March 2026

Greetings Prevention Champions!

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

A Message from the Prevention Team

March is here and we’re stepping into it with pride and momentum. We’re coming off Black History Month… and our Connect youth showed up and showed out. With limited time to prepare, they committed, practiced, created, and delivered with excellence… and the community felt it. As we move into Women’s History Month and a season of new energy, we’re staying grounded in what prevention really is: connection, voice, confidence, and community care that keeps our young people supported and seen.

– The Henrico Prevention Team

Women’s History Month is a celebration of leadership, resilience, and impact from the women who built communities behind the scenes to the ones leading them out front. This month we honor the legacy and we pour into the next generation of girls who will carry it forward.

 * Celebrate Women's History at the Henrico Library *Smithsonian American Women's History Museum * National Women's History Alliance *Henrico County Celebrates Women's History Month

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.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a reminder that gambling isn’t just an adult issue anymore. Prevention starts with awareness, boundaries, and real and early conversations… especially as sports betting and online gambling become more visible to youth and young adults.

It's March Madness...Know Your Limit...Stay Within it!!!

Resources and helplines…



• Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline: 888-532-3500 | Text: 800GAM | Live Chat: vcpg.net

• VCPG resources: vcpg.net

• National 1-800-GAMBLER: 1-800-426-2535

• NCPG info: ncpgambling.org

• Crisis support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call/text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is a week long observance designed for teens because facts beat rumors every time. It’s a chance to clear up myths, reduce stigma, and help young people make informed choices with confidence.

Visit National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Empower Henrico Events

Parent and Teen Activity for

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

Table Talk Challenge ~ 10 minutes ~ No Lectures

Pick one question a day and let your teen answer first.

Keep it honest and judgment free.

• What’s one thing you think adults misunderstand about teen pressure?
• Is it hard for teens to say no? If so, what makes it hard?
• If a friend is struggling, who would you tell and why?
• What’s a healthy way to deal with stress that actually works for you?
• What would make you feel safest talking to an adult about hard stuff?

Optional twist… write your answers on paper, swap, then talk about what surprised you.

First-of-its-kind long-term study at Virginia Tech shares how cannabis use can affect driving

Are You a Henrico Resident between 18-25???

Your voice matters… and Virginia needs it! If you’re a Henrico resident, 18–25, take the short, anonymous, Young Adult Survey to share what’s really happening with substance use and mental health in your community. Your feedback helps shape better programs and support in Henrico.

Complete survey AND incentive form and receive a $10 Amazon gift card as a thank you...while supplies last .

Scan the QR code for more information.

Text 844-484-7601 to receive the survey link.

🏃 Here's what we have planned...

📌 3/10 – Hidden in Plain Sight, Godwin High School, 5:30 PM, tabling and presentation on risk, protective factors, and resiliency

📌 3/12–3/13 – Adult MHFA for Henrico Organization Learning and Talent Development Department

📌 3/14 – Regional Teen Summit, Registration is Closed

📌 3/16 – Medication and Storage Safety Training, National Association of Retired Federal Employees

📌 3/18 – Young Adult Survey outreach, J S Reynolds Parham Road Campus

📌 3/21 – STOP Community Connections Event, Oakmeade Apartments, 12pm-3pm

📌 3/21 – Youth MHFA, Church of the Vietnamese Martyrs

📌 3/24 – Annual Regional 1st Responders Wellness Fair, Henrico Sports and Events Center, 3:30 PM–8:30 PM

📌 3/26 – Summer Ready Resource Fair, Libbie Mill Library, 4:30 PM–6:30 PM

📌 3/28 – Empower Her Women’s Wellness Event, 11825 New Kent Highway, 10 AM–2 PM

📌 3/30 – Youth Ambassadors College Campus Tours, Christopher Newport and Hampton Universities

Oak Complex CONNECT triplets took center stage at the fourth annual HCPS Black History Month Poetry Slam at the Henrico Theatre. Using the theme “The Future is Watching Us,” students shared powerful perspectives on identity, ambition, and the challenges their generation is navigating. We are so proud of them.

Check out our Facebook post to see them in action.

Souls of Black Folks… Portraits in Motion

Souls of Black Folks… Portraits in Motion was a powerful reminder of what happens when youth are trusted with a message and supported by a village. With community members in the room and pride on full display, our participants brought culture, storytelling, and presence to the stage and the feedback was clear… it moved people. We’re already looking ahead to next year, because this is the kind of tradition that deserves to grow.

Visit our Facebook page to see videos from the event.

Our Youth Ambassador Street Team will Present at the

2026 Regional Teen Summit

We are excited to announce that our Youth Ambassador Street Team will be presenting at Teen Summit RVA on March 14th, leading three interactive sessions focused on healthy decisions around marijuana. Youth will guide real conversations that help teens strengthen decision making, challenge myths, practice healthy coping strategies, and encourage safe choices that protect their future.

Henrico Too Smart 2 Start is currently recruiting new members and volunteers to become community champions. Interested? Complete this Membership Form: https://forms.gle/KFuAyhfKY3KK2xhS6

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.

The next general body meeting will be virtual on Friday, Mar.20th.

Please email Terrell Pollard at 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 Avenue Complex in March

Check out https://linktr.ee/henricorecparks for Henrico resources and events for the whole family.

Henrico 4-H Farm Graze will offer a free, family-friendly event Saturday, March 21 to celebrate agriculture and community, with live farm animals and hands-on educational activities.

This event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Deep Run Park and Recreation Center, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway. 

Concerned about your children's screen time & wellbeing? Click the image below for a list of resources. More resources from our friends at Greater Richmond SCAN.

Spring is around the corner, but March still has one foot in winter. This month’s wellness focus is simple… reset your rhythm. Choose one small habit that supports your mind and body, more water, a short walk, earlier bedtime, less scrolling… then build from there. Small steps can equal real impact!

#ActivateYourWellness

Henrico Mental Health & Wellness Resources

Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services

Henrico Rec & Parks: Fitness and Wellness

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

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

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 about training opportunities, and

BE WELL Virginia!

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