What's NOT going away?

August, 2025

Become Their Voice

August has been declared by many as Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on the devastating impact fentanyl is having on families and communities across Iowa and the nation. It’s also the start of a new school year—a season that brings excitement for many, but also anxiety, pressure, and stress for some students.

At Become Their Voice, we know these dangers all too well. That’s why our mission this month—and every month—is to educate, advocate, and empower families to have the difficult but life-saving conversations that can help protect their children from the hidden risks they may face, both in and out of the classroom.

-- Deric and Kathy Kidd

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Back to School: A Time of Transition and Pressure for Many Kids

As August rolls in and classrooms begin to fill again, the excitement of a new school year can also bring a silent wave of stress and uncertainty for students. Whether they're stepping into the hallways as new underclassmen, taking on leadership roles as upperclassmen, or beginning their final year unsure of what lies ahead, many kids are carrying emotional weight that isn't always visible.

For freshmen, adjusting to a larger campus, new expectations, and unfamiliar social dynamics can feel overwhelming. Sophomores and juniors often face academic pressures and start to feel the looming questions of “what’s next?” For seniors, this year marks a turning point—and while that can be exciting, it can also be filled with fear about the future, college decisions, career paths, or simply the unknown.

Now more than ever, it’s important for parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors to be tuned in to the emotional wellbeing of our youth. Let’s lead with empathy and patience. Instead of adding to the pressure with constant questions about performance or plans, we can offer a listening ear, a safe space, and an open mind. Ask how they’re feeling, not just what they’re doing. Acknowledge that transitions are hard—and that it’s okay not to have it all figured out.

Consider brainstorming together ways to manage stress: create simple routines, explore mindfulness practices, unplug from social media regularly, or simply carve out moments of rest and joy. By modeling healthy coping skills and opening up real conversations, we show kids that they’re not alone—and that their mental health matters more than a perfect GPA or a polished plan.

This back-to-school season, let’s commit to being the adults who see behind the smiles, who ask better questions, and who offer support without judgment. Together, we can help our kids not just survive the school year—but grow through it.

Parents, things are changing fast.

New apps are popping up constantly, and many are designed to look harmless while hiding risky features like anonymous messaging, disappearing content, or location tracking.

It’s more important than ever to stay informed about what your kids are downloading and using. These apps can open the door to cyberbullying, predators, and dangerous content—all without you knowing.

Don’t be afraid to check their phones, talk openly, and stay involved.

Awareness is protection.

We Can’t Afford to Look Away

We can’t keep burying our heads in the sand.

Mental health struggles aren’t going away—and neither are the drugs that too many of our kids are turning to in order to cope. The truth is, these challenges have always existed in some form, but today they’re taking a heavier toll on our youth. We see it in the anxiety, the isolation, the pressure, and yes, in the growing number of lives lost to addiction. It's not just about the substances—they're a symptom. The root is mental health.

It’s time to stop reacting and start responding. We have to be bold and intentional in how we address mental health—both at home and in our schools. Conversations about emotions, anxiety, grief, and stress should be as common as conversations about grades and goals.

We need to equip kids with real coping tools and let them know they’re not alone. This isn’t just a school counselor’s job or a one-time assembly—it’s an ongoing effort, and it starts with all of us: parents, educators, coaches, and community leaders. If we truly want to protect our children, we have to start by understanding what they’re up against—and fight for the resources and support they deserve.

Here's a decade-by-decade overview of the biggest drug issues and the most commonly associated drug of choice in the United States, starting from the 1950s:

1950s

Drug of Choice: Barbiturates & amphetamines

Issue: Prescription drug misuse.

Barbiturates were commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders.

Amphetamines (like Benzedrine) were used for weight loss and increased alertness.

Abuse was rising, particularly among housewives and students.

1960s

Drug of Choice: LSD & marijuana

Issue: Psychedelic and counterculture drug experimentation.

The rise of the counterculture movement led to widespread use of hallucinogens.

Timothy Leary and others popularized LSD.

Marijuana became more prevalent among youth and hippies.

1970s

Drug of Choice: Heroin & marijuana

Issue: Heroin addiction and Vietnam War impact.

Many soldiers returned from Vietnam addicted to heroin.

The DEA was founded in 1973 in response to growing drug problems.

Marijuana remained widespread, especially with youth.

1980s

Drug of Choice: Crack cocaine

Issue: Crack epidemic.

