Volume 15| August 19, 2020

Your Weekly News & Updates

Please share! Contact Dawn Fawcett- admin@wctcoalition.org to be added to our email list. Be well and stay safe.

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COVID-19 Resources

How to beat loneliness...

Humans are a social species — it’s no wonder we’ve come up with so many ways to stay in touch, even during social distancing! Video chatting has really taken off in the last few months. Here are some of our favorite ways people have found to spend time together over video: Weekly lunch dates with co-workers Games like trivia and charades Creative art sessions Streaming yoga and other fitness classes Happy hours with family or friends If you don’t know where to start with video chatting, just pick up the phone. Call someone to catch up, especially elderly relatives who can be prone to loneliness. No matter how you choose to stay connected, hearing voices and seeing faces can really help you feel more connected even if you can’t see your loved ones in person. Go Outside! You can invite a friend to go for a walk or hike outside and still practice social distancing. Notice and acknowledge others around you with a wave or greeting. Volunteer in your community. Click here for ways you can safely support your community during COVID-19 Sources: Community Health Network and Americorps/Senior Corps

Regional Opioid Prevention Policy Workgroup Update

The Cycle of Isolation Addiction - Lee Bodkin, MCCA  Isolation and loneliness have an overwhelming effect on drug addiction and alcoholism. Studies show a strong correlation between increased mental health and substance abuse issues and social isolation. The opposite holds true as well. Addiction to drugs and alcohol may not just be an effect of isolation – but also the cause of isolation. Click here to continue reading.

Sometimes all it takes is a little support. Addiction is difficult, but you are not alone. Others have survived and succeeded in their life with addiction. There is hope! There are many different ways to get support depending on your comfort level. You can attend a group meeting, call a helpline, call a peer, drop in to a support center to talk to someone privately, or reach others online. Someone is available and wants to hear you and your story! Click here to find help and support near you

Attend one of our free Narcan Training Webinars We have a few spots available in our August 25th Narcan training webinar. Registration is required. Stay tuned for our September schedule which will go out soon!

Drug Free Schools Committee Resources for Parents and Families

Preparing for Back-to-School - Kathy Hanley When I was a child, I was filled with anxiety going back to school each year. Even as an adult, I struggle with this time of year. The mid to late August days when the sun is just a little lower in the sky, and the air begins to cool, makes me feel blue. But, one thing that always cheered me up was a shopping trip for back-to-school clothes and supplies. The ritual of getting in the car or taking the bus to the shopping mall with my mom and my grandmother was so exciting and filled with possibilities. Who doesn't love to step out for a big event like the first day of school in a new outfit and new shoes?! This year, I can't help but wonder, what does back to school shopping look like? Thousands of kids across the country are getting ready for school - whether that means being in the classroom, or learning from home. Click here for a COVID-19 back to school checklist from CNN. Make the most of the last days of summer.... There is still time to enjoy summer and spend time together as a family. Enjoy the great outdoors with these ideas from the University of Colorado Boulder:

Play in the sprinkler Watch the sunset Create with sidewalk chalk Hike or ride bikes Make your own bubbles Stargaze

Mental Health

Region 5 Suicide Advisory Board Update

The Region 5 Suicide Advisory Board meets quarterly. The next meeting is September 23rd at 10:00 a.m. For more information contact The Western CT Coalition at 203-743-7741. Please join us!

What is Empathy? This animated short was created to go along with Brené Brown's talk on Empathy. We share this video in our QPR training because it exemplifies what it means to really connect with people.  We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can reach out the CrisisText Line by texting CT to 741-741 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK.

Prevention

Western Connecticut Coalition assisted the Friendly Hands Food Bank in Torrington with community food distribution alongside CT State Representative Michelle Cook and Travis Tanuis. With their food pickup, community members were given bags with information on the safe disposal of medications and how to obtain Narcan.

Problem Gambling Awareness

Bettor Choice Programs Bettor Choice offers gambling specific treatment programs funded by the state of Connecticut. Services are provided at little to no cost. Supports are offered to gamblers and those affected. Click here to learn more about outpatient services, peer recovery supports and budget counseling. McDonough House in Danbury offers inpatient services as well.

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