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Greetings Prevention Champions!
Welcome to the February Edition of the Henrico Area Prevention Services Monthly Newsletter!
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A Message from the Prevention Team
January brought snow, cold temps, and a major disruption to routines. After over a week of school closures, we are glad the kids are back in school and families are finding their rhythm again. At Henrico Prevention, we recognize that extended time at home can bring both opportunities and challenges. While winter weather slows us down and sometimes blocks our resources, it also invites us to lean into connection, creativity, and care for one another.
Prevention does not pause for the weather. It shows up in the everyday moments. So remember to check in, stay connected, and create safe, supportive spaces for our youth to thrive...even when routines change.
– The Henrico Prevention Team
| | Happy Black History Month | |
Super Bowl LX is February 8th:
Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk
Game day should end with cheers and high fives, not headlights and sirens. As you plan your Super Bowl watch party, make a safety game plan now.
- Choose a sober driver, use a rideshare or taxi, or stay the night.
- If you are hosting, collect keys at the door, serve plenty of food and alcohol-free drinks, and stop serving alcohol by the start of the fourth quarter.
- See someone about to drive after drinking… intercept those keys and help them get a safe ride.
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Helpful resources: NHTSA Super Bowl safety tips at NHTSA.gov, local rideshare apps, and 911 in emergencies.
Let’s keep Henrico safe on Super Bowl Sunday.
| | 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. | | | |
Too Young To Bet:
Protecting Kids from Gambling🎯
Sports and gambling are often marketed side by side, and kids are especially vulnerable to that link. Help protect youth by setting clear family rules, keeping lottery tickets and sports-betting talk out of gifts and celebrations, and having honest conversations about odds and risks. If you’re concerned about a young person’s exposure or behavior, confidential help is available.
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Resources and helplines…
• Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline: 888-532-3500 | Text: 800GAM | Live Chat: vcpg.net
• VCPG resources: vcpg.net
• National 1-800-GAMBLER: 1-800-426-2535 | 1800gambler.com
• NCPG info: ncpgambling.org
• Crisis support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call/text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
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Are You a Henrico Resident between 18-25???
Your voice matters… and Virginia needs it! If you’re 18–25, take the short, anonymous, Young Adult Survey to share what’s really happening with substance use and mental health in your community. Your feedback helps shape better programs and support in Henrico. Complete it and receive a $10 Amazon gift card as a thank you, while supplies last .
Scan the QR code for more information.
Text 844-484-7601 to receive the survey link.
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🧠 Introducing “Free Mind”
A New Mental Health Campaign from the CDC
Mental health is health, and now there's a fresh national campaign helping to break the stigma. The CDC’s Free Mind initiative empowers young adults to protect and prioritize their mental well-being with real stories, free resources, and a clear message: You're not alone, and healing is possible.
Watch the promo video to learn more:
Free Mind Campaign Video
Explore the full campaign and tools here: cdc.gov/free-mind
Let’s make space for healing… and free our minds.
| | 🏃 Here's what we've been up to...
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📌 Jan 10 - Community Connections Day (STOP event) Oak Avenue Complex
📌 Jan 14 - REVIVE Cook and Talk; 7 participants and 7 Narcan distributed
📌 Jan 19 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day; YAST attends Advocacy Day @ VA General Assembly
📌 Feb 2 - 5 - Staff and YAST attend CADCA's 36th Annual National Leadership Forum & Capital Hill Day
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In January, Our Prevention Coordinators...
- Engaged 199 youth across CONNECT communities through ongoing prevention programming and positive youth development
- Strengthened partnerships with schools, libraries, and community organizations to expand access to supports and opportunities
- Delivered evidence based curricula and skill building activities focused on protective factors and healthy decision making
- Connected families to services through referrals and community resources when additional support was needed
- Elevated youth voice and leadership through the Youth Ambassador Street Team… including Advocacy Day at the Virginia General Assembly and CADCA's Capital Hill Day
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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.
The next general body meeting will be in-person on Friday, Feb. 20th.
Please email Terrell Pollard at henricotoosmart2start@gmail.com
Follow the coalition on Facebook and Instagram
| | | Henrico Too Smart 2 Start is currently recruiting new members and volunteers to become community champions. Interested? Complete this Membership Form: https://forms.gle/KFuAyhfKY3KK2xhS6 | | Intergenerational Advocacy Day with Voices of Virginia's Children | | | | |
On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Henrico’s Youth Ambassador Street Team (YAST) spent the day at the Virginia General Assembly advocating for improved mental health resources and thoughtful marijuana policy. Their participation reflects a strong commitment to civic engagement and youth leadership, and a shared belief that young people deserve a voice in the decisions that shape their futures.
We extend our sincere thanks to Voices for Virginia’s Children for their leadership in convening organizations from across the Commonwealth for this impactful day of advocacy.
| | News the Henrico Community Can Use! | |
Winter Wellness Tips for Families at Home
When school is out and screens feel like the easiest option, small shifts can make a big difference.
• Create a simple daily rhythm with one anchor activity such as reading time, family meals, or movement
• Involve youth in planning the day so they feel ownership and engagement
• Try offline challenges like puzzles, card games, journaling, or art projects
• Cook or bake together and talk about favorite foods or family traditions
• Take short outdoor breaks when safe to reset energy and mood
• Keep conversations open about emotions, stress, and boredom… all normal responses during lengthy time indoors
Connection is one of the strongest protective factors we have. These moments of togetherness help reduce isolation, support mental health, and strengthen family bonds.
#ActivateYourWellness
Henrico Mental Health & Wellness Resources
Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services
Henrico Rec & Parks: Fitness and Wellness
| | Henrico Prevention offers various FREE community-based trainings supporting mental health awareness, substance use prevention, and wellness. | | |
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 about training opportunities, and
BE WELL Virginia!
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Do you know a parent, educator, or community leader who could benefit from this newsletter? Forward it to them and invite them to subscribe. Prevention works best when we all stay connected.
🔗 Subscribe to Our Newsletter
| 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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