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Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to shine a special light on a topic that affects us all and get involved in positive change. Developed by a physician, this free training talks about suicide myths and facts, warning signs for suicide, and how you can apply hope to save a life. QPR is for anyone age 16+ and is provided at no cost. Upcoming online classes:
WHEN:
Thursday, September 12 | 1 – 2:30 pm
Thursday, September 26 | 5:30 – 7 pm
Tuesday, October 8 | 5:30 – 7 pm
Thursday, October 24 | 4 – 5:30 pm
COST: FREE
Learn more and register here
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Overdose Response
Although no training is required to carry or give naloxone, our online class provides you with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in an overdose crisis and save a life. Information about how to get free naloxone, the medication that temporarily reverses an opioid overdose, is also provided.
WHEN:
Monday, September 16 | 3-4 pm
Thursday, September 26 | 12-1 pm
WHERE: Online
COST: FREE
Learn more & register here
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WIC Breastfeeding Class
Our friendly and knowledgeable lactation experts provide practical help to get feeding off to a good start in this short online class. Learn about some of the common concerns in the early days and how to overcome them, breastfeeding positions and tips for best latch, and more! All parents are welcome.
WHEN:
Thursday, Sept.19th @ 1pm (English)
Jueves, Septiembre 19 @ 4pm (Español)
WHERE: Online
COST: Free
Learn more and register here
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Play and Grow Drop-in Group
No registration required! Bring your baby and connect with other parents and caregivers in this one-hour group with music, play, and discussions covering a range of topics from development to sleep and much more. The group is facilitated by Help Me Grow Nurses and Perinatal Support-WA Resiliency Specialists. For more information, contact Liz.Cooksey@UnitedGeneral.org
WHEN: Tuesdays at 11am
WHERE: Heartwood House | 2136 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley
COST: Free
Learn more here
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Rooted: Grieving & Growing Together – Open House
Rooted is our newly relaunched grief support program for children, teens, and families in Skagit and the surrounding communities. With Rooted, youth spend time together and have the option to take part in discussion, play, learning, and activities for expressing grief in a supportive peer environment.
If you work with youth or have had someone significant to your family die, we welcome you to tour our newly remodeled space, meet our friendly volunteers and staff, enjoy light refreshments, and learn about grief resources, including a six-week program for families starting this October, at our first Open House!
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept 17 | 5:30pm - 7:30pm
WHERE: Heartwood House | 2136 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley
COST: Free
Find out more information and RSVP here
Want to get involved? Learn about our upcoming Rooted Volunteer Training.
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Adult Mental Health First Aid
Like first aid for physical health, there are proven steps to responding compassionately to someone showing early or worsening signs of mental health or substance use challenges. Our certified instructors help you feel prepared to hold difficult but necessary conversations, inspire hope, and care for yourself while supporting others. This training is for anyone who is 18+. Note: this hybrid course includes two hours of independent online study before the interactive in-person session.
WHEN:
Friday, Sept 27 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
WHERE: Heartwood House | 2136 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley
COST: Cost: $35* - includes materials and lunch for in-person course | *scholarships available
Learn more and register here
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Youth Mental Health First Aid
Whether you work with children and youth, or you’re a parent or a caring neighbor, you can play a critical role in helping children and youth thrive. This course teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in young people ages 12-18 using the proven Mental Health First Aid model. After the training, attendees will also have access to the Strong Resilient Youth free online course endorsed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. This class is for anyone 18+.
When: Wednesday, October 16 | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Where: Skagit YMCA Community room | 1901 Hoag Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Cost: $15
Learn more and register here
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Strengthening Families Program for Parents & Youth 10-14
All families have strengths! Over seven weeks this evidence-based program helps bring them out by practicing positive communication, encouraging healthy habits for youth, providing tools for parenting teens, plus a lot of time for making memories and having fun together. Dinner for the whole family is provided each week and childcare for younger siblings is available.
When: Wednesdays, October 2 – November 13, 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Where: Anacortes Middle School | 2202 M Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221
Who should attend: Parents/Caregivers and their 10–14-year-old(s). All families in Skagit County are welcome!
Learn more and register here
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WIC 50th Anniversary Celebration! | | |
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Join us on Friday, September 13, from 10 am to 3 pm at Skagit Riverwalk Park as the Washington State WIC program celebrates local clinics and participants! This event includes a health fair, guest speakers, and awards recognizing the ways WIC supports our community.
Since the first clinic opened in Kentucky in 1974, WIC has improved the health and wellbeing of millions of pregnant women, infants, children, and families across America.
