July 2025

Greetings Prevention Champions!

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

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!

This is a time to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by underrepresented communities and to advocate for equity in care. Established in 2008 and named in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell—author, educator, and passionate mental health advocate—this month highlights the need for culturally competent support and open dialogue to break down stigma and systemic barriers. Together, we can foster understanding, access, and healing for all. For more information and resources, visit MHA About Bebe Moore Campbell, BIPOC Mental Health and NAMI.

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.

🎯 Problem Gambling Prevention

Beyond the Bet Campaign: Promoting Informed Choices in a Growing Gambling Landscape

Henrico Prevention is proud to share the Beyond the Bet campaign—an initiative developed by DBHDS, the Omni Institute, and CSB prevention professionals across Virginia. As sports betting becomes more accessible online, this campaign aims to raise awareness about the real risks of gambling, especially among young adults. Rather than using fear-based messages, Beyond the Bet encourages informed, responsible decision-making and highlights the protective factors that support healthy choices. Visit our Facebook page this month to learn more.

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

6/3: Catch My Breath Prevention Tech Training

6/6: TJPP Mock Interviews

6/9: CONNECT Summer Programs & Teen Job Prep Program Begin

6/11: Henrico United at Cloisters Apartments

6/23 - 6/24: Violence Prevention Month Table @ East & West HAMHDS locations

6/25: HAMHDS Wellness Lunch & Learn

6/27: Wear Orange Day for Violence Prevention

Henrico United at Cloisters Apartments

June marked National Violence Prevention Month



This was a time to raise awareness, foster conversations, and promote safer communities. Henrico Prevention Services joined the effort by recognizing the impact of trauma and honoring those affected by violence. Staff wore orange on June 27th as a symbol of solidarity and hope. We also connected with the community through resource tables at our East Center and Woodman locations. Thank you to everyone who helps create a safer, more supportive Henrico!

Henrico Prevention Services Wins NACo Award!



We’re proud to announce that Henrico Prevention Services has been honored with a National Association of Counties (NACo) Award for our pilot summer program in the St. Luke’s community! This effort led to the launch of the CONNECT+ Program, which currently offers prevention-focused enrichment and support for youth and families.

Special thanks to Senator Lamont Bagby for championing the funding that made this possible. Congratulations to all 2025 NACo Award recipients! Your work is helping communities thrive.

Connect Corner

Summer is in full swing, and our Connect programs are making the most of every moment! From field trips to hands-on learning and community fun, take a look at the highlights from our amazing summer adventures so far.

St. Luke's B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Summer Program Builds Inclusion & Empathy

The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program (Building Relationships Inclusively: Developing Growth, Empathy & Self-Awareness) brings together St. Luke program youth and youth receiving developmental services for meaningful connection. Through interactive sessions and summer events, children explore kindness, inclusion, and diversity while building friendships and confidence in a supportive environment.

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.

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 on Facebook and Instagram

Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition in support of the St. Luke Community has provided 5 laptop computers and a staff member in order to relaunch their computer lab. The computers are open to groups that reserve the space. It is also open to the St. Luke residents on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

The Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition recently co-hosted two high-energy ThinkFast Interactive events, one with over 50 middle schoolers through Henrico PAL, and another with nearly 200 high schoolers at Highland Springs High School ACE. Students (and staff!) competed in a fast-paced trivia game focused on substance misuse prevention, safe driving, and healthy decision-making, all for a chance to win Amazon gift cards. What a fun and impactful way to reinforce prevention messages!

News the Henrico Community Can Use!

Find out about free family centered events happening at the Oak in July!

Summer is in full swing. Check out https://linktr.ee/henricorecparks for Henrico resources and spring/summer events for the whole family.

Join VCU-MFYC, WE Unite LLC, and The ARTS Community Center, for a “Mindful Masterpiece” series.  Each session will take participants through a creative journey where art meets mental wellness where we'll explore wellness through creativity! Whether you're painting your emotions, doodling your stress away, or just there to relax and connect, these sessions offer a safe, supportive space to explore the healing power of creativity. No artistic experience needed—just bring yourself and an open mind! Click the flyers below to register.

Wellness is a journey, not a destination. Check in with yourself by exploring the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, which provide a holistic view of your well-being. Celebrate the little victories along the way and be kind to yourself. When you face challenges, consider what steps you can take to move forward. Feel free to download the Wellness Journal page and the Jump Back July Calendar below to assist you on your wellness journey.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

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

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.