June 19th is Juneteeth!

June 19^th is Juneteenth. This holiday represents the moment when the Emancipation Proclamation reached every city and state in America, including those where people were still enslaved. For most people, it is a time to reflect and a time to celebrate. However, Juneteenth is a day to honor those that have sacrificed and paved the way to support freedom and liberation. It also serves as a day to organize and to commit or recommit to efforts towards systemic change, racial equity, justice, and liberation. Celebrating this day, creates space to celebrate the strength, resilience, beauty, and the rich contribution of Black/African American people. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law making Juneteenth a national holiday. Click on the link below to read more on Juneteenth.

Parents, make a difference: Talk with your child about alcohol 

Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s youth, and drinking by young people poses enormous health and safety risks and is recognized as a significant public health concern. This time of year, youth are often celebrating events such as prom and graduation. Parents are encouraged to speak to their child(ren) about the risks of alcohol use. The link below will share ideas on how to have those conversations. 

  What Parents Need to Know About Youth Gambling

Gambling is prohibited to minors in all the states that has any form of legalize gambling in the USA. However, youth still find ways to gamble especially online. With increased number of youth spending more time playing video games online, the risk is increasingly becoming more heightened because of the convergence of gambling-like activities and gaming. Gambling activates the brain's reward system in almost the same way drugs do. Preventing and minimizing the impact of underage gambling is vital and parents have an important role to play on this effort. Click on the button below to read more about teen gambling. 

Oregon ban on synthetic cannabis products will be nation’s first

Starting July 1st, Oregon will ban the sale of synthetic cannabinoids at grocery stores and other retailers. According to a report by the Oregonian, cannabis shoppers won't find certain gummies and other products at their go to shop due to concerns about the unregulated nature of these products, many of which exist in a federal legal loophole.

Your Words Matter Campaign: Part 1

This year, middle and high school youth from our Upstander Circle youth council worked together to develop a campaign called #YourWordsMatter to highlight the importance of language in supporting behavioral health and reducing stigma. In upcoming newsletters, we will be highlighting different graphics developed by them as part of this campaign. 

Their goal is to remind community members about the potential impact of their words, and to remind them that how you speak in everyday life can reduce stigma, from mental health, body image, substance use, and more. Studies show that language has the potential to increase and decrease stigma. We show respect and lack of respect through our everyday language. Make sure you think before you speak.