August 2024

Greetings Prevention Champions!

Welcome to the August Edition of the Henrico Area Prevention Services

Monthly Newsletter!

As summer comes to a close, our commitment to supporting children and families in mitigating the risk factors associated with drug, alcohol, and over-the-counter medication misuse remains steadfast. Our mission is to foster healthier communities through life skills education, community engagement, training, and the dissemination of valuable information. Additionally, our community-based programs continue to empower youth to make positive choices and build strong foundations for their futures.

International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31st

This August, we highlight the significance of this critical observance dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating impact of drug overdoses. With over 70,000 Americans losing their lives to drug overdoses in 2023 alone, this day aims to honor the memories of those lost and prevent further tragedies. Overdose deaths, particularly those involving fentanyl, are a pressing public health crisis affecting individuals and families nationwide.

Educate yourself by watching the following videos. Also, wearing purple or grey, hosting events, and spreading information on social media are just a few ways to show support and foster community awareness on this day​​.

"Fentapills - You Need to Know"

How to Recognize and Respond

to an Overdose

For more information on this awareness day and how you can get involved, please visit DEA's Overdose Awareness Day page and National Today. Together, we can make a difference in our communities.

Henrico County Bounce Back from Addiction

Henrico - BeWellVA

At Henrico Area Prevention Services, we understand the critical importance of addressing the overdose epidemic head-on. As part of our commitment to saving lives, we are proud to offer the REVIVE training program. This comprehensive program equips participants with essential knowledge about overdose awareness, identifying the signs of an overdose, and how to administer naloxone—an emergency medication that can prevent death from opioid overdose. By increasing protective factors and building community capacity, together, we can make a significant impact in preventing overdoses and supporting those in need.

Here's what we've been up to...

7/3: Adult Mental Health First Aid – Henrico Public Library Staff

7/9: Catch My Breath Vaping Prevention Training, Prevention Staff, Tucker HS 

7/11: Community Coalitions of VA Board Retreat, Charlottesville VA 

Here's what we have planned...

8/6: HTS2S Nicotine Jeopardy, 1:00-3:00pm, IBEW Local 666

8/6: National Night Out, 5:30-8:30pm, Various Henrico Locations 

8/8: HCPS School-Based MH Retreat, 8-4:30pm, The Oak 

8/9: 2024 Henrico Hoop It Up Back to School Event, 12-4pm, Henrico Sports & Event Center  

8/10: Charles City Back to School Fair, 10a-1p, Charles City HS 

8/21: YMHFA Blended, Henrico Public Library Staff 

8/21: Youth Provider Training on Human Trafficking Prevention, 10:00-12:30, The Oak 

8/22: SUD & Prevention Retreat, 11am-2pm, Belmont Rec Center 

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Our Opportunities are Endless!!!

2024 YADAPP Conference

Christopher Newport University

July 22-26, 2024

Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP) is a peer-led initiative targeting underage substance use in high schools. Each summer, YADAPP Teams—comprising four students and an Adult Sponsor—attend a week-long conference to develop strategic prevention plans. The event features motivational speakers, breakout sessions, and collaborative activities, all aimed at fostering leadership and prevention skills.

This summer, we proudly sent a team of four teens to YADAPP. Their leadership shone brightly as they created a STAN Plan to establish a club in a local high school focusing on substance abuse prevention, suicide awareness, and mental health. This initiative aims to enhance protective factors within the school community. Through YADAPP, participants gain valuable insights into substance use prevention, leadership, and strategic planning while building supportive networks across Virginia.

Our Henrico Youth Ambassadors had an incredible experience this summer participating in the Exploring CONNECTions Program, a collaboration between VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and Burlington Capital Properties. This initiative, led by Dr. Robert Winn (pictured here with our teens) and Reverend Tyrone Nelson, provided our middle and high school students with unique opportunities to explore the fields of science and medicine.

The program emphasized the importance of diversifying the next generation of the cancer workforce, offering hands-on laboratory experiences, meaningful discussions with professionals, and a broad understanding of cancer center operations. The skills and camaraderie developed through this program are invaluable, setting a strong foundation for their future endeavors. We are immensely proud of our Youth Ambassadors and their journey this summer.

Teen Job Preparatory Program

June 16 - July 26

Our Teens at Work

News the Henrico Community Can Use!

*Please note* Effective July 1, 2024, all communications coming from Henrico County general government employees will be from an @henrico.gov domain. Please ensure you update your contact information.

Henrico Recreation & Parks

August 6 is National Night Out

Find a location near you!

6pm - 8pm Eastern Henrico Recreation Center

6pm - 8:30pm Belmont Recreation Center

Check out this complete list of National Night Out Events in Henrico County.

2024 Henrico Hoop It Up Back to School Event Registration

2024 CCoVA Summit Registration

Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management Launching at VCU This August!

The Mary and Frances Youth Center at VCU is excited to share the launch of the Youth Development Network (YDN) Certificate Program this August! This innovative program is designed to equip youth workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster positive youth development.

 For inquiries and applications, please visit VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center or contact Dr. Vaughn Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu.

Teachers, School is Almost In Session. Are You Ready?

Activate Your Wellness with these tips to get a strong start to the school year, for you and your students.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Henrico Prevention offers various FREE community-based trainings supporting mental health awareness, substance use prevention, and wellness.

See additional trainings below, offered by our Community Partners.

✨Explore Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with our insightful and impactful collaborative team virtual training. ACEs are events in childhood that can have lasting effects on health and well-being.

We invite community organizations to prioritize mental health and resilience by attending this 2-hour ACEs training. Uncover the keys to understanding and addressing these experiences for a brighter, more compassionate future.

Click the flyer to register!

Together, let's foster a supportive environment for all.

Visit BeWellVA.com for regional training opportunities.

Be Well VA is the Community Services Boards Office on Prevention regional approach to bring awareness to the increasing number of deaths by suicide and promote wellness for life. We are a local resource to help you find your path to emotional well-being. Find out what’s happening in your community, learn more, and BE WELL Virginia!

Henrico Prevention thrives on your input and engagement. We invite you to share your thoughts on our newsletter—what you loved, what you'd like to see more of, and any ideas for future content. Your valuable feedback helps us tailor our communications to better serve your needs and interests.