September 2024 Newsletter

It is hard to believe that summer is coming to an end, and the back-to-school season is now upon us! These past couple of months, the team here at Stilly Valley Health Connections has worked hard, alongside our amazing community partners, to coordinate a wide variety of programs for this fall. The list of programming includes mental health education, suicide prevention trainings, fall prevention classes, Strengthening Families, parenting education, and other topics. Please take a few minutes to review the list of classes below to see what all we have to offer in the month of September.


We wish you all the best moving into the fall season and hope to see you at some of our classes and trainings in the coming months!


Ardis Schmiege

Superintendent / CEO

Back in July, the Stilly Valley Health Connections team hosted an event at the Haller Park Splash Pad. Thank you to all of the families who stopped by for a visit and to eat some frozen treats! Another special thank you to the Arlington Library and WSU Extension's SNAP-Ed Program for taking part in this event by providing resources and activities for children and families!

Upcoming Classes and Programs:

If you are interested in learning more about our upcoming programs and classes, please click on the title and you will be redirected to the registration page for the class.

COOKING AND NUTRITION:

September 12: Introduction to Indian Cuisine (Hybrid)

September 16: Sugar Myths and Facts (Online)


HEALTH AND WELLNESS:

September 23: Preventing Type 2 Diabetes 8 - Week Series (Online)

September 24: Restorative Sound Bath (In-Person)

September 26: Six Steps to Prevent Falls (Online)

October 10: Otago Fall Prevention 8-Week Series (In-Person)


MENTAL HEALTH:

September 20: Adult Mental Health First Aid (In-Person)

September 24: QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training (In-Person)

September 27: Youth Mental Health First Aid (In-Person)


September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

QPR Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training


In this 90-minute in-person QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) training, attendees will learn three steps that can be taken to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. Instruction will be provided by QPR trainer, Wendy Burchill, with the Snohomish County Health Department. QPR Suicide Prevention Training is free and open to anyone in the community age 16 or older.


Date: Tuesday, September 24th

Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: In-Person at Stilly Valley Health Connections

Register for In-Person Class

Snohomish County WSU Extension invites you to attend their FREE upcoming Adult Mental Health First Aid Training.


Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.


Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. 


Questions or want to learn about future training? Call (425) 357-6044 or email snoco.4h@wsu.edu


Date: Friday, September 20th

Time: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Location: In-person at Stilly Valley Health Connections

Register for the In-Person Class

Snohomish County WSU Extension invites you to attend our FREE upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.


Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18.


You will build the skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.


Questions or want to learn about future training? Call (425) 357-6044 or email snoco.4h@wsu.edu 


Date: Friday, September 27th

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: In-person at Stilly Valley Health Connections


Register for the In-Person Class

September Cooking and Nutrition Programming

Monthly Demonstration:

Introduction to Indian Cuisine


Traditional Indian cuisine is known for its rich aromatic spices and abundant flavor. Step outside your comfort zone and join us for this demonstration to learn how to make deep, flavorful dishes with simple ingredients that will wake up your taste buds. The class will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Sound Dietitians, LLC, and is sponsored by Skagit Regional Health. This event is free and can be attended either in-person or online via Zoom. Not able to attend? Register anyway, and we will send you the recording.


Date: Thursday, September 12th

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Location: Online via Zoom

Register for Online Webinar or Recording

Sugar Myths and Facts


Join us for this class as we address the most common sugar myths and facts, information on sugar substitutes, and guidelines for added sugars. The class will also discuss how to handle sugar cravings, as well as recommendations for blood sugar control. Nutritious dessert recipes will be shared with participants. The class will be led by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Sound Dietitians, LLC, and sponsored by Stilly Valley Health Connections. This event is free and is open to anyone in the community. Not able to attend? Register anyway, and we will send you the recording.