Crack cocaine emerged as a cheap, smokable, and highly addictive form of cocaine.

Major increases in urban crime, incarceration, and racial disparities in sentencing.

“War on Drugs” was launched under Reagan.

1990s

Drug of Choice: Ecstasy (MDMA) & methamphetamine

Issue: Club drug culture & meth crisis.

Rave and club scenes boosted ecstasy use.

Meth use spiked, particularly in rural and western states.

Prescription opioid use started to rise but wasn’t yet at epidemic levels.

2000s

Drug of Choice: Prescription opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin)

Issue: Opioid overprescription and addiction.

Pharmaceutical companies aggressively marketed opioids.

Overprescription led to widespread addiction and overdose deaths.

Set the stage for later heroin and fentanyl crises.

2010s

Drug of Choice: Heroin → Fentanyl

Issue: Transition from prescription opioids to heroin and synthetic opioids.

Crackdowns on prescription opioids drove users to heroin.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid far more potent than heroin, led to skyrocketing overdose deaths.

2020s (so far)

Drug of Choice: Fentanyl & xylazine (tranq) (emerging)

Issue: Synthetic opioid crisis.

Fentanyl is now the dominant drug in overdose deaths.

Often mixed with other drugs, making it more deadly.

Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, is increasingly contaminating street drugs.

Drugs will always exist, but if we truly want to create lasting change, we have to address the root of the problem—mental health, not just the substances.

Coping Skills for Kids

1. Deep Breathing or Box Breathing

Teach them to breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, and hold for 4 again. It’s a calming tool they can use anytime they feel overwhelmed.

2. Journaling or Drawing Feelings

Let kids write or draw what they're feeling. It helps them process emotions in a way that feels safe and manageable.

3. Physical Activity

Movement is powerful. Encourage walking, dancing, sports, stretching—anything that helps burn off stress and boost endorphins.

4. Positive Self-Talk

Help kids replace “I can’t” with “I’ll try” or “I’m learning.” Post encouraging phrases around their room or locker.

5. Grounding Techniques

Use the 5-4-3-2-1 method: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste. This brings them back to the present moment.

6. Setting a Routine

Consistent sleep, meal, and homework routines can make life feel more predictable and safe.

7. Asking for Help

Let kids know it’s okay to talk to a parent, teacher, counselor, or trusted adult when they’re struggling. Normalize asking for help.

8. Limiting Social Media

Talk about taking breaks from screens or curating their feed to avoid negativity or comparison.

9. Visualization or “Calm Place” Imagery

Have them picture a safe, peaceful place when they feel anxious. This helps shift their mental state.

10. Doing Something Kind for Someone Else

Acts of kindness—like helping a classmate or writing a thank-you note—can increase a sense of purpose and connection.

More Coping Skills

August means back to school.

How to prepare your kids.....

As backpacks are packed and routines fall back into place, back-to-school season can look picture-perfect on the outside—but for many kids, it’s also a time of anxiety, pressure, and hidden stress. New classes, shifting friendships, academic expectations, and social media all weigh heavily on young people’s shoulders. For some, the weight becomes too much, and they start looking for ways—sometimes dangerous ones—to cope.

At Become Their Voice, we know how crucial this season is for awareness. Counterfeit pills and fentanyl are flooding our communities, often disguised as harmless medications or even candy-colored pills. Kids and teens might hear about “study aids,” pills to help them sleep, or drugs to “take the edge off.” A single pill can be deadly, and the stakes have never been higher. That’s why it’s so important for parents, teachers, and coaches to talk openly and honestly about the risks—and keep the lines of communication wide open.

Beyond conversations about drugs, pay close attention to changes in behavior that might signal a child is struggling. Red flags include withdrawing from friends, losing interest in activities they once loved, sudden changes in grades, mood swings, unexplained health issues, or secrecy about who they’re talking to online. Even subtle shifts can be significant. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, don’t ignore it. Ask gentle questions, listen without judgment, and remind them that help is always available.

This school year, let’s make mental health and safety part of our back-to-school checklist. Talk to your kids, check in often, and remind them that there’s no problem too big or too small to share.

Together, we can protect their futures!

Planning your 2025-2026 school year?

We would love to speak to your students and faculty.

Each presentation is tailored to your needs.

We bring diverse content and additional presenters for engagement!

KNOW a child in crisis that needs help? Or a parent that is struggling with their teen and needs resources? Scroll down to see a list!

