We were invited to talk to 3 classes at Waukee High School.

Statistics we shared were based on a classroom size of 20 kids:

According to various sources.

Out of the 20 kids:

• 2 students have attempted suicide
• 1 student has been a victim of sextortion
• 5 students experience identity issues
• 6 students have divorced parents
• 8 students have been bullied or cyber bullied
• 1 student has a family death
• 3 students have been sexually abused
• 8 students have been exposed to domestic violence

The feedback was phenomenal and proof that ALL schools need to be addressing these topics with their students. They need to feel seen and heard and provided with resources.

Here is a sample of a few comments/questions from the kids they shared with their teacher after we left:

• What happens if I tell a teacher about someone that needs help? Do they get in trouble?
• I can relate to the abuse in the family and parental substance abuse.
• Usually we trust our friends, but it goes to show you can not always trust people when it comes to medicine.

• The teacher noted that several students said they got teared up.

It's very clear kids are struggling

and they want to have conversations.

What Happens to Kids in Summer

Without routines, many youth experience:

• Increased anxiety
• Sleep disruption
• Excessive screen time - see video below
• Isolation from peers
• Depression symptoms
• Family conflict
• Substance experimentation
• Poor self-worth
• Hidden loneliness

Some children struggle silently while appearing “fine.”



Smartphone Effects on the Brain in Children and Teens

Sweden is partly shifting back toward more traditional learning (books, handwriting, less screen use). But it’s not a full rejection of technology—it’s more of a course correction after going heavily digital.

What Sweden is changing:

The government is reinvesting heavily in printed textbooks and aiming for one book per student per subject.

Schools are reducing screen time, especially for younger kids.

There’s more emphasis on:

• Reading physical books
• Handwriting
• Teacher-led instruction

They’re still using technology—but less as the default, more as a tool.

Why they’re doing it:

1. Declining reading and academic performance

Sweden saw drops in reading comprehension and test scores in recent years. Some reports showed a significant number of students struggling with basic literacy.

The conclusion: going “all digital” didn’t improve learning the way expected.

2. Too much screen time = worse focus

Teachers reported students had:

• Shorter attention spans
• More distractions (apps, notifications, multitasking)

Screens made it harder for kids to stay engaged with deep learning.

3. Books improve comprehension and memory

Research and classroom experience suggest:

• Reading on paper improves understanding
• Writing by hand strengthens memory

Physical books slow things down—in a good way.

4. Equity issues (not all kids benefit equally from tech)

Not every student had equal access to:

• Devices
• Reliable internet

This widened achievement gaps

Books are more consistent and accessible.

5. A broader “reading crisis”

Sweden has been dealing with concerns that:

• Students struggle to read long texts
• Even older students lack strong literacy habits

That triggered political pressure to refocus on basics.

The bigger takeaway:

Sweden isn’t saying: “Technology is bad.”

They’re saying: “We went too far, too fast—and lost some fundamentals.”

So now they’re aiming for balance:

• Use tech where it helps
• But prioritize core skills (reading, writing, focus)

 Bottom line

Yes, Sweden is moving back toward traditional learning methods.

Main reason: evidence that heavy screen-based education hurt literacy, focus, and outcomes

Goal now: combine the best of both worlds—not go fully old-school or fully digital



Rhino Tranq: The New Drug Threat Parents Need to Know About

Just when many families thought the drug crisis could not get more dangerous, a new threat is emerging in the illegal drug supply.

It is called medetomidine, now commonly nicknamed “Rhino Tranq.” It is a powerful veterinary sedative intended for animals — not humans. Yet it is increasingly being found mixed into fentanyl and other street drugs across the United States.

Most users have no idea it is present.

That means someone may believe they are taking a pill, using cocaine, or using another drug — while unknowingly ingesting fentanyl, xylazine, medetomidine, or multiple substances combined.

Why Rhino Tranq Is So Dangerous

Unlike fentanyl alone, Rhino Tranq creates additional risks:

• Extreme sedation
• Loss of consciousness
• Slowed breathing
• Dangerous drops in heart rate
• Long periods of unresponsiveness
• Severe withdrawal symptoms
• Increased overdose complexity for first responders

Narcan can help reverse the opioid portion of an overdose, but it does not reverse the sedative effects of medetomidine.

Someone may begin breathing again and still remain in a medical emergency.

What Parents Need to Understand:

Today’s drug supply is no longer what many adults remember from years ago.

This is not “experimentation.”

This is not “just one pill.”

This is not “trying something once.”

One decision can now involve unknown synthetic chemicals, fentanyl, animal sedatives, and lethal combinations.

Talk to Your Kids About:

• Never taking pills not prescribed directly to them
• Counterfeit pills sold on social media
• Vapes or substances from friends
• The reality that one use can be fatal
• Calling 911 immediately in an emergency
• Looking out for friends who may be in danger

Warning Signs of Overdose

• Slow or stopped breathing
• Blue lips or fingertips
• Cannot wake up
• Gurgling sounds
• Limp body
• Vomiting while unconscious

Call 911 immediately and administer Narcan if available.

