April 2025

Greetings Prevention Champions!

Welcome to the Henrico Area Prevention Services Monthly Newsletter!

At Henrico Prevention Services, we recognize that strong families build strong communities. This year's we spotlight the work of Richmond SCAN. Their theme focu Parental Mental Health and Well-Being, as emphasized by Greater Richmond SCAN. When caregivers are supported—emotionally, mentally, and socially—they are more resilient and better equipped to create safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive.

Throughout April, SCAN offers free virtual wellness workshops, like Chair Yoga, Creating Calming Spaces, and Self-Care & Wellness, as well as a special Parent Wellbeing Event on April 15. Plus, don’t miss the Stewards of Children® training on April 22—an evidence-informed course on preventing and responding to child sexual abuse.

Let’s work together to build protective factors that prevent abuse & promote family wellness. 💛

📌 Learn more:

🔹 Greater Richmond SCAN Workshops & Training

🔹 Register for SCAN’s Stewards of Children Training

🔹 Greater Richmond SCAN Events

🔹 Child Welfare Info Gateway

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.

Know the Risks, Protect Our Youth 🍷🚫

Alcohol Awareness Month is a crucial time to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking and its long-term impacts, especially on youth. According to national data, alcohol is a leading factor in the deaths of individuals under 21, with approximately 4,000 young lives lost each year in the U.S. due to alcohol-related causes. At Henrico Prevention Services, we are committed to reducing risk factors such as easy access to and the illegal sale of alcohol, while increasing protective factors like education, strong family connections, and healthy alternatives for youth.

Together, we can help young people make informed, safe choices. Learn more from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control: ABC - Alcohol Awareness Month and by visiting Virginia ABC Education and Prevention on Facebook.

Tobacco Free Tuesday Webinars are now bimonthly!

View past Tobacco Free Tuesdays

Register now for May 18th. Visit QuitNowVirginia.org or call 1 800 QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) to get started with free coaching and free quit medications.

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.

Check out what a recent study, published in affiliation with the American College of Cardiology, found out about marijuana users under the age of 50.

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

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 Spring Break Trip 

Here's what we have planned...

4/7: Virginia Clerks of the Courts Wellness Workshop

4/9: Henrico County Victim Witness Assistance Program

4/15: Hidden in Plain Sight - Glen Allen High School 5:30pm-7:30pm

4/18: Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition Meeting, location TBD 12:00pm

4/21: Baltimore Aquarium CONNECT Trip 

4/21: Safe Storage and Medicine Safety presentation, North Park Library, 1:00 pm

4/30: AMHFA training collaboration with Goochland/Powhatan CSB (virtual)

5/6: AMHFA training collaboration with Chesterfield CSB

Spring Break with Purpose! 🚌📚

We kicked off spring break with a powerful trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., alongside over 40 of our incredible Connect Program Teens. From engaging exhibits to meaningful reflections, our teens soaked in the rich history and legacy of resilience, innovation, and culture. A huge thank you to our supportive staff, parents and the dedicated brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for volunteering as chaperones and helping make this experience unforgettable. Together, we’re building knowledge, pride, and community!

Youth Ambassadors

On April 9th, our Youth Ambassadors will visit local stores as part of Project Sticker Shock, a statewide prevention initiative of Virginia ABC and Henrico Prevention Services, in collaboration with Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition.

By placing bright warning stickers on alcohol products, these teens are raising awareness about the legal drinking age and reminding adults not to provide alcohol to minors. It’s a powerful way for youth to take the lead in promoting safe, healthy communities!

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 (In-Person)

April 18, 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

News the Henrico Community Can Use!

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

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

Mark Your Calendar for our National Prevention Week Kickoff Event on May 12th!

April is National Stress Awareness Month

Stress is a natural part of life—but when it becomes chronic or tied to work-related pressures, it can take a serious toll on our mental and physical health. This month, Henrico Prevention Services joins organizations across the country to raise awareness about the impact of stress and how we can better manage it—especially in our workplaces and homes.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), incivility in the workplace, constant pressure, and lack of support are major contributors to job-related stress. But there are proven ways to cope and help reduce risk factors and promote well-being.

• incorporate movement into your day
• practice mindfulness and self-care
• set boundaries
• seek support
• foster respectful environments

Let’s take this opportunity to check in with ourselves and others—and prioritize wellness, kindness, and connection.

Learn more at NIH National Stress Awareness Month

Relaxation Techniques: What You Need to Know

Download the Active April Calendar for great ways to get moving and stay active and healthy.

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.