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Community Newsletter | October 2024

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Adult Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is a proven method for adults to notice concerns and support another adult experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Taught by our certified instructors, this course covers common crisis situations and resources anyone can use to support someone in need.  


WHEN: Monday, Oct. 21 AND Tuesday,

Oct. 22 (two-day class) | 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm each day (plus two hours of independent online pre-work)

WHERE: Online

COST: Cost: $35*

*scholarships available 

Learn more and register here

Overdose Response

Anyone who uses opioids, including prescriptions, can experience an overdose. Learn the steps for recognizing and responding to an overdose, including how to deliver Narcan® (aka naloxone) the medication that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose. Our online class provides you with the knowledge and confidence to effectively intervene in an overdose crisis and save a life. 


WHEN: Wednesday, October 23 | 4 pm - 5 pm 

WHERE: Online

COST: FREE

Learn more & register here

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) 

Three steps anyone can take to save a life from suicide. In Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), participants develop the skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Similar to CPR, QPR is an evidence-based suicide prevention program that provides lifesaving knowledge and steps to help someone in crisis and get them connected to care. 


WHEN:

Thursday, October 24 | 4 PM - 5:30 PM 

Wednesday, November 6 | 9 AM – 10:30 AM 

Thursday, November 14 | 2:30 PM – 4 PM 

COST: FREE

Learn more and register here

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults ages 19+ to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in young people ages 13-18. Whether you’re a parent, coach, teacher, professional, or other caring adult, you can learn practical skills and gain the confidence to be there for a young person when it really matters. 


When: Friday, Oct. 25 | 11 am – 5:30 pm (plus two hours of online pre-work) 

Where: Skagit YMCA Community room | 1901 Hoag Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Cost: $15

Learn more and register here

Rooted Volunteer Training 

Rooted: Grieving and Growing Together (formerly known as the Landing) is a program for young people (aged 6-18) and their parents/caregivers to connect with their grief, spend time with other people who get it, and maybe even have some fun! This evening class split over two days is designed to acquaint you with the program and learn about volunteering. 


WHEN: Wednesdays, October 23 & 30 (two-day class) | 5:30 pm - 8 pm

WHERE: Heartwood House | 2136 SR 20, Sedro-Woolley

COST: Free

Learn more and register for Rooted Volunteer Training.

Unlocking Student Potential: Motivational Interviewing for School Staff 

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a powerful skill to engage students (and adults!) in meaningful conversations about goals, challenges, and behavior change. By fostering the supportive spirit of MI in conversations and relationships, you can encourage student self-reflection and ownership of choices. This practical two-day training is tailored specifically for school staff, including teachers, counselors, and prevention professionals. 


WHEN: Thursday, November 7 AND Wednesday, November 13 | 8:30 am – 2: 30 pm each day 

WHERE: Northwest Educational Service District 189 | 1601 R Ave., Anacortes 

COST: FREE 

Learn more and register here

American Red Cross CPR Training 

Bystanders can increase the likelihood of a person’s survival during a cardiac or other emergency if they know how to help. We are proud to offer Adult & Infant CPR, AED, and First Aid classes led by our own American Red Cross-certified trainer. Each course provides participants with the information and skills-practice to recognize and respond appropriately in many types of emergencies. 


WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9 | 10 am – 2 pm  

WHERE: Heartwood House | 2136 SR 20, Sedro-Woolley

COST: $80 (a discounted price of $60 is available for households receiving benefits such as Basic Food, WIC, Apple Health). 

Learn more & register here

Play and Grow Drop-in Group

Facilitated by Help Me Grow Nurses and a Perinatal Support-WA Resiliency Specialist, this group is a space for parents and caregivers to connect and share. This hour includes time for songs, play and group discussions on development, feeding, sleep, and other related topics. No need to sign up – just bring your baby and yourself! 


WHEN: Tuesdays at 11 am

WHERE: Heartwood House | 2136 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley

COST: Free

Learn more here

A Simple Step to Protect our Community 

Every April and October, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events are held to encourage safe disposal of unused, expired, or unwanted medications. Drop off your medications on Saturday, October 26 at the Sedro-Woolley City Hall (325 Metcalf St) from 10 am to 2 pm. By promptly removing leftover opioid prescriptions from your home and safely disposing of all medications, you can help prevent misuse by a friend, family member or other home visitor and reduce the risk of deadly overdose. 


