Nationally, one in five Americans live with a mental health condition. Nearly one in five youth will experience a mental health challenge such as depression or anxiety at some point during their life, and suicide remains the third leading cause of death in this age group. We can all help prevent suicide. 

Nominations should be submitted using this form. The deadline to submit your nomination application is Friday, October 30, 2020 at 11:00 p.m.

The FDA has issued warnings after reports of teen injuries and deaths after participating in the so-called "Benadryl Challenge" in videos posted on the social media application TikTok. Taking high doses of the allergy medication Benadryl can lead to severe health problems, such as heart problems, seizures, coma and death.

Prescriptions, including opioids and over-the-counter medication can be abused when a person takes a medication that was prescribed to someone else, takes their own prescription in a way not intended by a doctor, or takes a medication with the intention of getting high.

Help keep our community safe by locking up prescription and over-the-counter medication and disposing of unused or expired medication at one of Alexandria's permanent medication drop boxes.

Formed Families Forward will be offering free peer support groups for teens and young adults ages 14-22 and for parents and caregivers. The groups meet twice monthly from October through May. Both groups are facilitated by professional mental health clinicians. 

This year, the group for parents and caregivers will meet virtually. Youth and young adults may be virtual or in person at our office in Fairfax, based on registration preferences. Youth and young adults should register before October 1, 2020.

Teachers can nominate students using this form.

Once students are nominated, they will have until October 4, 2020 to complete this application form. Learn more here.

The Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation. This year's theme is "Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free." In partnership with the ACPS FACE Center, SCAN of Northern Virginia and the Mayor’s Campaign to End Bullying, SAPCA is excited to once again bring the campaign to Alexandria this fall!

It takes a community to teach prevention. How will you celebrate Red Ribbon Week this fall? Visit our website for tips and ideas, including information about this year's Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest.

Every year on the fourth Saturday in October, volunteerism is celebrated by individuals, friends, and families when they join together for Make A Difference Day. This year, Make A Difference Day falls on October 24.

Register here to volunteer in-person on October 24. Youth ages 6-12 are welcome to participate with a parent/guardian.

Register here if you are unable to volunteer in person and would like a wreath kit to create at home.

Find more ways to make a difference year-round at VolunteerAlexandria.org

Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) are recognizing the efforts Virginia youth have made to help in their communities during the pandemic. Through November 10, students in grades 5 through 12 are invited to apply for the 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The award includes a $1,000 scholarship, presented to middle and high school students in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Along with the scholarship, winners, called State Honorees, receive an engraved silver medal and are invited to the program’s national recognition events in early May. Selections will be announced in February. Candidates are eligible if they have volunteered in-person or virtually in the past 12 months. Click here to apply.

emma.beall@alexandriava.gov