January 2024 Newsletter

Greetings Prevention Champions & Happy New Year!!!

Welcome to the January Edition of the Henrico Area Prevention Services Monthly Newsletter!

Happy New Year, Prevention Champions!

As we step into the promising canvas of 2024, we extend our warmest wishes for a year filled with resilience, growth, and collective well-being. 🌟💙 Together, let's continue building a community that thrives on prevention efforts and capacity building, fostering strength and support for one another. May this year be a canvas of possibilities, where our shared dedication to prevention leads to positive change and brighter tomorrows. 🌈✨ Here's to a year of collaboration, empowerment, and creating a safer, healthier environment for all!🌺

List of Happenings in RVA celebrating Dr. King's birthday.

January 15

Celebrate the legacy of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

during the annual King Holiday Observance

🌍🎉 This year's theme, 'It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.'

Nonviolence365, rooted in Dr. King's teachings, is a commitment to incorporating nonviolence into everyday life, fostering active and strategic use of peaceful methods to address social injustices.

Learn more about the events and the philosophy behind Nonviolence365™ at

The King Center's Official Site.

Here's what we've been up to...



December 4 - 8: New Kent Schools ~

NAMI Ending the Silence Student Training

December 6: Collaborative Virtual ACEs Training

December 7: Virginia Cooperative Extension ~

5 Bridges to Wellness Workshop

December 19: Prevention Staff Holiday Breakfast

Here's what we have planned...

January 15: Youth Ambassadors Attend Legislative Lobby Day at the VA General Assembly

January 24

In response to a rise in youth opioid misuse and overdoses in Henrico County, community organizations are partnering to learn more from youth about what circumstances may lead some youth to opioid misuse, provide youth with information and skills to avoid opioid misuse, and discuss what can be done. 

A panel of prominent former athletes, current athletes, coaches, mental health professionals, and medical professionals will lead this discussion. 

Our Youth Ambassadors will attend. Are you bringing your youth? Registration is not required so mark your calendar and plan to attend.

Questions may be directed to henricotoosmart2start@gmail.com

or call/text (804) 876-2785

January 29 - February 1: CADCA 34th Annual National Leadership Forum & Prevention Day

February 1-2: SAM Good Drug Policy Summit

News the Henrico Community Can Use!

The 2024 Virginia General Assembly Session is set to commence on January 10th, bringing forth critical legislative discussions that directly impact our community's well-being. It's crucial for us all to stay informed and engaged in the legislative process, especially regarding issues related to prevention efforts. Tuning into the General Assembly sessions allows us to advocate for policies that align with our prevention goals.

More information on the legislative proceedings.

Stay connected and informed and let your voice contribute to shaping a healthier and safer community.

~ Holiday & Winter Break is Always a Fun Time at Our CONNECT Programs ~

Youth Ambassadors

At our December Meeting, the teens continued working on their YADAPP STAN Plan as they prepare to record a PSA on the dangers of vaping.

Mrs. Monica Smith-Callahan, Henrico County Deputy County Manager for Community Affairs, stopped by to share a great opportunity to attend this year's Regional Teen Summit.

Registration opens soon. Click FLYER below for more information.

Our Youth Ambassadors are gearing up for a prevention initiative – Project Sticker Shock! 🏈🚫 As we dive into Super Bowl season, our youth will be collaborating to raise awareness about Virginia laws surrounding underage drinking. Through this project, they'll place eye-catching stickers and window clings on alcohol cases and coolers at local retailers, emphasizing the legal consequences for providing alcohol to underage youth and using fake IDs. 🚔✨

This collaborative effort involves youth, community organizations, retail establishments, law enforcement, media, and community members, working together to keep our community safe. Learn more about how your organization can participate in Project Sticker Shock. 🌐👍

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Henrico Prevention offers various FREE community-based trainings supporting mental health awareness and substance use prevention.

✨Explore Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with our insightful and impactful training session. ACEs are events in childhood that can have lasting effects on health and well-being.

We invite community organizations to prioritize mental health and resilience by scheduling a 3-hour (in-person or virtual) ACEs training for their members or staff. Uncover the keys to understanding and addressing these experiences for a brighter, more compassionate future.

Interested? Reach out to us at henricoprevention@henrico.us to schedule your training! Together, let's foster a supportive environment.

Visit BeWellVA.com for regional training opportunities.

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!

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.