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Greetings Prevention Champions!
Welcome to the Henrico Area Prevention Services Monthly Newsletter!
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Super Bowl Safety & Prevention
The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events of the year, bringing friends and family together for food, fun, and football. But with celebrations comes increased risks of impaired driving due to alcohol and substance use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), crashes involving impaired drivers spike on Super Bowl Sunday.
This year, make a game plan before kickoff by designating a sober driver, using rideshare options, or staying the night. If you see someone about to drive impaired, step in and intercept those keys—because Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
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For more safety tips, visit NHTSA.gov.
Let’s keep our roads safe this Super Bowl Sunday!
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February 11 is Wear Orange for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Day!
Relationships should be built on respect, trust, and safety—but for too many teens, dating violence is a reality. Nearly 1 in 3 adolescents experience some form of dating abuse, whether emotional, physical, or digital. Love should never hurt💜 Raising awareness and educating teens about healthy relationships is key to prevention.
This month, we’re highlighting the Choose Your Own Adventure: Spot the Flags interactive tool, which helps teens recognize warning signs of unhealthy relationships. This resource empowers young people to identify red flags, make informed choices, and seek support when needed.
Let's work together to ensure all teens know their worth, rights, and options when it comes to dating relationships.
Explore the Spot the Flags tool and learn more about how to prevent teen dating violence: opdv.ny.gov/february-teen-dating-violence-awareness-month.
VDH promotes safe, healthy teen relationships!
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Environmental Strategies
Environmental strategies are long-term approaches aimed at changing shared community conditions, like social norms or the availability of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, to reduce risks and create lasting positive change. These strategies focus on the whole population, provide quick wins, and build momentum for long-term impact.
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New Problem Gambling Resource Available in Central Virginia
The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) at VCU offers free, confidential support for individuals struggling with problem gambling and their loved ones. With a range of resources, education, and treatment options, VPGH helps connect Virginians to the care they need to regain control. If you or someone you know is facing challenges with gambling, visit vpgh.vcu.edu to learn more and find support.
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Dr. Caroline Cobb (VCU) is collecting confiscated vaping materials from local schools. She is testing these materials for adulterants in an effort to get a better idea of the dangers present in these products. If you are interested in participating contact her at cobbco@vcu.edu and she will help to facilitate the collection. | |
Tobacco Free Tuesday Webinars are now bimonthly!
This the year you quit tobacco for good! Visit QuitNowVirginia.org or call 1 800 QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) to get started with free coaching and free quit medications.
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Here's what we've been up to...
1/21: VCU Mary and Frances Center Parent Night at the Oak
1/21: Youth Ambassadors at General Assembly
1/23: YMHFA for Library Staff
1/28: Human Trafficking Town Hall
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Here's what we have planned...
2/3 - 2/6: CADCA Leadership Forum
2/4: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Hidden in Plain Sight - Freeman High School
2/22: 12pm - 2:00 pm Annual Soul Bowl, Henrico PAL Office 2401 Hartman Street, Open to the Public, Registration will open soon. Email us for information.
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Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition Corner
Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition is a 501 (C) 3 Non-Profit Organization that promotes health and wellness in Henrico County with a primary focus on reducing youth substance abuse through education, advocacy and capacity building.
Monthly Coalition Meeting (Virtual)
February 21, 2025 12:00pm -1:30pm
If you would like more information about Too Smart 2 Start Coalition or interested in attending a meeting, please email henricotoosmart2start@gmail.com
Follow the coalition o Facebook and Instagram
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News the Henrico Community Can Use! | | |
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Henrico County Public Schools and FEV Tutor partner to provide students in grades 3-12 with high-quality, division-sponsored virtual tutoring and homework help.
More Information
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February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death in the United States. This month, we encourage everyone to Activate Your Wellness by taking proactive steps toward a heart-healthy lifestyle. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and scheduling routine health screenings are vital actions to protect your heart. Participate in National Wear Red Day® on the first Friday of February by wearing red to support heart disease awareness. Together, we can promote heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease in our community. | |
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Action for Happiness
Did you know that kindness and social connection play a vital role in heart health? Studies show that acts of kindness reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.
That's why Action for Happiness' Friendly February encourages us to spread kindness and strengthen our connections with others. Small gestures—like checking in on a friend, offering a compliment, or simply smiling—can make a big difference in both mental and heart health.
Watch this inspiring video for three amazing tips on how to improve your health and happiness through connection💖 Friendly February Video.
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Henrico Prevention offers various FREE community-based trainings supporting mental health awareness, substance use prevention, and wellness.
See additional trainings below, offered by our Community Partners.
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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!
Visit BeWellVA.com for regional training opportunities.
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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. | | |
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services, Prevention Services | 3908 Nine Mile Rd. Richmond, VA 23223| 804-727-8097 | henricoprevention@henrico.us |
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