SOUTHINGTON STEPS COALITION NEWSLETTER


October 2017
IN THIS ISSUE:
PREVENTION AWARENESS |COALITION OF THE YEAR| SHS STEPS STUDENT COUNCIL THINK TANK | PARENT PREVENTION CHECKLIST|CONVERSATION STARTERS| STEPS STAFF | NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH | EVENTS  | LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
PREVENTION AWARENESS
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that can look like a real cigarette or pen. Most contain the chemical nicotine, which is addictive. When you stop using it, you can go into withdrawal and feel depressed and crabby. In May, the FDA ruled that e-cigarettes products will be subject to the same regulation applied to cigarettes. In addition to prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to those under 18, this means that manufacturers and retailers of vapor "juices" will have to register ingredients with the FDA. E-cigarette juice contains a mix of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavoring agents approved by the FDA as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) for consumption. When this mix is heated, a group of compounds known as carbonyls are produced. This includes compounds such formaldehyde and acrolein. 

Some of the ways STEPS makes E-cigarette & vaping prevention a priority in Southington:
  1. Merchant Education
  2. Compliance Checks
  3. Student & Teacher Education
  4. Participating in State-wide Initiatives

To learn more Southington specific facts on electronic cigarettes and vaping and to view our Youth Council's PSA, click here.

 
STEPS AWARDED CAPP COALITION OF THE YEAR    
STEPS was recognized by The Connecticut Association of Prevention Professionals (CAPP) for the 2017 Coalition of the Year Award.
 
This award recognizes a community coalition that demonstrates significant contributions to prevention in CT through strategies and outcomes. This coalition also practices the Strategic Prevention Framework, has engaged members, and takes both success and challenges in stride.  To learn more about CAPP click
here.
 

SHS STEPS STUDENT COUNCIL THINK TANK
30 members of the SHS STEPS Student Council Think Tank joined their advisor, Jennifer Steinberg, parent advisor, Leslie Loose, STEPS Coalition Advisory Board member, Gina Tremaglio, and STEPS staff, Kelly Leppard and Megan Albanese, for a leadership training at YMCA Camp Sloper.  Sloper staff, Justin Hubeny, was able to lead this group through excellent team building exercises and brainstorming ideas.  This year the group did a great job focusing on linking the developmental assets to substance abuse prevention.  Take a look at some pictures from the day!


PARENT PREVENTION CHECKLIST
Southington Parents - You are the key to keeping your kids safe. Educating yourself and your kids on important issues such as drug and alcohol use starts at home with simple conversations.  The earlier you start talking, the better chances you have of keeping your kids from engaging in risk-taking behaviors.  For more parent tips, please visit our website.


CONVERSATION STARTERS
It is essential to have conversations with youth, especially on difficult topics.  Do you need some tips or pointers on how to get the conversation going?   STEPS is proud to now offer 'Conversation Cards on Tough Topics' for Southington residents.  If you would like a deck, please contact us today!
    

STEPS STAFF ON THE MOVE
Kelly and Megan were "waited" on by celebrity waiter/STEPS Advisory Board Member, Steve Nyerick, at this year's Leading Ladies luncheon where Diana Sheard was honored. Sheard, also known as Valentine the Clown, is former STEPS Board member. To read the Southington Observer article on Diana, click here.


 
WEBSITE LAUNCH
We are thrilled our new website is up and running!  Be sure to check it out here!


 
EVENTS  
Stay tuned to learn where you can drop off your 2018 calendars for our yearly drive for veterans. 

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
Helping in the Community
 
 
Are you looking to volunteer in the Southington community? Are you an organization looking for volunteers to help out at an event or on a community project?  Visit the  Southington Serves section  of our town's website to find opportunities or the form to submit your volunteer requests. 
 
  Read More Information Here




Southington STEPS | (860) 276-6285  |   southingtonsteps@gmail.com

 



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