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The CDC has put together this interactive web page to help individuals understand and cope with their feelings during COVID19. We are all dealing with something right now that we have never dealt with before. As a result, feelings of anger, grief and stress can creep up on us.
From the home page:
How Are You Feeling?
We are often asked this, and we say “fine.” But this has been a difficult time lately, and emotions can be complex. You may be feeling sad, worried, or stressed.
It helps to stay positive and remind yourself of your strengths. Scroll down for inspiration and resources to find what helps.
Click here to learn more and utilize the tools. |
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Regional Opioid and Other Drug Prevention and Policy Workgroup |
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Overdose Deaths Involving Cocaine
There were 70,630 drug-involved overdose deaths reported in the U.S. in 2019. 15,883 of those deaths involved cocaine.Cocaine can be deadly when taken in large doses or when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Cocaine-related deaths often happen because the heart stops (cardiac arrest), then breathing stops.
Among the deaths that occurred from cocaine use, most also included misuse of an opioid of some form, either a prescription pain reliever, heroin, or man-made opioids like fentanyl. Cocaine is sometimes laced with fentanyl.
Combining cocaine with heroin (known as a “speedball”) puts a person at higher risk of death from an overdose.
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To learn more about cocaine check out this NIDA Fact Sheet |
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Overdose Prevention
Learn more about:
Who is at risk
Signs of an overdose
How to administer Naloxone
Space is available at next week's training - February 16th
Click flyer for registration links.
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Drug Free Schools Committee
Resources for Youth, Parents and Families
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The HereNow App - Empowering Teens to Lead the Conversation
HereNow is THE teen-led community for mental health and wellness. Created by teens for teens, HereNow makes it easy to connect with other teens, share your stories, and find real answers to your mental health questions and concerns.
The web page includes resources on other topics like responding to loss, coping with COVID-19 and social justice.To learn more about the app and how to download it, click here.
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Parent learning opportunity offered by
The New Milford Youth Agency
All are welcome!
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Mantherapy.org
Sometimes it takes a little humor to deal with difficult things. We love this website- mantherapy.org. When you get to the homepage is says "Because you can't just rub some dirt on your emotions".
All kidding aside however, Mantherapy.org explores men's mental health resources with suggestions on how to improve sleep, deal with anger, and encourages healthy coping skills like journaling.
You can take a "20 Point Head Inspection" to assess how you excel and where you need to improve your mental health. Link to mobile apps designed to track your mood or to develop a safety plan.
Click here - there is so much to explore!
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Region 5 Suicide Advisory Board |
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Reducing Access to Means of Suicide
Reducing access to lethal means of self-harm for a person at risk of suicide is an important part of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. Firearms are the most lethal among suicide methods. Also of concern are medications that are lethal at high doses.
Here are some of the reasons why reducing access to lethal means is so important:
- Many suicide attempts take place during a short-term crisis, so it is important to consider a person's access to lethal means during these periods of increased risk.
- Access to lethal means is a risk factor for suicide.
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Reducing access to lethal means saves lives!!
What You Can Do
Families, organizations, health care providers, and policymakers can take many actions to reduce access to lethal means of self-harm. Some of these are well known household health and safety precautions that are suggested regardless of suicide risk. Examples include limiting access to medications and storing firearms safely when not in use. Click here for additional resources.
If you are a clinician, learn more about CALM - Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, a free, online course.
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Suicide Prevention Training
Please join us for one of our Free QPR- Question Persuade Refer
Suicide Prevention Webinar Trainings this month
Click on flyer for registration links
"Suicide prevention is everyone's business"
- QPR Institute
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Free Downloadable Resources
Western CT Coalition Staff attended the virtual CADCA Leadership Forum last week. Here's a sampling of some resources from SAMSHA and the CDC
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This CDC E-cigarettes and Youth Toolkit for Partners includes lots of resources for prevention professionals including fact sheets, social media images, and action steps to engage with parents and other community stakeholders.
All at no cost!
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Problem Gambling Awareness |
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March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
The Region 5 Problem Gambling Team is pleased to announce an event:
"The Wild World of Sports Betting" free webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, March 23, 1:00-3:00 p.m. CEUs are being offered ($10 fee for CEUS). Click flyer to connect to registration.
Stay tuned for more information about PGAM events that will be taking place in Region 5 and across the state!
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40 Developmental Assets Framework |
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The Developmental Assets® are 40 research-based, positive experiences and qualities that influence young people’s development, helping them become caring, responsible, and productive adults.
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External Asset #11 which falls under the category of
"Boundaries and Expectations"
Young people need clear rules, consistent consequences for breaking rules, and encouragement to do their best
Family Boundaries
Family has clear rules and consequences, and monitors the young person’s whereabouts.
Rules and expectations are important. They help establish the do’s and don’ts for society and help things run smoothly. But rules are not automatically known; they must be created and learned.
How do we build this asset?
- Families should set clear rules and consequences and monitor their children's whereabouts. Setting boundaries is an important way to show kids you care.
- Make sure everyone—not just the children—follows the same rules, although there may be some differences depending on ages and maturity. Be sure to set up clear consequences for family members who break the rules.
The 40 Developmental Assets® may be reproduced for educational, non-commercial uses only. Copyright ©1997 Search Institute®, 3001 Broadway Street NE, Suite 310, Minneapolis MN 55413; 800-888-7828; www.searchinstitute.org. All rights reserved.
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Workforce Development
Trainings and Opportunities (some with CEUS offered!)
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