What is the HALT Fentanyl Act?

The HALT Fentanyl Act (short for Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act) is a federal bill introduced to combat the devastating rise in fentanyl-related deaths across the United States. It was spearheaded by Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) and has gained strong support from lawmakers like Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa. The legislation aims to permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, making it easier for law enforcement to prosecute trafficking and possession of deadly synthetic variants.

The primary goal of the HALT Act is to prevent new forms of fentanyl analogs from flooding the U.S. market by treating them as illegal the moment they are created — rather than reacting after overdose deaths occur. Advocates say it would close a dangerous loophole, allowing the DEA and other agencies to act more swiftly.

However, the bill has faced opposition from civil rights and public health groups who worry that permanently classifying all fentanyl analogs as Schedule I substances could lead to over-criminalization, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and potentially stifling legitimate medical research on fentanyl-related compounds.

✅ Pros:

Strengthens federal tools to address trafficking of fentanyl analogs.
Gives law enforcement consistency in prosecuting drug crimes.
May help reduce the availability of lethal synthetic drugs.

⚠️ Concerns:

Risk of disproportionately harsh sentencing for minor drug offenses.
May limit future scientific and medical research into opioid alternatives.
Doesn’t include significant provisions for treatment, education, or rehabilitation.

As fentanyl continues to claim over 70,000 lives annually in the U.S., the HALT Act represents a focused — but controversial — piece of the larger puzzle in the fight against this crisis. While enforcement is critical, many experts believe true progress must also include prevention, education, and expanded access to mental health

and addiction treatment.

"Every new school year is a chance to shape a life. Teachers and coaches don’t just teach—they inspire, guide, and believe in kids until they believe in themselves."

RESOURCES

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Resources for Children & Teens in Iowa

Your Life Iowa

Services: 24/7 mental health and addiction support via call, text, chat, and email.

Call/Text: 855-581-8111

Orchard Place (Des Moines)

Services: A cornerstone for children’s mental health in Des Moines since 1886, Orchard Place offers inpatient, outpatient, in-home, and community-based services for ages birth–21. In 2024, they served over 6,000 youth with a 92 % satisfaction rate.

Website: orchardplace.org

Ellipsis (Central Iowa)

Services: Offers a continuum of care—including school- and community-based counseling, crisis shelter, residential treatment, transition support, and after-care—for children and families

Website: ellipsisiowa.org

MercyOne Genesis Behavioral Health (Quad Cities region: Davenport, IA + IL)

Services: Provides inpatient psychiatric care for children (ages 8–17), plus adult inpatient and outpatient services

Website: aaidd.org, genesishcs.org, genesishealth.com

Hillcrest Family Services (Dubuque)

Services: Provides adolescent residential treatment on a licensed, landscaped campus in Dubuque—helping behaviorally challenged teens via nationally accredited care.

Website: rosecrance.org

Rosecrance Iowa (Multiple Locations)

Services: A large Midwest provider with residential and outpatient mental health and addiction care for adolescents and adults. Locations include Sioux City, Quad Cities, and Northwest Iowa—treating over 7,000 people annually.

Website: manningrecoverycenter.com

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Behavioral Health

Services: Statewide behavioral health services, including crisis services and provider listings.

Email: SUD.PG.License@idph.iowa.gov

Iowa Substance Abuse Hotline

Services: 24/7 confidential hotline for substance abuse information and referrals.

Call: 866-531-7211

Southwest Iowa Region Mental Health & Disability Services

Services: Mental health services across various counties in southwest Iowa.

Website: swiamhds.com

Phone: 712-328-5645

Child Health Specialty Clinics – Creston

Services: Support for children and youth with special health care needs.

Contact: Phone: 641-782-9500

Children and Families of Iowa

Services: Mental health and substance abuse services for children and families.

Contact: Phone: 515-288-1981

Children's Square USA

Services: Behavioral health services for children and youth.

Phone: 712-322-3700

Child Health Specialty Clinics – Sioux City

Services: Support for children and youth with special health care needs.

Phone: 712-224-5437

Child Health Specialty Clinics – Carroll

Services: Support for children and youth with special health care needs.

Phone: 712-792-5530

Children at Home Program – Iowa Family Support Network

Services: Assistance for families raising a child with a disability.

Phone: 888-425-4371

YSS (Youth and Shelter Services)

Services: Mental health and substance abuse services for youth.

Phone: 515-233-3141

Community and Family Resources