
Connecting with Us
We welcome questions and encourage families, educators, and organizations to engage with us. If you’d like to learn more about the Saving Lives Family Resource Network, receive our monthly newsletter with the latest updates, or explore ways to get involved, please contact: