December 2023 Newsletter

Greetings Prevention Champions, Welcome to the December edition of the Henrico Area Prevention Services Monthly Newsletter!

'Tis the Season for Prevention!

As we compose our final newsletter for the year, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each one of you who has supported and championed our prevention initiatives throughout 2023. Your dedication and engagement have fueled the success of our environmental strategies, fostering a community that prioritizes wellness, safety, and positive change.

❄️❄️❄️❄️

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, our enthusiasm for the continued journey of prevention work burns brighter than ever. Together, we've accomplished much, but there's still more to achieve. We look forward to the exciting opportunities that 2024 will bring.

Gifting Responsibly: A Holiday Message from Henrico Prevention

As we embark on the holiday season, Henrico Prevention emphasizes the importance of responsible gifting, especially when it comes to activities that involve chance and risk. Gambling should be approached with caution, and our commitment to prevention extends to the realm of responsible holiday gifts.

Visit the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling's website for valuable insights and resources on making informed decisions when considering gifts related to gambling. Whether it's scratch-off tickets, lottery games, or casino-themed presents, being mindful of the potential risks associated with gambling-related gifts ensures a safer and more enjoyable holiday for all.

🚗National Impaired Driving Prevention Month: Drive Safely, Live Well!🚗

As we embrace December, it's crucial to recognize National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. At Henrico Prevention, our mission encompasses a broad spectrum of environmental strategies aimed at preventing not only impaired driving but also suicide, substance abuse, violence, opioids/OTC misuse, problem gambling, and mental illness. By fostering a culture of wellness and safety, we strive to create a community where every individual can thrive.

During this month of heightened awareness, let's collectively commit to making responsible choices on the roads and in our daily lives. We invite families, educators, health care providers, and community leaders to promote responsible decision-making and encourage young people to live free of drugs and alcohol. By prioritizing wellness and safety, we contribute to the well-being of ourselves and those around us.

Remember, each positive choice we make ripples through our community, creating a safer and healthier environment for all.🌐💚

National Safety Council

Virginia Cannabis Control Authority on Safe Driving

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

What we're planning...



December 4 - 8: New Kent Schools ~ NAMI Ending the Silence Student Training

December 6: Collaborative Virtual ACEs Training

December 7: Virginia Cooperative Extension ~ 5 Bridges to Wellness Workshop

CONNECT Corner

Richfield Place Connect visited with the brave firefighters from Station 5 of the Henrico Fire Department.

👔 The Omega Men are at it again! They're instilling manhood and perseverance in our young men at Oakland Village Connect. Through the art of tying a tie, these mentors are shaping futures and uplifting our youth.

Youth Ambassadors

At our November Meeting, the teens continued working on their YADAPP STAN Plan: a Vaping Prevention Campaign to implement in 3 Henrico High Schools later this school year.

See our Facebook Post of them putting in work...and having a little fun too!

Happy Holidays to You & Your Family!

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

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



Our next virtual training on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is on December 6th,

9am - 12pm

Register for this training by clicking on the flyer.

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.