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Diaper Bank Supply Drive
United General District 304 WIC Nutrition Program serves over 200 infants in the Skagit County area. We partner with the United Way of Skagit Couty’s Diaper Bank to provide supplemental diapers to those in need. We are asking community members to consider a donation of diapers. The United Way of Skagit County Diaper Bank lacks a sufficient supply of diapers to keep all Skagit babies clean, dry, and healthy. Your contribution can make a difference. Diapers will be collected as part of National Diaper Need Awareness Week September 16 through 30. The greatest need is for diapers sizes 4, 5, and 6, but sizes newborn through 4T are accepted. Diapers can be dropped off at our WIC office (2031C Hospital Dr., Sedro-Woolley), or visit this Facebook Event for a list of drop-off locations.
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Celebrating Trek for Treasure 2024! | |
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The 2024 summer hiking challenge concluded in August and more than 1,000 trekkers from 354 teams covered approximately 18,000 miles during the six-week challenge. The top three teams to find the pirate treasure took home bragging rights and an assortment of prizes, such as Stowes gift cards, pizzas, and other gift certificates! Visit our website to see all the winners, photos, and a recap of Trek for Treasure 2024: Treasures of the Deep.
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Three winning teams pictured above from left to right: Hot Steppin' Mamas (winners of the pink pearl), Praise Trekkers (winners of the green pearl), and Cockroaches and Iguanas (winners of the gold pearl). | |
Free Personal Training
Fall back into your fitness routine as kids go back to school. Sign up for a three-month membership at United Fitness Center and receive a free one-hour Personal Training session! This is a great way to develop a fitness program geared towards your specific needs and abilities. Offer for new or returning inactive members. We look forward to seeing you soon here at United Fitness Center!
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Join a Trail Building Work Party
Skagit Trail Builders begin work sessions again this month. Join us September 14 and September 28 as we continue trail work at Northern State Recreation Area. Check out the calendar and sign up for a work session today!
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Are you passionate about making Skagit a strong and healthy community? United General District 304 coordinates several Coalitions - groups of passionate people who want to make a difference - that would welcome your unique voice and talents! Learn more about their missions and upcoming meetings. | | |
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The mission of the Burlington Healthy Community Coalition (BHCC) is to support and promote healthy environments for Burlington youth to prevent and reduce youth substance use. Community members are encouraged to participate! BHCC meets the third Tuesday of every month in person (except July and August) at the Burlington Library from 3 – 4:30pm. | | |
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Since 2006, the Concrete Resource Coalition (CRC) has been involved in the East County region, meeting the needs of youth and families through collaboration, networking, and building community relationships. If you are interested in serving that community, please join us! The CRC meets in person (with an online option) from 3 - 4:30 on the third Thursday of the month at the Concrete High School library. | | |
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Sedro-Woolley RISE (Rallying to Inspire Safe Environments) is an active community coalition that aims to reduce youth substance use and build a healthy Sedro-Woolley. RISE meets in person on the second Tuesday of the month from 3-4:30 p.m. (except July and August) at the Sedro-Woolley High School library, and all are welcome! | | |
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Skagit Wellness Alliance (SWA) is a network of professionals who share resources and collaborate to enhance youth and adult mental health and substance prevention work happening in Skagit County. SWA is moving to in-person meetings for the 2024-25 school year! We’ll meet at Heartwood House on the hospital district campus beginning Thursday, Sept.12, from 11:30am – 12:30 pm, with the remaining meetings occurring on the third Thursday of the month from noon – 1 pm through June. | |
Youth in Action
Our Varsity in Volunteerism program has a new website! Visit the page and learn about this opportunity for high school students to gain important skills and impact their community. Every high school in Skagit County participates. We’re looking for volunteer opportunities for these young people, too! Fill out our volunteer opportunity form here to let us know about a project at your organization that could use high school volunteers!
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Volunteer with Us!
Love cooking, gardening, and helping kids learn and thrive? Our Farm to School programs need you! With many opportunities to get involved, including fall and spring garden lessons, winter cooking lessons, garden maintenance parties, outreach events, and fundraising, we can work with your interests and schedule to find a good fit this school year! If you are interested, please let us know by filling out this form or by emailing Margo.Heffron@UnitedGeneral.org.
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Local, Nutritious, and Delicious
Taste Washington Day is October 2! Students across the state, including in the Sedro-Woolley and Concrete school districts, will eat delicious local produce during school meals in a celebration of agriculture and Farm to School programs. Skagit County is one of the largest and most diverse agricultural communities west of the Cascades, with local farmers producing about $350 million worth of crops, livestock, and dairy products. In October, we celebrate the Farm to School programs that connect students back to the sources of their food and school food service teams who are working hard to make sure school lunch is delicious and healthy and supports local agriculture!
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Harvest Bounty and Fall Fun at the Farmers Market
September 25 is Kids’ Day at the Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market! Stop by Hammer Heritage Square from 3-7pm for family activities and local products and produce. The last Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market will be Wednesday, October 16.
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Recipe of the Month:
Zucchini Fritters
Seems like everyone has zucchini to spare right now! Check out this recipe card in English or Spanish with suggestions for how to prepare zucchini for all the members of your family, from babies trying foods for the first time, to adults with a more developed palate (and teeth!).
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