Community Newsletter | September 2020
#BeThe1To Make a Difference
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Join us all month long as we host a variety of virtual events to help prevent death by suicide, support survivors, and honor the memory of lives lost. Visit our Facebook events page
or find us on Facebook.com/UnitedGeneralDistrict304 to learn more and register! 
Motivational Interviewing and Brief Intervention - Sept. 21 & 24: Learn how to elicit behavior change through the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) with Dr. Jason Kilmer from the University of Washington. The FREE 6-hour workshop will be held on September 21st and 24th in two three-hour online sessions. Participants will examine the theory behind and reasons for brief interventions, receive training in and practice with specific MI strategies, and discuss alcohol and cannabis information that can be included in a motivational framework. To register, contact Danika Troupe at [email protected].
Paint to Learn - Training of Trainers - Sept. 28
Paint to Learn is an early math and family engagement program designed to increase the math readiness skills of children ages 2 – 5 by exploring everyday activities, like painting. The Children’s Council of Skagit County and United General District 304 are offering a FREE Paint to Learn “Train the Trainer” class via Zoom on Monday 9/28/20 9:00-11:00 a.m. This class is intended for Early Learning Professionals (Librarians, Home Visitors, Child Care Providers, etc.), Community Coalition Members, and STEM Advocates. Paint to Learn Train the Trainer will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and tools to share Paint to Learn in your community. Class is limited to the first 20 who register, and all attendees will receive a free hard copy set of curricula along with the corresponding storybooks. Clock and STARS hours will be available! Register here 
Trek for Treasure 2020 Recap
More than 250 teams participated in the 2020 Trek for Treasure challenge! This amended 4-hike season provided nearly 750 trekkers with a much-anticipated COVID-safe outdoor adventure. Prizes were awarded to eligible teams via a drawing. You can view a recap of the hikes, winners and prizes on our website, and be sure to check out the photo gallery for fun pics and stunning views!
Food Assistance is a Call Away
With unemployment benefits changing, more people may be facing tough situations. Basic Food benefits can help make sure enough food, and healthy meals, are on the table every day. The only way to know for sure if you are eligible for Basic Food is to apply! Applications can be done over the phone with our helpful staff in under 30 minutes. Hablamos español tambien! Call 360-854-7159  today.
Have A Plant® Nation
Enjoying more fruits and vegetables is one of the most important everyday actions we can take to boost health and happiness. However, nearly 90% of Americans fall below fruit and vegetable consumption recommendations. September is National Fruits & Veggies Month, where fruitsandveggies.org has new recipes, snack hacks, meal ideas and other tips from chefs, registered dietitians, and health & wellness experts.
Community Prevention & Wellness Initiative Surveys
Each fall, the online community survey helps Washington coalitions understand current perceptions around substance use and mental health concerns in their area. This survey is for any community member living within the boundaries of the Sedro-Woolley or Concrete School District. Your input makes a difference! 
Links to Surveys
Find event details on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/UnitedGeneralDistrict304 or call us at 360-854-7173. 
One Simple Step
We are encouraging Skagitonians to lock up their medicine. Locking up medicine in the home is one way we can prevent accidental poisonings and intentional misuse, especially of opioids. Request your free lock bag here!
Family Palooza
Like most things in 2020, the biannual Family Palooza event has gone digital! This year find almost everything needed to support a growing family on the interactive Skagit Family Palooza Map. Whether you are a mom-to-be, parenting a newborn, or wrangling a handful of toddlers, the Family Palooza Map has your new favorite places, vital services, and fun things to do! Visit their Facebook Events page for more information.
Help Find the Gaps in Broadband Access
The Governor’s Office needs your help to map out the places most in need of connectivity. Take the one-minute access and speed survey by going to broadband.wa.gov
Telehealth has expanded access to important social services, but for those without reliable access to the internet (also known as broadband), vital services are still out of reach. Washington State has committed to expanding universal broadband services statewide by 2024, so don’t delay!