We had a fantastic turnout for our presentation at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy!

The engagement was outstanding, with thoughtful questions and meaningful interaction throughout the session.

It was an honor to spend time with such an incredible group of men and women who have committed themselves to serving and protecting Iowans.

When you have the opportunity to talk with these individuals one-on-one, you quickly realize just how fortunate we are to have people of such high character, integrity, and dedication choosing this profession.

 10 Fun & Crazy Fourth of July Statistics 

 1. 150 Million Hot Dogs!

Americans eat approximately 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July—enough to stretch from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles more than five times!

 2. $2 Billion in Fireworks

Americans spend around $2 billion on fireworks each year, with most of those purchases made for Independence Day celebrations.

 3. 190 Million Pounds of Meat

Nearly 190 million pounds of red meat and poultry are consumed during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

 4. 700 Million Pounds of Chicken

About 700 million pounds of chicken are purchased for Fourth of July cookouts, making it one of America's favorite grilling foods.

 5. 150 Million Pounds of Watermelon

Americans enjoy roughly 150 million pounds of watermelon during the holiday, making it one of the most popular summer treats.

 6. 72+ Million Travelers

More than 72 million Americans travel at least 50 miles from home over the Independence Day holiday, making it one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

 7. 16,000 Fireworks Shows

An estimated 16,000 fireworks displays are held across the United States each year to celebrate Independence Day.

 8. Fireworks Injuries

Thousands of people visit emergency rooms every year with fireworks-related injuries, with hands, fingers, faces, and eyes being the most commonly injured body parts.

 9. One of the Biggest Beer Weekends

The Fourth of July holiday is one of the largest beer-consuming weekends of the year, with Americans drinking tens of millions of cases over the holiday.

 10. A Fun History Fact

Although we celebrate Independence Day on July 4, most delegates didn't actually sign the until August 2, 1776!

 Happy Fourth of July! Stay safe, enjoy the food, and celebrate responsibly!  

National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

Honoring the Love That Never Ends

Every July, National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month shines a light on a journey that no parent ever expects to take—the loss of a child.

For bereaved parents, grief doesn't have an expiration date. It doesn't disappear after the funeral or become easier simply because time has passed. Instead, grief evolves. Parents learn to carry it while continuing to love a child who is no longer physically present.

At Become Their Voice, this month holds deep meaning. We know that every child leaves an everlasting imprint on the hearts of those who love them. We also know that every family's grief is unique. Some parents speak openly about their child.

Others carry their grief quietly. There is no "right" way to mourn, and there is no timeline for healing.

One of the greatest gifts we can offer a bereaved parent is simply acknowledging their child. Saying their child's name. Sharing a memory. Remembering birthdays and anniversaries. Letting them know that their son or daughter has not been forgotten.

For those who know a bereaved parent, remember that you don't have to find the perfect words. Your presence matters

more than your vocabulary.

At Become Their Voice, we believe every child deserves to be remembered, every family deserves compassion, and every life lost strengthens our commitment to prevention. Every conversation about mental health, substance misuse, and early intervention has the potential to save another family from

experiencing this unimaginable loss.

This month, we honor every parent carrying the weight of grief, every sibling missing their best friend, every grandparent mourning a grandchild, and every family learning to move forward while carrying love that never fades.

Because love doesn't end when a life does.

And neither should our compassion.

Make a Difference to Children Month

Small Actions Can Change a Child’s Future

July is Make a Difference to Children Month, a reminder that every child needs caring adults, safe spaces, and strong support systems.

Making a difference in a child’s life does not always require a big program or a perfect plan. Sometimes it starts with one conversation, one trusted adult, one moment of patience, or one person willing to notice when something feels off.

Children and teens are facing more pressure than ever. Many are trying to navigate anxiety, depression, social media, bullying, substance exposure, grief, family stress, and the everyday challenges of growing up. While parents play a critical role, children also benefit when schools, coaches, relatives, neighbors, faith communities, and community leaders are paying attention and willing to step in with compassion.

We believe prevention begins with connection. When young people feel seen, heard, and supported, they are more likely to ask for help before a crisis happens. A caring adult can help a child build confidence, learn healthy coping skills, talk through difficult emotions, and understand that they are not alone.

This month is a good reminder to slow down and look for simple ways to support the children around us. Ask how they are really doing. Listen without rushing to fix everything. Encourage healthy friendships. Talk openly about mental health. Teach them that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Keep medications safely stored. Learn the risks of fentanyl and substance misuse. Know the signs that a young person may be struggling.

Every child deserves to grow up with adults who protect them, believe in them, and help guide them toward a healthy future.

The difference we make today may be the hope a

child carries tomorrow.



Celebrating 250 Years of America

This year marks a historic milestone as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

As we celebrate our nation's freedom, we are reminded that every generation has a responsibility to help build a stronger future.

At Become Their Voice, we believe one of the greatest ways we can honor that legacy is by protecting our children, supporting families, strengthening mental health, preventing substance misuse, and creating safer communities.

Together, we can help ensure that the next 250 years are filled with hope, compassion, and opportunity for every child.



