FOCUS Monthly Newsletter
December 2022
During this Christmas season, we take time to reflect upon the good things we have...like our partnership with you. We appreciate working with you and hope the holiday and the coming year will bring you happiness and success.
Planning an Event Project?
Teaching students the planning process necessary in implementing prevention activities is an important step in project-based learning. 

We have added a helpful form on the FOCUS facilitator portal page. Check it out! Here’s the link to the our website, scroll down and click on the FOCUS facilitator login page. Use your facilitator password to access this new resource. Click on the "FOCUS Event Project Plan" to view out newest resource!
A FOCUS T-shirt would make a great gift and help in our prevention efforts. Order today! 

LIMITED QUANTITY AND SIZES AVAILABLE OF THE 2022 ReFOCUS RALLY T-SHIRTS!

Contact [email protected] if you were unable to attend the ReFOCUS Rally and would like to purchase a T-shirt.

Only $10.00 (+Shipping Cost). 
Alumnus of the Month
Making A Difference in the lives of others is one of the major goals of FOCUS, and Lauren Burkett, our December Alumnus of the Month, continues to do just that at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Lauren is the daughter of Jolanda Burkett and Charles Burkett. She graduated from Jacksonville High School in 2021, where she was involved in FOCUS as a Peer Helper. She is currently a sophomore majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Athletic Coaching. Lauren is involved in the Pre-Physical Therapy Society and the Women’s Club Lacrosse Team. Lauren also serves as President of the Women’s Club Volleyball Team. Lauren loves her extra curricular activities, but she is most excited about serving as a UAB Peer Partner.

Lauren attributes her success to FOCUS. “FOCUS helped me get out of my shell and become more extroverted. In elementary school I was a very shy kid, and it got slightly better entering high school. When I joined FOCUS, it was not only a place where I would be educated and educate others on issues facing our community, but it also helped me develop into the outgoing person I am today. Peer Helping taught me how to be a resource for others and to be there for others when they need a helping hand, academic help, or just someone to talk to. As a UAB Peer Partner I do just that,” says Lauren.  

Lauren further shared that she is there to help students with organizational skills, study skills, and problem outsourcing to UAB’s many programs offered to students. Lauren stated, “I enjoy the work environment and working alongside an amazing group of people. Becoming a Peer Partner has given me many opportunities to learn more about myself, the people around me, and the many programs and opportunities that UAB has to offer its students.”

Congratulations, Lauren! We are so proud of you and are thrilled that your involvement in FOCUS continues to make a positive impact in your life and in the lives of others around you. 


Nominate one of your FOCUS alumnus to be featured in our upcoming newsletters. Contact [email protected] to submit information. 
2023 FOCUS Rally
September 20, 2023
INFOCUS Vaping And Tobacco Prevention Highlights 
The Addiction Prevention Coalition educated high schoolers at Fairfield High School and Heritage Christian Academy about the truths of vaping and tobacco use during the month of November. Sixty of Heritage Christian Academy's students participated in three training sessions on topics such as vaping, tobacco, underage drinking, marijuana, and social media use. Fairfield High School dedicated their monthly INFOCUS meeting to a discussion about vaping and tobacco then they hosted a volunteer day where they packed harm reduction kits for the community. The kits contained fentanyl test strips, hygiene items, information about Project LEAP, and community resources. 
Fairfield High School INFOCUS "Making a Difference!"
Register Your School with FOCUS!
Welcome to all our new and renewed schools for the 2022-2023 school year! As a reminder, we request that all registered facilitators renew each year to update information. Please take a moment and click on the link below to submit your registration.
FOCUS Student Trainings
Kim Bailey is available for FOCUS Student Trainings. Registered FOCUS schools may now schedule face-to-face trainings on various topics including suicide prevention, stigma, tobacco prevention, dating/relationships, sexual health, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, effective communication, and emotional wellness. Other topics may be available upon request.

Schedule now to reserve the dates you prefer. To schedule, contact Mrs. Kim Bailey at [email protected] or call (205) 910-3692.
New! 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline!
988 is now the active phone number that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This shorter number is easier to remember, and it provides free and confidential support for anyone in distress.
 
Be sure to share this updated information with staff and students in your school and community. Let everyone know that when they call, text or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors who will listen and help, 24/7. They will even assist you if you know of someone who is in distress. This can be reassuring when you are trying to assist a student or peer and need professional help.
 
*The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-TALK) will always remain available for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
A new FOCUS student brochure is now available!
Free hard copies are available by request! Email [email protected] to place your order. A digital copy is available for printing on the FOCUS Facilitator Portal.
Connect with FOCUS!
Stay up to date on everything that is happening with FOCUS by following us on social media! Don't hesitate, follow us today!
Monthly Health Observances
We encourage all FOCUS schools to engage in at least one health observance activity each month. Each month has some excellent choices for students on your campuses to “Make a Difference” and to encourage their peers to participate.

January
  • 22-27 National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

February
  • 1-28 American Heart Month
  • 1-28 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

FOCUS values continued partnerships with the following state and community organizations.

Alabama Department of Public Health
Alabama Department of Education
Addiction Prevention Coalition
Children's Policy Council
Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Be Part of Making A Difference!