Greetings Prevention Champions!

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

🍁 A Note from the Prevention Team 🍁

As the days grow shorter and the crisp air sets in, we’re reminded of the power of routine, reflection, and gratitude. The change in seasons and return to standard time can impact mood, sleep, and mental wellness, especially for youth and families. That’s why this month, we’re leaning into what matters most: connection, prevention, and gratitude.

Whether you're a parent, educator, provider, or young person...we’re grateful for you.

– The Henrico Prevention Team

🦃 Gratitude and Thanksgiving Wellness

Gratitude is more than good manners, it’s good prevention. Practicing thankfulness can increase emotional resilience, improve mood, and strengthen family bonds.



📝 Family Activity Idea: Create a "Gratitude Garland" where each person writes one thing they’re thankful for on a leaf-shaped card and hangs it each day leading up to Thanksgiving.

Download Leaf Cutouts Here

🏠 Homeless Youth Awareness Month

Housing instability can increase a young person’s risk for mental health challenges, substance use, and disengagement from school. November brings a chance to shine a light on youth homelessness and the supports that help young people thrive.

🔹 Learn more: youth.gov/youth-topics/runaway-and-homeless-youth

🔹 Local Support: henrico.us/mhds

🧸 National Child Safety and Protection Month

From online safety to home hazards, now is the perfect time to check in on how we’re keeping youth safe—especially with shorter days and holiday travel.

🔹 Digital safety tips: stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying

🔹 Family safety planning: childwelfare.gov

🎥 In the News:

Prevention on Showcase Richmond

We’re excited to share that our very own Henrico Prevention Services Manager was recently featured on Showcase Richmond to discuss the mission, reach, and impact of our prevention work in Henrico County.

📺 Watch the full segment here

Environmental Strategies

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 and build momentum for long-term impact.

⚠️ Spotlight: Synthetic Drug ALERT – 7-OH

A new synthetic substance called 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) is raising concern across Virginia. Marketed as a “mood enhancer,” this product is often sold in vape shops, gas stations, and online, but it is not a natural form of kratom. Instead, it is a highly potent synthetic opioid, up to 13 times stronger than morphine and 500% more powerful than traditional kratom.

🛑 What you should know:

• It is often marketed as a health supplement or energy/mood booster.
• These products are synthetic and addictive, with serious health risks.
• Youth are being intentionally targeted with colorful packaging and easy access.
• Products like “Ice Cream Cones” (pictured in the FDA alert) are examples.



🚨 Prevention is key. Talk to youth and families about the risks, and report suspicious sales.

📄 Read the full FDA alert: fda.gov/media/187900/download

📧 For presentations in Virginia’s Colonial Region: jack.fitzpatrick@jamescitycountyva.gov

As we move into the holiday season, giving becomes a meaningful way to share joy, but some gifts carry hidden risks. The Gift Responsibly campaign, led by the National Council on Problem Gambling, reminds us: lottery tickets and scratch‑cards are not appropriate gifts for children. Early exposure to gambling, especially under age 18, can increase the chance of developing future gambling problems.

Let’s choose gifts that build connection and protect wellness. This year, when you’re filling stockings or wrapping presents, remember: keep lottery tickets for eligible adults only, and talk with youth about healthy, fun alternatives. Visit National Council on Problem Gambling for more information.

Need Help? Call or Text 988.

Here's a reminder that support is just three digits away. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.

Also visit BeWellVA

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

Oct 4: Community Connections Day @ Laburnum Park

Oct 4: Glen Allen Day @ Crump Park

Oct 4: NAMI Out of Darkness @ Charles City

Oct 11: Heart Church Ministries + Bernard Greene Memorial 5K

Oct 20: From the Inside Out: Human Centered Approached to Bullying Prevention @GRTICN Prevention & Awareness Committee Meeting

Oct 22–24: CARF Review – Accreditation in Action

Oct 25: National Drug Take Back Day

Oct 29: Chief Walk

Oct 29: REVIVE and QPR Training @ Coventry Gardens Apartments

Here's what we have planned...

11/6: Tabling at Family/Teacher Conferences – Lakeside Elementary, 3:30–6:30 PM

11/18: It Takes a Village Community Conversation – 5:30–7:30 PM @ The Oak Avenue Complex

11/25: DBHDS Annual Site Visit

Youth Prevention in Action

We’re proud to celebrate our partners at the Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition, Executive Director Terrell Pollard and McKinley Libscombe from our Youth Ambassador Street Team, who were featured on Virginia This Morning highlighting how youth and adults work together to prevent substance misuse, promote mental wellness, and strengthen community safety. Their interview spotlights real prevention in motion: elevating youth voice, building protective factors, and inviting residents to get involved.

Watch the segment: https://www.wtvr.com/on-air/virginia-this-morning/henrico-too-smart-2-start-coalition

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, Nov. 21st. Please email Terrell Pollard at henricotoosmart2start@gmail.com

Follow the coalition on Facebook and Instagram

📣 You're Invited: It Takes a Village Community Conversation

Hosted by Henrico Too Smart 2 Start Coalition

Join us for a powerful evening of dialogue, education, and action to prevent youth substance misuse and drugged driving in Henrico County.

With vape shops on the rise and retail marijuana on the horizon, your voice matters more than ever.

Event Highlights:

🛍️ Resource Fair + Refreshments

🎮 Youth Ages 13–17: ThinkFast Interactive – an engaging prevention game with prizes

🕵️‍♂️ Parents & Adults: Hidden in Plain Sight – a walk-through experience to spot signs of substance use

🎤 Panel Discussion:

Hear from local experts and leaders

Learn about Henrico-specific trends and prevention strategies

Share your questions and ideas



Let’s work together to protect our youth and strengthen our community...because it truly does take a village.

🔗 RSVP HERE!

News the Henrico Community Can Use!

Register Here

Download & Share the Flyer

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

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

As the holidays draw near, let’s turn gratitude into action by trying new ways to care for ourselves and others. Whether it’s learning something new, finding ways to make healthy eating fun, helping a neighbor, or simply pausing to appreciate the moment...small steps lead to big impact. Explore tools for emotional, mental, and physical wellness at virginiapreventionworks.org/activate and start your gratitude practice today.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

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

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.