Freedom Is Worth Celebrating—

Safety Is Worth Protecting

Some current statistics:

• Approximately 13,000 Americans were injured by fireworks in the most recent reporting year.
• 15 people died in fireworks-related incidents.
• The 15–24-year-old age group experiences the highest number of injuries.
• Hands, fingers, face, and eyes are the most commonly injured body parts.
• Fireworks should never be used while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Alcohol often becomes part of Fourth of July celebrations. Unfortunately, impaired judgment increases the risk of preventable injuries—not only from fireworks, but also from drowning, boating accidents, impaired driving, and poor supervision of children.



A short safety checklist could include:

• Designate a sober driver.
• Keep children supervised.
• Leave fireworks to professionals when possible.
• Keep water nearby.
• Never mix fireworks with alcohol. 

EVENTS IN IOWA

Events in July:

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

• When: Throughout July 2026
• Where: Nationwide & Iowa Community Awareness Efforts
• Focus: Raising awareness about mental health challenges affecting minority and underserved communities, reducing stigma, improving access to care, and encouraging conversations around emotional wellness and support.

International Self-Care Day

• When: July 24, 2026
• Where: Nationwide
• Focus: Encouraging healthy habits that support both mental and physical health, including stress management, emotional wellness, sleep, exercise, connection, and seeking help when needed.

World Drowning Prevention Day

• When: July 25, 2026
• Where: Nationwide & Iowa Water Safety Campaigns
• Focus: Water safety awareness, accident prevention, and recognizing the emotional and mental health impact that traumatic loss and grief can have on families and communities.

National Bereaved Parents Day

• When: July 3, 2026
• Where: Nationwide
• Focus: Honoring parents who have lost children and recognizing the long-term emotional impact of grief, trauma, mental health struggles, and the importance of community support.

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: July 7, 2026 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM
• Where: NAMI Carroll County Iowa
• Focus: Support group for family members and loved ones of individuals facing mental health challenges. Education, encouragement, and peer connection.

NAMI Connection Support Group

• When: July 14, 2026 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM
• Where: NAMI Carroll County Iowa
• Focus: Peer-led support group for adults living with mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional wellness challenges.

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: July 21, 2026 | 5:30PM - 7:00PM
• Where: NAMI Carroll County Iowa
• Focus: Ongoing support and education for caregivers, spouses, parents, and loved ones navigating mental health conditions within their families.

NAMI Northeast Iowa Connection Support Group

• When: July 21, 2026
• Where: NAMI Northeast Iowa
• Focus: Peer support, encouragement, coping strategies, and recovery-focused discussions for adults living with mental health conditions.

NAMI Northeast Iowa Family Support Group

• When: July 27, 2026
• Where: NAMI Northeast Iowa
• Focus: Support and education for families and caregivers supporting individuals with mental health challenges, addiction struggles, or emotional trauma.

Iowa Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaigns

• When: Throughout July 2026
• Where: Statewide
• Focus: Summer awareness campaigns focused on suicide prevention, crisis resources, emotional wellness, and increasing awareness of Iowa’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline resources.

Summer Youth Mental Health & Substance Use Awareness Initiatives

• When: Throughout July 2026
• Where: Various Iowa Communities & Organizations
• Focus: Addressing increased summer risks involving youth substance use, social isolation, anxiety, depression, and lack of school-based support systems during summer months.

Upcoming Events in August:

National Wellness Month

• When: Throughout August 2026
• Where: Nationwide & Iowa Community Wellness Initiatives
• Focus: Encouraging individuals and families to prioritize physical, emotional, and mental well-being through healthy habits, stress management, self-care, resilience, and meaningful social connections. This observance highlights the importance of prevention and overall wellness as key components of mental health.

International Overdose Awareness Day

• When: August 31, 2026
• Where: Nationwide, including communities across Iowa
• Focus: Raising awareness about overdose prevention, remembering those who have lost their lives to overdose, reducing stigma surrounding substance use disorders, and promoting education, treatment, recovery resources, and the availability of naloxone. Communities across Iowa often host remembrance events, educational programs, and memorial activities.

NAMI Iowa Support Groups & Family Education

• When: Throughout August 2026 (Recurring Monthly Meetings)
• Where: Virtual and communities throughout Iowa
• Focus: Providing free peer-led support groups and educational opportunities for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. These meetings offer encouragement, connection, coping strategies, and resources while helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Recovery Iowa Peer Support Meetings

• When: Throughout August 2026
• Where: Communities across Iowa (In-person and Virtual)
• Focus: Connecting individuals and families affected by substance use with recovery meetings, peer support, and local resources. Recovery Iowa promotes hope, long-term recovery, and access to services that strengthen individuals and communities across the state. 

If your organization has an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our newsletter, please contact us.



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Funds go towards education, advocacy, and outreach programs that provide resources to individuals and families affected by mental health and addictive challenges. This includes grants, scholarships, and funding to bridge the gap for recovery programs. Click on the link below for full details.

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Contact Us

Email: DericAndKathyKidd@BecomeTheirVoice.org

Website: BecomeTheirVoice.org