Substance Abuse Prevention News from the
Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force
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Dear STAND-UP Friends,
2020 has been challenging in many ways: worldwide pandemic, social unrest, postponement and cancellation of milestone events and everyday encounters. In times of uncertainty about the future, it more essential than ever that we stay connected and continue our mission of supporting families in our community.
New In this issue:
- Upcoming Meetings
- Staying at Home During COVID-19: How to Help Teens Cope
- Teacher offers parents tips for successful eLearning outcomes
- Study Shows Vaping Increases Risk of Covid-19 Infection
Keep Scrolling to see:
- What is Mental Health First Aid?
- Fall Tips for Parents
- FREE Marijuana Webinars for Parents and Toolkit
- Vaping Toolkit
- Gambling Awareness Series
Upcoming Monthly STAND-UP Task Force Meetings:
8:30 am - 9:30 am on Zoom
Mark your calendar for our Annual Strategic Planning Meeting
September 22, 2020 8:30 am - 9:30 am
REGISTER HERE to receive the Zoom info
(Scroll down for more info)
Thank you for helping us to keep our kids drug-free.
The STAND-UP Team
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Mark your calendar!
Here's what's happening at upcoming
STAND-UP meetings and events
Student Meetings
Student meetings will look a little different this year, but we are still active!
Email Kim for more info about joining our student team ; kradoy@nicasa.org
Details below. Register HERE
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Staying at Home During COVID-19: How to Help Teens Cope |
"Just when teenagers were looking forward to spring and summer, the COVID-19 pandemic has postponed or canceled events and limited a lot of their favorite activities, including parties, sports, and time spent in person with friends. No wonder many teenagers are feeling depressed, angry and bored.These responses are normal, according to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center senior child life specialist Nilu Rahman, who offers suggestions on how parents can help their teens deal with the disappointment of cancellations and postponements and make the most out of their time at home." Read the entire article here.
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Teacher offers parents tips for successful eLearning outcomes (subtítulos en español disponibles)
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Award-winning teacher Larry Ferlazzo writes a popular education blog and a teacher advice column for the publication Education Week. He offers good advice for a positive eLearning experience. Click here to view video. Ferlazzo has a series of helpful education videos available at https://blogs.edweek.org/.
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Study Shows Vaping Increases Risk of Covid-19 Infection |
"According to the study, led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and published Tuesday in the peer-reviewed Journal of Adolescent Health, teens and young adults who vape are five times more likely to become infected with the coronavirus compared with those who did not use e-cigarettes. Those who both vaped and traditionally smoked were nearly seven times more likely to become infected.
'Young people may believe their age protects them from contracting the virus or that they will not experience symptoms of COVID-19, but the data show this isn’t true among those who vape,' said the study’s lead author, Shivani Mathur Gaiha.'" Read the full article here.
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Fall Tips for Parents
Fall is a time to have fun, celebrate, and make memories. We recognize this year our normal fall events and celebrations will look different and we can’t emphasize enough the unique role parents play in keeping teens safe and sober during this season. Based on local data from the Illinois Youth Survey, we know that most of our teens make healthy and alcohol/ drug-free choices most of the time. However, some teens may be tempted to drink alcohol, vape, or use marijuana--if provided the opportunity--and some parents may feel tempted to allow teens to drink alcohol in their home, property, etc., because they think they are keeping their teen “safe” by “controlling” the situation.
Teens want to spend time together, however, due to the pandemic, it will probably look different this year. There are still ways to allow teens to safely hang out outdoors in small groups. Perhaps a small, socially distanced backyard bonfire, outdoor movie night, or bags tournament. Here are some additional tips for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics website regarding hosting parties that can be tweaked to host small, outdoor and socially distanced teen gatherings for current times. In addition, there are tips about what you can do if your teen is going to a small outdoor get-together this fall.
We urge parents to keep their teens healthy and safe by providing alcohol/drug-free places for teens to hang out and monitor the space often throughout the evening. A reminder to parents about local and state social host ordinances... Mundelein Social Host Ordinance 9.80 prohibits anyone from providing, permitting, or failing to prevent consumption of alcohol or illicit drugs by a minor. Violators can face fines up to $750 and associated costs.
