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March, 2025
Become Their Voice
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Welcome to the first edition of our Become Their Voice newsletter! We're thrilled to create a space where we share impactful stories, resources, and ways to support our mission.
Our goal is to shed light on the connection between mental health and drug use while providing education and hope. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
-- Deric and Kathy Kidd
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Mental Health: What is Trauma?
SAMHSA describes individual trauma as an event or circumstance resulting in: physical harm, emotional harm, and/or life-threatening harm.
Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being."
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Substance Abuse: What is Drug Addiction?
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.
Addiction is a lot like other diseases, such as heart disease. Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body, both have serious harmful effects, and both are, in many cases, preventable and treatable. If left untreated, they can last a lifetime and may lead to death."
| | | Pain Into Purpose: Our Story... | |
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Supporting Law Enforcement: Training, Challenges, and Mental Health
We had a great discussion with Brady Carney, Director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy learning about the intensive 16-week training course for new officers. It was eye-opening to hear about the challenges they face, both in training and in their future roles. As they prepare to serve our communities, it’s essential to equip them with mental health resources—not only for their well-being early on but also for support after experiencing trauma in the field. Their role has a profound impact on victims and crime scenes, making mental health awareness and resilience a crucial part of their training and long-term success. We look forward to continuing this conversation and finding ways to support those who protect and serve.
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Teen substance abuse remains a significant concern, with varying trends across different substances. Here are some key statistics:
Alcohol: Approximately 30.2% of 12th graders reported consuming alcohol within the past month. (en.wikipedia.org)
Marijuana: Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug among teens. Usage rates among 12th graders have remained relatively stable, with 35.9% reporting use in the past year. (en.wikipedia.org)
Prescription Drugs: 9.9% of high school seniors have abused prescription drugs within the past year. (en.wikipedia.org)
Opioids: Opioid abuse among teens increased by 41% from 2022 to 2023, affecting 574,000 users. Fentanyl misuse surged by 47%, impacting 50,000 teens. (nypost.com)
Nicotine Products: While cigarette smoking has declined among teens, nicotine pouch usage among 12th graders rose to about 6%. (apnews.com)
It's noteworthy that a recent national survey indicates the majority of U.S. teens are abstaining from alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes, with approximately two-thirds of 12th graders reporting no recent use. (apnews.com)
These statistics highlight the importance of continued education and intervention efforts to address substance abuse among adolescents.
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Great visit with our future leaders in Waukee!
We had the opportunity to visit with two classes of 8th and 9th graders, thanks to an invitation from Ms. Lilly. We engaged in meaningful discussions about mental health, stress, and the ways they find balance and relaxation.
The students shared their thoughts on the importance of having a strong support system, and the conversation was both insightful and encouraging. It’s always inspiring to see young people open up about these critical topics, and we’re grateful for the chance to be part of the conversation.
| | | The video below features Dr. Gabor Maté, a Canadian physician and bestselling author who specializes in addiction and childhood development. He's a global celebrity in wellness circles and a sought-after speaker on topics like stress and trauma. Maté's background is in family practice, and he has a particular interest in how childhood trauma can impact physical and mental health throughout life. | | | |
Ember Recovery Campus Grand Opening! Mark your calendar!
Thursday, April 24th, 2025 @ 4PM-5PM
"Ember Recovery Campus, located near Cambridge, Iowa, is a YSS (Youth Services Systems) facility offering residential addiction treatment, crisis stabilization, and emergency shelter for youth and young adults, including a program specifically for young adult males.
Why the name Ember?
YSS chose the name "Ember" because "a small glowing fragment of a fire that can be revived, Ember reminds families and youth there is always hope"."
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Upcoming April Event: NAMI Iowa Mental Health Day on the Hill
April 2nd, 2025. "This is an opportunity to hear from mental health experts on policy and pending legislation...We are stronger together, and the more voices we have, the louder our message will be. "
| | | The poem below was written by Deric in memory of Sebastian. Through his words, he captures the love, loss, and profound impact Sebastian's life and death has had on his life. We hope this tribute resonates with others who have experienced loss and serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and remembrance. | | |
The greatest day in all my life
Was the day that I met you,
The most beautiful thing I'd ever seen
With eyes so bright and blue,
I knew that day I'd be that dad
Who’d raise you to be strong,
To make your place within this world
And teach you right from wrong,
To show you how to be a man
And always stand your ground,
Treat everyone with compassion
Especially when they're down,
To give your best in all you do
All excuses left behind,
And even when you're at your worst
Remember to be kind,
To love someone wholeheartedly
As you'd want to be loved,
The kind that only God can match
From Heaven up above,
These things I thought I'd teach you Son
But I had failed to see,
That all this time of teaching you
It was you who had taught me,
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Patience, Grace and Tenderness
Just to name a few,
The longer that I raised you Son
The more my knowledge grew,
You taught me what life truly means
Things I did not discern,
The gift of giving all your heart
Something you helped me learn,
Not to judge, no matter what
For we don’t know their pain,
But love them as we love ourselves
And treat no one with disdain,
Today I am a better man
Having had you in my life,
A better father to my kids
Better husband to my wife,
But still, you teach me something new
A lesson about love,
In hopes that someday down the road
I'll see you up above,
So now, I vow this oath to you
A pledge I make to thee,
To someday make you just as proud
As you Son, have made me.
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Why Donate?
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Make a lasting impact - Your donation directly supports initiatives that raise awareness about the connection between mental health and substance abuse, helping to prevent tragedies and support those in need as well as their families.
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Support a meaningful cause - Funds go towards education, advocacy, and outreach programs that provide resources to individuals and families affected by mental health and addictive challenges.
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Tax-Deductible contribution - As a 501(c)(3) non profit, donations to the the Sebastian Kidd Foundation are tax-deductible, allowing you to support a vital cause while receiving potential tax benefits.
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Sebastian Kidd Foundation
Become Their Voice is funded by the Sebastian Kidd Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non profit organization. 92-0524029
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