Learn more at www.GetTheFactsRx.com 


Teen Events at the Library! 

Sedro-Woolley RISE, a coalition of United General District 304, is offering monthly events that are fun, inclusive, and safe spaces for teens at the Central Skagit Library in Sedro-Woolley. Nerf battles, karaoke, and game nights are just some of the themes of these fun and free events. October is Karaoke and November will be Game Night!


All teens are welcome! All they need to participate is a permission slip which can be picked up from the library.

Strength and Support for Youth 

On September 30, adults from Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, and Concrete were trained to become advisors in an innovative youth suicide prevention program: Sources of Strength! Together, adults learned the theory behind the program, why it’s important to go upstream in our prevention efforts, and how to support middle school peer leaders in sharing messages of hope, help, and strength throughout their schools and communities! Visit the Sources of Strength website to learn more.

School Garden Volunteer Days

It’s time to put our school gardens to bed for the winter, and we need your help! Concrete Farm to School will be hosting a farm workday on Saturday, October 19 from 9 am – 12 pm. We’ll be cleaning up the field for the winter, and this will be a great opportunity to take home some of the last produce and flowers!


RSVP to rachel.muia@unitedgeneral.org 

Pumpkins Aren’t Just

for Carving!  

As the days get shorter and the leaves start falling, we often return to the kitchen and fill it with smells of cozy soup on the stove. Try this delicious recipe for pumpkin soup, best served with a grilled cheese sandwich! 

Thanks to a Generous Donor!

The Skagit Community Foundation presented a generous award of $30,000 to the Children’s Council of Skagit County, made possible by an anonymous donor. This funding will provide vital operations and coordination support for the Council and support United General District 304’s aim to enhance the wellbeing of children and families in our community. We are incredibly grateful for this donation! These funds will allow us to continue building our infrastructure and expand our reach, ultimately benefiting the children and families of Skagit County. 

It's Full STEAM Ahead!  

A fun and free event for the whole family!



Join the fun at Full STEAM Ahead on Saturday, November 2 from 10 am - 2 pm next to the Children's Museum of Skagit County, at the old Gap store space at Burlington Plaza.


Explore interactive Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) activities and learn about local resources for families with Help Me Grow Skagit!

WIC Recognition

United General WIC staff and District 304 administration attended the Washington State WIC 50th Anniversary event at Riverfront Park in September.

Our WIC team also met Governor Inslee who graciously posed for a photo (Pictured L to R - Sydney Costello, Gov. Inslee, Amy Manrique, and Lupe Plascencia)!

WIC Office Temporary Location 

Due to renovations of the United General District 304 offices, our WIC Clinic will be located at Heartwood House on the United General Hospital Campus: 2136 SR 20 Sedro Woolley, WA 98284. Please call 360.854.0435 for directions and parking information.  

Create a Healthy Habit of Fitness! 

Autumn is here, the kids are back in school, and it’s the perfect time to create and stick to a new exercise habit. Let your fitness routine be on your fall and winter season checklist, like grabbing gloves and a hat as you walk out the door or making sure you have your umbrella. The knowledgeable staff at United Fitness Center are here to help you start and maintain an exercise routine that works with your life and goals.   


Simplicity works best when developing a habit. Commit to going to the gym for just 20-30 minutes, two times a week. That is all it takes to get started! Even when you don't feel up for it, remind yourself how much better you’ll feel when it's done. We hear our members tell us, “I didn't really feel like coming in today, but I am so glad I did! Check out this article for more tips on fitness habits.


United Fitness Center has a special deal this month for new members: Sign up for a 3-month membership and receive a free personal training session, an additional $65 value. Learn more on our website or give us a call: 360-854-0247


Excuse Our Mess 


United General District 304 offices at 2031 Hospital Drive are under construction and temporarily closed.


Work is taking place on the roof, exterior, interior, and surrounding grounds, including the addition of a community education space. These necessary projects will improve the safety and functionality of our building while enhancing community access to our more than 50 programs promoting health and wellbeing at every stage of life.


Our administrative team, office supervisor, and WIC clinic have been relocated to other spaces on the hospital district campus, while some staff will be working from home. Here's how to contact United General District 304 during construction:


We are still working hard to meet the health and wellbeing needs of our community and look forward to welcoming people back to our renovated building in the spring/summer of 2025!

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