May 2024

Greetings Prevention Champions!

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

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

A time to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being.

Individuals can improve routines of regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep.

Families can support mental health by fostering open communication, practicing active listening, and seeking professional help when needed.

At school, educators can implement mental health education programs and provide access to counseling services.

In the workplace, employers can prioritize employee well-being by offering mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, and stress management programs.

In the community, advocating for mental health awareness and reducing stigma through community events and support groups can make a difference.

Stay updated with our weekly content on the Henrico Prevention Facebook Page for tips and resources to promote mental health awareness and support.

NAMI MHAM Resources

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Tips and Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month

National Council for Mental Well Being

National Fentanyl Awareness Day, now in its third year, calls for collective action to address the urgent public health crisis posed by fentanyl. With over 70,000 Americans succumbing to fatal overdoses last year, awareness is crucial. Fentanyl, present in fake pills and street drugs, poses severe risks, often unbeknownst to users. We must all play a role in preventing further tragedies. Families are encouraged to watch this four-minute "Counterfeit Pills — You Need to Know" video with teens and engage in a five-minute conversation about the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills.

National Fentanyl Awareness Day - Spread the Word in Your Community

Fentanyl Awareness Resources #justKNOW

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

Apr 2: Youth Ambassadors College Tour, ODU & VSU

Apr 9: SCAN Stewards of Children Training, All Prevention Staff

Apr 10: St. Paul’s Baptist Church Talk Saves Lives Training 

Apr 11: HCPS Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Apr 22: Clerks of the District Courts of Virginia Workplace Wellness Workshop 

Arp 27: National Drug Take Back Day

Apr 30: DBHDS Prevention Conference

Apr 30: Hidden in Plain Sight, Varina HS

Our staff facilitated our "Overall Wellness Means Workplace Wellness" workshop to 163 Clerks of the District Courts of Virginia's during their annual Spring Conference.

Hidden in Plain Sight at Varina H.S.

This is a free Henrico County community initiative to help educate parents on possible signs of alcohol and other drug use by teens. A teenager’s bedroom is replicated to allow parents to learn about indicators of alcohol and other drug use. Parents and community members can discover how alcohol and other drugs can easily be hidden in a teenager’s bedroom and learn of ways to engage in proactive and healthy discussions to prevent risky behaviors.

Here's what we have planned...

We are excited to receive requests to train and equip staff in workplaces on the promotion of mental health awareness and workplace wellness strategies. In addition, we are partnering with Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) to provide Mental Health First Aid training to their School-Based Mental Health Services staff.

Connect Corner

As the school year winds down, great things are happening at Connect!

Richfield Place Connect Celebrating the Achievements of their Participants.

Oakland Village Connect Participants Talk Hygiene



We're honored to recognize the incredible impact of the Men of the Upsilon Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., who participate in our weekly Assault on Illiteracy reading program with Henrico Area Prevention Services CONNECT Programs.

Their dedication to nurturing youth literacy skills and serving as positive role models is truly inspiring. Together, we're making a difference one page at a time!

Henrico Youth Ambassadors

April 27: Drug Take Back Day

an initiative by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) aimed at providing a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. Individuals helped prevent the misuse and abuse of medications in their communities while promoting environmental stewardship. Find out more at DEA's Drug Take Back Day website.

May 15: Youth Ambassador's Reality Store

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

News the Henrico Community Can Use!

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

Click the image above to register.

To every mother reading this, remember: Your strength is your grace, and your love is your power. In the journey of motherhood, taking time for your own wellness is not just a gift to yourself, but a beacon of health and happiness for those you cherish. Today and every day, may you embrace the beauty of self-care and the peace of well-being. You are the heart of your home and community, always deserving of moments as beautiful as the ones you provide.

Discover practical self-care tips tailored specifically for moms with this insightful article from Mayo Clinic Health Self-Care Tips for Moms. From managing stress, asking for help, and connecting with others to finding moments of calm amidst the chaos of daily life, these tips offer valuable guidance for mothers looking to prioritize their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

10 Self-Care Tips for Moms with Little to No Support System

Activate Your 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.