SAFE Community Newsletter: September 28th, 2020 |
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Welcome to our local prevention newsletter! Here you will find information related to substance use prevention and mental health in our region. Please share with all who may be interested in this information! If you would like to join us for the next SAFE meeting on Thursday, October 1st from 11:30-1:00 (via Zoom),
contact Julia Mees, Program Director, at safedfc@gmail.com.
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What is SAFE?
SAFE stands for Substance-Abuse Free Environments.
We are a community coalition made up of people who live in or work in Excelsior Springs, MO. Our primary goal is to prevent youth substance use. We do this through education, advocacy, prevention messaging
campaigns, and environmental change.
Our Mission is: Through community involvement, leadership, and the sharing of resources, Excelsior Springs SAFE works to reduce underage drinking, nicotine and other drug use, violence and other negative behaviors and improve the lives of all Excelsior Springs citizens.
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Thank you so much to all who have donated to the Hope Sacks project! Special thanks to Excelsior Springs Hospital--their employees and patients donated several bags full! Donation are still being accepted through the end of September. Just drop off items at Good Samaritan Center and label them for SAFE/Hope Sacks. We will get them to EPICC/Commcare. Items needed: Toothbrushes, Trial-sized Toothpaste, Bar Soap, Trial-sized Shampoo, Feminine Hygiene Products, Shaving Kits, Small combs and Brushes, Lip Balm, New Socks and Underwear, Drawstring Bags, Sunscreen, Bandaids, Batteries (AA/AAA), and Protein Snacks.
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Youth Mental Health First Aid-Excelsior Springs |
There will be a virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid class hosted by Tri-County on October 29th. Registration info will be available soon. This is a great class that arms you with knowledge and skills to help in a crisis, until additional help arrives (think regular first aid training, but for mental health). This is a difficult time for mental health. If you have the time to take this class, I think you'll find it worthwhile! Email Julia if you would like registration details.
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The next National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is October 24th! The April Take-Back Day was canceled, so this is an important time to remind our community to dispose of extra prescription medications. Take a minute to clean out your medicine cabinets and dispose of medications at the drop-box at the ES Police Station. The drop-box is open every day of the year. |
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Suicide Prevention Resources |
This is a challenging time for mental health. Please spread the word about Encourage Hope and Help, a suicide prevention resource through Tri-County. Familiarize yourself with the website, which has a multitude of resources. All of us working together can help promote mental health and prevent suicide.
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State Prevention Conference |
The State Prevention Conference is always a great conference filled with a variety of prevention-related information. This year, it will be held virtually November 16-17th. If you would like to attend, please email Julia.
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Roots of Resilience
Action Guide is Here!
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Many people have attended a screening of the Resilience Film and wanted a "next step" for spreading education about the impact of ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and ways to build resilience in youth. That next step is here! The Roots of Resilience Action Guide is a resource developed by SAFE and other local coalitions. The guide helps small groups to develop next steps to build resilience in young people. Consider starting a small group of friends, co-workers, or family members that would complete the Action Guide process together. Go here to download an Action Guide today or to order a bunch (free) for your group!
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Trauma-Informed Training Opportunity |
KC Northland Strong is a new collaborative working to build a trauma-informed and resilient Northland. SAFE and Tri-County are a part of this larger coalition. KC Northland Strong recognizes the stress and trauma caused by COVID-19. In response, they are providing this FREE, 1-hour training via Zoom to organizations, businesses, and companies in Clay, Platte and Ray Counties. The training will identify the trauma we are all experiencing and our responses, but more importantly, will guide attendees in developing self-care skills and building pillars of resilience. Set up a free training!
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Virtual Screenings of Resilience |
SAFE now has the capacity to do virtual screenings of the Resilience film. If you are interested in bringing this film to your organization, please let us know! One of SAFE's goals is to educate about the impact of trauma on health and substance use, and Resilience is a good starting point for this conversation.
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