June 2024

Greetings Prevention Champions!

Welcome to the June Edition of the Henrico Area Prevention Services

Monthly Newsletter!

June is Men's Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by men and promoting strategies for wellness and prevention. Men often face unique pressures and societal expectations that can impact their mental health, making it crucial to focus on prevention and support.

Men's Health Week: June 10-16

This week emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health and serves as a reminder to encourage the men in our lives to take proactive steps toward their well-being.

Prevention and Wellness Strategies

1. Talk About Mental Health: Encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and create a supportive environment where men feel comfortable seeking help.

2. Stay Active: Regular physical activity is a proven way to improve mental health. Encourage men to engage in activities they enjoy, whether it's sports, hiking, or a simple walk in the park.

3. Healthy Eating: A balanced diet can positively impact mental health. Encourage nutritious eating habits that fuel both the body and mind.

4. Seek Professional Help: If struggling with mental health issues, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy, counseling, and support groups can provide valuable assistance.

5. Connect with Others: Building and maintaining strong social connections can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Encourage men to stay connected with friends, family, and community groups.

6. Limit Alcohol and Substance Use: Excessive use of alcohol and substances can worsen mental health issues. Promote moderation and provide resources for those struggling with addiction.

7. Manage Stress: Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve overall mental health.

8. Routine Check-ups: Regular health check-ups can help identify and address potential mental health issues early on. Encourage men to schedule routine visits with their healthcare providers.



By focusing on these strategies, we can support men's mental health and foster a culture of wellness and prevention. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference.

For more information and resources, follow us on Facebook at HenricoAreaPrevention. Let's work together to support the mental health and well-being of the men in our community.

5 Minute Guide to Men's Mental Health

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its impact on individuals from all walks of life. PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, including veterans, first responders, survivors of accidents, and victims of violence.

Understanding PTSD is crucial for providing support and reducing the stigma associated with this condition. Symptoms may include flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Early intervention and treatment are vital for those affected.

For more information and resources, visit the National Center for PTSD at ptsd.va.gov. Let's work together to support those impacted by PTSD and promote mental health awareness.

Environmental Strategies

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

May 18: Fairfield All About Me Day

May 22: Beyond ACEs Summit

Here's what we have planned...

We are partnering with Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) to provide Mental Health First Aid training to their School-Based Mental Health Services staff.

6/4: Prevention Team Retreat

6/5: Youth Mental Health First Aid at HCPS

6/6: Teen Job Preparatory Program Mock Interviews

6/7: Prevention Presentation at Greater Richmond Trauma-Informed Community Network

6/7: Apartment Managers Lunch & Learn

6/10-8/9: CONNECT Summer Program

6/18: Region 4 ACEs Training

6/21: Charles City Dept. of Social Services Wellness Workshop

6/27: Human Trafficking in Henrico Awareness Town Hall, HTS2S Coalition

Connect Corner

As the school year ended, great things were happening at Connect!

Celebrating Our Newest Wise Guyz



A Community Garden is Coming to Richfield Connect

Special Thanks to

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

for donating gardening supplies!



Our Connect Programs' Assault on Illiteracy reading program had their last session to close out the school year.

Thank you again to the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for their service. With their involvement in three of our programs and plans to reach a fourth soon, we're excited about our partnership and the future of the Assault on Illiteracy Program. Together, we're making a difference one page at a time!

YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

May 15: Youth Ambassadors at the Reality Store

In partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension, our Youth Ambassadors experienced simulations of financial decisions adults make everyday to provide for themselves and their family. This event helped our teens understand real world expenses and situations they will encounter as adults.

Teen Job Preparatory Program

Teen Job Preparatory Program (TJPP) teaches job readiness skills to our youth ages 14 &15. Upon successful completion of the school year program youth have an opportunity to work in a community-based business for 6-8 weeks over the summer. Thank you to our Community Partners who have provided jobs for youth. Their first day of work is June 17th!

June 6: Mock Interviews

We are preparing our teens for the world of work! Our teens will practice interviewing skills during our Mock Interview Session. There will be a guest speaker and conversations on expectations, timesheets, evaluations, and case scenarios.

News the Henrico Community Can Use!

Toward Wellness: The Status of School-Based Mental Health Initiatives in Virginia

Saturday, June 15th Juneteenth at Dorey Park

Join Henrico Recreation & Parks for a vendor fair, kids zone, food trucks, and entertainment.

FREE and open to the public!

New Youth Development Network Certificate Program Launching at VCU This August!

We're excited to share the launch of the Youth Development Network (YDN) Certificate Program this August! This innovative program, offered by the Mary and Frances Youth Center at VCU, is designed to equip youth workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster positive youth development.

 For inquiries and applications, please visit VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center or contact Dr. Vaughn Whitney Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu Applications accepted starting June 17th.

Do You Know SAMHSA's 8 Dimensions of Wellness?

Achieving balance in your life is key to overall wellness. SAMHSA's 8 Dimensions of Wellness provide a comprehensive framework to help you achieve that balance. By focusing on these dimensions—emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual—you can enhance your well-being and lead a more fulfilling life. Watch the video for an overview and start your journey to better wellness today!

Creating a Healthier Life: A Step By Step Guide to Wellness

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

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

✨Explore Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with our insightful and impactful collaborative team virtual training. 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 attending this 2-hour ACEs training. Uncover the keys to understanding and addressing these experiences for a brighter, more compassionate future.

Click the flyer to register!

Together, let's foster a supportive environment for all.

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.