Date: Monday, September 16th

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: Online via Zoom

Register for Online Webinar or Recording

Health and Wellness Programs

Restorative Sound Bath


Join Savannah with Ethereal Sound & Wellness for the soothing sounds of the crystal bowls weaving together in a harmonious symphony. The vibrations of the bowls are known to align and balance energies within the body, fostering a state of deep relaxation and clarity. Whether you're seeking relief from everyday stress, looking to enhance your meditation practice, or simply craving a moment of tranquility, our Sound Bath event offers a sanctuary where you can nurture your well-being and restore balance to your life.


Date: Thursday, September 19th

Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: In-Person at Stilly Valley Health Connections

Cost: $35

Register for In-Person Event

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: Take Control with a Lifestyle Reset


  • Have you been diagnosed with prediabetes?
  • Are you at-risk to develop diabetes because it runs in your family?
  • Are you ready to make changes to improve your health?



'Take Control with a Lifestyle Reset' is a course for individuals diagnosed with prediabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes in the future. This comprehensive 8-week program, led by a Registered Dietitian/Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with Sound Dietitians will cover topics such as nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.


What: This program meets once a week for 8 consecutive weeks

When: Mondays | September 23rd to November 11th | 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm

Where: Online using Zoom

Fee: Program fee is $35 per person and includes a book and exercise bands.

Complete our Interest Form

September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month

Click HERE to view a checklist by the Washington Department of Health that will help identify the hazards in your home and what changes can be made to reduce the risk of falls.

Steps Toward a Healthy and Independent Life: 6 Steps to Prevent Falls


This online presentation is for older adults who are aging in place and the family members that care and support them. The focus of this presentation is to build awareness, knowledge, behavior change, and is a call to action for older adults to reduce fall risks to maintain health and independence.

Presented by the Washington State Department of Health and created in collaboration with King County Fall Prevention Coalition and Sound Generations.


Date: Thursday, September 26th

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Location: Online via Zoom

Register for Online Webinar or Recording

Otago Fall Prevention


Introducing Otago, a unique, progressive exercise program that has been shown to reduce the risk of falls in participants by up to 35%. The group will meet twice a week with an Otago-trained individual to complete seventeen strength and balance exercises. Benefits of the program include strengthened balance, increased muscle strength, and enhanced general fitness and well-being.


Dates: Every Monday & Thursday from October 14th to December 12th.

Sessions will run from 2:00 - 3:00 pm

  • Required pre-class assessment is on Thursday, October 10th.
  • Post-class assessment is on Monday, December 16th.

Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location: In-Person at Stilly Valley Health Connections

Register for In-Person Program

Do you have questions about your child's car seat?


Contact us to schedule a free car seat check appointment with our Child Passenger Safety Technicians to ensure that your little one is buckled in safety.



Call (360) 386-9918 or

email us at: info@stillyvalleyhealth.org

Upcoming Program Highlight

The Strengthening Families Program is for families with youth 10-14 years of age. It is an evidence-based parent, youth, and family skills-building curriculum that uses games, activities, and discussions to:

• Prevent teen substance abuse and other behavior problems

• Strengthen parent/youth communication skills

• Increase academic success in youth

• Prevent violence and aggressive behavior at home and at school


Date: Tuesdays: October 1st through November 12th

Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: In-Person at Stilly Valley Health Connections

Register for the 7-Week Program

In-Person Support Groups

Volunteers Needed

Dentist and Dental Assistants Needed in Darrington this Fall!


Stilly Valley Health Connections will be hosting the Medical Teams International dental van in Darrington, on September 24 and October 22. This rural Snohomish County area offers limited dental access for low-income clients and these resources are crucial. Can you help meet the need? You can sign up to volunteer for either clinic at this link: Stilly Valley Volunteer Project Page (volunteermatters.org). Questions? Please contact Stilly Valley Health Connections at (360) 386-9918 or email info@stillyvalleyhealth.org.

Questions about an upcoming program or need assistance registering?


Please contact us

at (360) 386-9918 or email info@stillyvalleyhealth.org


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