March 2025

Greetings Prevention Champions!

Welcome to the Henrico Area Prevention Services Monthly Newsletter!

This year’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) theme, “Seeking Understanding,” emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of problem gambling and supporting those affected. Youth, young adults, and adults alike are at risk, and with the rise of online gambling, sports betting, and gaming, early education and prevention are more important than ever.

Did you know? Young people are twice as likely to develop a gambling problem compared to adults. Problem gambling can lead to financial strain, relationship issues, mental health struggles, and addiction. Prevention begins with open conversations, setting healthy boundaries, and knowing where to find help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free and confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-532-3500 or visit www.vcpg.net. For national resources, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org. www.ncpgambling.org/problem-gambling/pgam.

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.

It's March Madness...

Know Your Limit...Stay Within it!!!

Join us at the 2nd Annual Problem Gambling Prevention Conference on March 19, 2025, for a day of learning and support! $30 general admission

Dr. Caroline Cobb (VCU) is collecting confiscated vaping materials from local schools. She is testing these materials for adulterants in an effort to get a better idea of the dangers present in these products. If you are interested in participating contact her at cobbco@vcu.edu and she will help to facilitate the collection.

Tobacco Free Tuesday Webinars are now bimonthly!

View past Tobacco Free Tuesdays

Make this your year to quit tobacco for good!

Visit QuitNowVirginia.org or call 1 800 QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) to get started with free coaching and free quit medications.

Women's History Month: Celebrating Strength & Prevention

Let's take time to honor the resilience, contributions, and leadership of women throughout history. Empowered women strengthen families, communities, and the next generation. This month, we highlight the importance of mental health, wellness, and substance use prevention for women and girls.

Learn more and celebrate women’s impact at www.womenshistorymonth.gov.

*Henrico County Celebrates Women's History Month * Celebrate Women's History at the Henrico Library*

Smithsonian American Women's History Museum

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



2/4: Hidden in Plain Sight Freeman High School

2/22: Annual Soul Bowl Henrico Police Athletic League

2/3 - 2/6: CADCA Leadership Forum &

SAMHSA's Prevention Day

3/1 - 3/2: 2025 Central Virginia EMS Expo

Here's what we have planned...



3/8: Hidden in Plain Sight - Fairfield Middle School

3/11:  Hidden in Plain Sight - Hermitage High School

3/15: My Sister’s Hope 2025 Women’s Health Fair

3/19: ACEs Training for Live Red Foundation

3/21: Charles City College and Career Fair

3/22: 2025 Regional Teen Summit

3/31: National Museum of Black History & Culture Youth Ambassador Trip 

Connect Corner



This Black History Month, we came together to celebrate culture, knowledge, and community through friendly competition at our Annual Soul Bowl! Henrico Youth from across Henrico showed up, participated, and learned from one another in a high-energy black history, prevention, and culture-themed game show. A huge congratulations to Zierra, our big winner! But in reality, they all won—by engaging, expanding their knowledge, and embracing the power of representation and cultural pride.

Youth Ambassadors



Henrico Prevention Services is committed to fostering community wellness through collaborative initiatives. In partnership with Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition and Youth Impact RVA, our teens recently co-organized a Human Trafficking Town Hall. This family-friendly event aimed to raise awareness and educate attendees aged 13 and up about the critical issue of human trafficking. The program featured interactive games and an anti-trafficking panel, providing valuable insights and resources to the community. Such collaborations are integral to our mission of reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors, ensuring that youth and families in Henrico County can thrive. Check out our shout out on Facebook..

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.

Monthly Coalition Meeting (Virtual)

March 21, 2025 12:00pm -1:30pm 

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

Virginia General Assembly 2025

2025 Bill Tracking - Sessions have adjourned. See what bills have passed/failed. March 24th is the last day for Governor's action on legislation.

Key Dates for the 2025 General Assembly Session

News the Henrico Community Can Use!

Regional Teen Summit Registration is FULL!!!

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

Hello Spring!!!

Belmont Rec Center is hosting a carnival

March 31, 2025 at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

There will be face painting, balloons, a rock wall, and a bounce house. We will have lots of games outside and the game room will be open inside.

Henrico County Public Schools and FEV Tutor partner to provide students in grades 3-12 with high-quality, division-sponsored virtual tutoring and homework help.

More Information

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for reducing stress, improving focus, and enhancing overall well-being. By practicing mindfulness, we can be more present, manage emotions, and build resilience—all of which strengthen protective factors for mental health and wellness.

To help you get started, we’re sharing the Mindful March Calendar with daily actions that encourage mindfulness in everyday life. Small moments of mindfulness—whether it’s deep breathing, a short walk, or simply savoring your morning coffee—can create lasting positive change.

Take a moment today to pause and reset with this short box breathing exercise. Let’s commit to being present, reducing stress, and taking care of ourselves—one mindful moment at a time.

📆 Check out the Mindful March Calendar: Action for Happiness

🔗 Learn more about Activate Your Wellness: Virginia Prevention Works

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

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

See additional trainings below, offered by our Community Partners.

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!

Visit BeWellVA.com for regional training opportunities.

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.