February 2022
February & Hearts & Minds
The star of the month of February is Valentine's Day: the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics don't even come close to stealing the show. Don't all of us still remember signing our names on all those classroom valentines? This month, Action for Happiness
has some great ideas for growing friendship, kindness and connection all around. These simple acts can improve your mental and physical health (think heart here) daily.
The calendar can be found here
Trending: Alcohol use in during the Pandemic
We know that this has been a tough nearly two years, and that this is reflected by increased use of alcohol by adults (14% increase reported in 2020). While youth use has declined during the same time (perhaps due to more enforced “family time” and less time with friends) it's important to remember that youth alcohol use can have profound negative effects on the developing brain, including impacts on information processing and learning. Take some time this month and talk to your family about this important topic, and bolster your knowledge of alcohol's effects here.

Opportunities to support youth mental health
We know that everyone is struggling as we look towards the second anniversary of the pandemic. If your teen/young adult is dealing with anxiety, stress, isolation and other mental health issues, here are some resources that may help:
** Be Better is offering both virtual support groups for teens and an in person group for young adults; click here for details
**The Momentum Center is holding in person support groups for teens in Holland and Grand Haven; click here for more info
**DHHS continues to offer a weekly online support group for teens 10-17; visit here to register

Take Time to Learn
HealthWest, our community partners in Muskegon County, continue to offer great virtual trainings that can fit into almost any schedule.
Coming up later this month:
**Mental Health 101 2/15
**QPR Suicide Prevention Skills Training 2/17
** Burnout and Compassion Fatigue 2/23
**Social Media and Mental Health 2/23
Get more information and register here

Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Contact Leigh Moerdyke at [email protected]


Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OSAPCoalition
Talk Early. Talk Often. Learn How. www.talksooner.org