Thinking "It's just vaping?" Watch the video.

Is It Really Worth the Risk and the Damage?

Fake Vapes, Real Consequences

Many teens believe vaping is harmless. But counterfeit devices can contain unknown chemicals, THC concentrates, synthetic drugs, or toxic additives. What looks like a flavored vape may be something entirely different.

Short Hard-Hitting Stat Section

• 2,800+ hospitalized from vaping lung injuries
• 68 deaths confirmed
• 1.63 million youth still vape
• Many dangerous products came from informal or street sources

EVENTS IN IOWA

Events in May

NAMIWalks

• When: May 27th | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Page County Courthouse Lawn, Clarinda
• Focus: Mental health awareness, community support, and fundraising. This is an evening walk bringing together community members and advocates. Focus is on breaking stigma and supporting those affected by mental illness.

NAMIWalks - National "United Day of Hope"

• When: May 16th
• Where: National and local participation opportunities
• Focus: Mental health awareness and community solidarity. Many local communities participate with this national event

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of May | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Council Bluffs
• Focus: Peer-led support for individuals experiencing mental health conditions

NAMI Connection (Online - Iowa Residents)

• When: Every Thursday | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Virtual
• Focus: Accessible mental health support statewide

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: 1st & 3rd Thursdays | 7:30PM - 9:00PM
• Where: Hybrid (in-person and virtual options)
• Focus: Support for families of individuals struggling with mental health. Free, peer-led, and confidential

Veterans Mental Health Gathering

• When: 2nd Monday of May | 6:00PM - 7:30PM
• Where: Shenandoah
• Focus: Mental health support and connections for veterans. Informal, supportive environment with peer connection

Upcoming June Events:

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: June 8, 2026 | 5:15PM - 6:45PM
• Where: Online (South Central Iowa)
• Focus: Support group for family members and loved ones of individuals facing mental health challenges. Education, encouragement, and peer connection.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 9, 2026 | 5:15PM - 6:45PM
• Where: Online (South Central Iowa)
• Focus: Free peer-led support group for adults living with mental health conditions. Shared experiences, recovery tools, and support.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 2, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Focus: Peer-led support for adults navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and other mental health conditions.

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: June 4, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Council Bluffs, Iowa (Hybrid)
• Focus: Support for families and loved ones impacted by mental illness. Practical coping support and shared connection.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 4, 2026 | 2:00PM - 3:30PM
• Where: Atlantic, Iowa
• Focus: Mental health recovery support group offering peer encouragement, hope, and connection.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 4, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Online
• Focus: Virtual peer-led support group for adults with mental health conditions across Iowa.

Veterans Mental Health Gathering

• When: June 8, 2026 | 6:00PM - 7:30PM
• Where: Shenandoah, Iowa
• Focus: Informal gathering focused on veteran mental health, PTSD support, peer connection, and community resources.

ReConnect Peer Insights

• When: June 8, 2026 | 1:00PM - 2:30PM
• Where: Southwest Iowa
• Focus: Recovery support, peer wisdom, and practical mental wellness strategies for individuals in recovery.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 15, 2026 | 11:00AM - 12:30PM
• Where: Clarinda, Iowa
• Focus: Peer-led support for adults managing mental health challenges with understanding and hope.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 15, 2026 | 6:00PM - 7:30PM
• Where: Shenandoah, Iowa
• Focus: Community support group for adults experiencing mental health symptoms and recovery journeys.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 16, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Focus: Continued peer support for mental wellness, resilience, and recovery.

NAMI Family Support Group

• When: June 16, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Clarinda, Iowa (Hybrid)
• Focus: Support group for families caring for loved ones with mental illness or emotional struggles.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

• When: June 18, 2026 | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
• Where: Atlantic, Iowa
• Focus: Ongoing peer support group promoting coping skills, hope, and healing.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

• When: Daily Throughout June 2026 | Morning, Afternoon & Evening
• Where: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Ames, Waterloo & statewide
• Focus: Recovery meetings for individuals seeking sobriety from alcohol addiction. In-person and online options available.

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

• When: Daily Throughout June 2026 | Various Times
• Where: Statewide Iowa
• Focus: Recovery support for individuals overcoming drug addiction and substance use.

June PTSD Awareness Month

• When: All Month of June 2026
• Where: Statewide Iowa
• Focus: Raising awareness of trauma, PTSD, treatment resources, and support for veterans, first responders, adults, and youth.

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

• When: All Month of June 2026
• Where: Statewide Iowa
• Focus: Encouraging men and boys to speak openly about depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and emotional wellness.

Pride Month Mental Health Support Events

• When: Throughout June 2026
• Where: Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport & other Iowa cities
• Focus: LGBTQ+ mental health awareness, suicide prevention, affirming care, and recovery support.

Youth Summer Mental Health Check-In Campaign

• When: June 2026
• Where: Iowa families, schools, churches, youth organizations
• Focus: June is a critical month for youth due to loss of school structure, isolation, boredom, and increased substance experimentation risk.

Upcoming Events in June

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