We hope that you had a happy and healthy end to 2021. Our team looks forward to our prevention continued work, in partnership with so many amazing educators and community partners. Here's to 2022!

Vincente Martinez High School (VMHS) Psychology Club recently featured Derrick Kirk, TUPE Youth Development Specialist, on their student-led podcast. Derrick provided information on vaping and smoking and the tactics tobacco companies use to get young people addicted to these deadly products.

Click on the video below for the full 10-minute interview.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warns that pills purchased outside a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous and potentially deadly. The DEA has seized counterfeit pills with a fentanyl rate jumping nearly 430 percent since 2019. Lab testing from the DEA also reveals that 2 out of every 5 pills have a potential lethal dose.

The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.

To learn more about prescription drug misuse prevention in Contra Costa County, visit the Contra Costa MEDS Coalition website.

Contra Costa County Office of Education officially launched the new Wellness in Schools Program (WISP) on November 1, 2021. The vision of WISP is for all students in Contra Costa County to be able to have uniform access to behavioral health services and supports in a timely manner.

Would you like to connect with other counselors?

Could you use a little extra support?

Are you the only counselor at your site?

If your answer to any of the above questions is “yes,” e-mail Nancy Mahoney, Professional School Counselor, to be added to the Contra Costa County Middle School Counselor e-mail list. [not affiliated with any organization private or public]

This is an excellent opportunity to deepen your connection and collaboration, which is important now more than ever!

Thursday, January 13; 10:30 am - 11:30 pm

Tuesday, January 25; 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

OR

Thursday, February 17; 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

This training is intended for those who have already been training and implementing Brief Intervention.

Thursday, February 3; 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Thursday, March 3; 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm AND Friday, March 4; 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Brief Intervention is a short-term intervention that consists of 2 to 4 sessions aimed at adolescents who use alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs.

Check out more of our upcoming events on our TUPE calendar.

To schedule a training or presentation for staff or families, complete our request form.

Webinar Registration (English)

Webinar Registration (Spanish)

This is a live webinar presentation featuring local adults and youth experts. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation and Q&A session included. No cost to attend; pre-registration required.

Click on the flyer image or visit the registration page for more information.

View our save-the-date flyer for all of our 2021-22 webinars and virtual workshops.

Resource for parents and other adults to assist in initiating and inspiring discussions about tobacco with young people in your life.

The deck contains 35 open-ended questions, resources, and tips for productive conversations.

View the full deck (PDF) or hit the play button on the interactive video.

To receive a free "Let's Talk Tobacco" conversation starter card deck by mail, complete the request form.