Whatever it looks like this year, let’s work together to make 2020 a memorable and safe fall season!
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Parent Webinars on Marijuana from Johnny's Ambassadors:
Non-profit organization,Johnny’s Ambassadors, offers expert education for parents on youth substance abuse, mental health, and suicide prevention. These webinars are FREE for participants, due to the kind donations from their supporters. If you can’t attend “live,” register anyway, as the recording will be provided afterward to all participants.
When you register, you’ll receive login information and updates via email.
NOTE: All times listed are in the Mountain time zone on the web page.
Check out our very own local expert, Dr. Aaron Weiner,
TOMORROW, Sept 4th
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CENTRAL TIME)
Register here to hear Dr. Weiner.
Click HERE for the line up of other FREE expert presentations.
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Can you spot the warning signs that might save a life?
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches community members how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Who should that this course?
Anyone can take this course because anyone can encounter someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Past participants include teachers, coaches, healthcare professionals, veterans, first-responders, parents, grandparents. Essentially anyone who wants to make their community healthier, happier and safer for all can train to spot and triage the warning signs. There are even special courses for adolescents and teens.
What types of crisis are covered?
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance use
- Disorders in which psychosis may occur
- Disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD)
- Eating disorders
Does it Work?
Yes. Peer reviewed studies from Australia and across the globe show that the program saves lives, improves the mental health of the individual administering care and the one receiving it, expands knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, increases the services provided, and reduces overall social distance toward individuals with mental illnesses by improving mental health literacy. One trial of 301 randomized participants found that those who trained in Mental Health First Aid have greater confidence in providing help to others, greater likelihood of advising people to seek professional help, improved concordance with health professionals about treatments, and decreased stigmatizing attitudes. For further evidence supporting Mental Health First Aid, please see the Evaluation section of Mental Health First Aid™ Australia’s website.
To register for Mental Health First Aid through STAND-UP, contact sorellena@nicasa.org.
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Learn More Gambling in Our Community
Click HERE to register for the series below:
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Vaping Toolkit for Parents!
Brought to you by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
What's in the guide?
What is Vaping?
- How Does Vaping Work?
- What Do Vape Devices Look Like?
- What Is Being Vaped?
- What Is Vaping’s Appeal?
Is Vaping Safe?
- Marijuana and Vaping
- How Is Vaping Regulated?
What Should Parents Know
- What Are the Signs of Vaping?
- What Can Parents Do to Safeguard Against Vaping?
- What to Say When Your Teen Asks...
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Learn about the brain and addiction in less than 4 minutes!
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Where to Find Help
Mundelein Community Resource Guide
Research shows that the more teens are engaged in creative activities, programs, sports, the faith community, and/or serving their community the more likely they are to grow up to be healthy, caring, and responsible individuals. The resource guide contains some of the many opportunities that exist in our community to help our teens stay happy, healthy and drug-free. Please share within our school or organization. The guide is available in both English and Spanish.
If you need help or if you think your child/someone you know may be using drugs, first, take a deep breath. There are resources in the community that can help you. Contact Nicasa Behavioral Health Services to learn more about next steps. Help is close by! 847-546-6450
Text-A-Tip
Text-A-Tip is a 24/7 anonymous text-communication system for youth who need emotional support. Once you send a message through Text-A-Tip, within seconds, you will receive an automated response, and within minutes a mental health counselor will respond to your text. While the line is intended for crisis situations, you do not need to be in crisis to use the service. You can also use Text-A-Tip if you have concerns about a friend or loved one and need support in getting them help.
It's simple! Just text: LAKECO (and your message) to the number 844-823-5323.
A Way Out
This program was designed to fast-track users to substance abuse programs and services. The program is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the Mundelein Police Department and other participating police departments throughout Lake County. The program ensures no criminal charges will be sought for those that may be in possession of narcotics or paraphernalia, as long as assistance is sought out by the prospective program participant.
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Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force
Task Force Chairman: MPD Officer Stephen Balogh
Task Force Director of Strategic Planning and Development: Don Hansen MPD
(847) 968-3770
Task Force Bilingual Community Outreach Specialist: Susana Orellana | sorellana@nicasa.org
STAY CON (847) 201-7219NECTED
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