Late July 2020
Getting Ready for School
Vaping: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Join us on Tuesday, August 18 for an important discussion focused on the
current state of the vaping epidemic. Learn more about this rising trend, its impact on youth and how to help prevent addiction for your child.
(The picture above is a Puff Bar --a disposable vape NOT covered by the recent ban.)
Two sessions will be offered:
6-6:45 pm Middle School focused
7-7:45 pm High School focused
Register here to be a part of this important community conversation.
Teen Vaping and Increased COVID Risk
A study just released by researchers from the Stanford University of Medicine shows that teens who vape "were five to seven times more likely to be infected with COVID 19 than those who did not use e-cigarettes". This increased risk arises from the damage that vaping does to the lungs. This study, conducted in May, included over 4300 youth aged 13-24 from all over the country. It can be found here,

Back to School
The graphic above specifically mentions distance learning, but the affirmations can be applied to ALL the different ways our kids are going to back to school this fall. Parents, kids and schools are all in situations that would have been unimaginable only a few months ago. Any kind of change can be scary, and we have been surrounded by seemingly never ending change for months. We are all stressed and working hard to make the best choices in less than favorable circumstances.
Stephanie Grant, a notable developmental psychologist, has an reassuring video aimed at helping all parent face our return to school.
And we can all use tips on addressing anxiety in this time too; check these out aimed at helping our kids, but also applicable to the adults in our lives.

Virtual Lunch Series
Upcoming topics in August/September include the effects of privilege on mental health, the current state of the vaping epidemic and a QPR-Question, Persuade, Refer-session.
All community members and anyone that works with or has children, teens and young adults are welcome to come and be part of this. Register here and be sure to like the BRY Facebook page to stay connected.
Contact Lauren for more information on the lunch series and how you can get involved with the BRY suicide prevention coalition.
Crisis Resources
If you feel like you are in a crisis, or that anyone in your family is in crisis, here are some important numbers:
  • 24 hour Ottawa County Hotlines: in Grand Haven: 616-842 HELP (4357); in Holland: **616-396-HELP(4357) all other areas 1-866-512 HELP(4357)
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Arbor Circle in Holland: 616-396-2301
  • Catholic Charities: 616- 796-9595
  • Wedgewood Christian Services: 616- 930-5004
  • Ottawa CMH: 616-392-1873
  • DHHS Warmline: 1-888-733-7753 10am-2am help for anxiety, depression, and trauma, staffed by peer support specialists.
  • AA meetings online: https://www.aaonlinemeeting.net/
  • NA meetings: https://virtual-na.org/
  • Alanon meetings: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/
  • Resource help: http://211.org/
  • Positive Options is ready to serve you if you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. It offers free pregnancy testing, options counseling and early ultrasound (upon eligibility). Visit mypositiveoptions.org or call a center near you. (Holland - 616 396-5840; Grand Haven - 616 842-7510; Allendale - 616 895-1893; Allegan - 269-686-7111)
Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Contact Leigh Moerdyke at [email protected]


Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OSAPCoalition
Talk Early. Talk Often. Learn How. www.talksooner.org