Items for the Roundtable are to be emailed to ia.ac4c@gmail.com by the 20th of each month.
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Recovery and Mental Health Resources
Support for people with substance use disorders is crucial during this time when we are not meeting in person. Here are some resources available.
Quitting Tobacco/Vaping: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
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Your Life Iowa (YLI) and COVID-19
Everyone needs help sometimes. Now more than ever during this time of uncertainty and isolation from friends and family, it is good to know that YLI is there, with support and helpful information about alcohol, drugs, gambling, mental health and suicidal thoughts.
Here a couple of things to remember from YLI. Stay healthy - prioritize sleep, making a commitment to getting 8 hours nightly. Get some exercise, whether in your home or outside. Be sure to practice social distancing. Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate. Control what you can - wash your hands, practice social distancing, stay home when ill. While the fear of the unknown can be unsettling, taking control can help you feel empowered and counteract the stress being felt.
But, when the stress, anxiety, and fear are affecting your ability to function in some part of your life, it is time to reach out. Are you losing sleep or are fearful of becoming sick? Reach out to your healthcare provider and discuss your concerns.
If you or a loved one are concerned about what might be going on regarding the use of alcohol or drugs, problem gambling, or concerns about mental health or suicidal thoughts, YLI is a trusted source for help.
24/7, everyday, YLI is available via text (855-895-8398), phone (855-581-8111, or chat Your Life Iowa .
Earlier in April IDPH hosted a webinar
"Suicide Prevention"
led by
Patrick McGovern, Suicide Prevention Director at IDPH Division of Behavioral Health, and
Lori Reynolds, LISW, Suicide Prevention/Outreach Specialist at the VA/CIHCS. You can listen to a recording of the webinar
HERE
. A copy of the power points and other resources are also available.
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Welcome to our two new Board Members, Julie Furne and Kristin Frank!
Julie is a Project Coordinator and Certified Prevention Specialist for the Jackson County Prevention Coalition and an employee of the Area Substance Abuse Council.
Kristin is a Prevention Manager at Prelude Behavioral Services and is one of the founding members of the Johnson County Prevention Partnership, a newly formed coalition.
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Thanks also to Molly Winter for her time of serving on the AC4C Executive Board!
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April Alcohol Awareness Month
Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation declaring April Alcohol Awareness month in Iowa.
During this pandemic, it is more important than ever to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol and help people find the resources that will truly meet their needs rather than temporarily cover up their needs. The misuse of alcohol can make things much worse, in both the short term and long term.
To find information about how the alcohol laws have temporarily changed in Iowa and other states in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association has created the following dashboard.
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Just a reminder that Ryan Doyle, Prevention Specialist from Youth and Shelter Services, is AC4C's new Youth Coordinator. Ryan is pictured below. He is originally from Florida and has a background in law enforcement and residential addiction treatment. He and his wife have lived in Iowa now for 5 years. They really enjoy Iowa and enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with their pet cats.
If you have teens who are interested in participating in the "AC4C Youth" monthly on-line meetings to share ideas about youth substance use prevention and mental health issues with other youth, please contact Ryan at rdoyle@yss.org or they can sign up for notifications about the group including the next meeting via the Remind app by using this link. And check out the AC4C Youth new Instagram page !
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Mark Your Calendars
Upcoming AC4C Retreats:
- June 23 & 24 (TBD soon)
- September 29 & 30
Upcoming Training
IDPH: Getting Started With Virtual Groups
May 1, 1-2:30pm, register here
Resources to Share and Links to check out...
Check out the Updated AC4C Website!!
Members keep up with the latest in the news
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AC4C Board Members
Front - L to R: Jen Stolka, Katya Boltavana, Sandy Rayhons Back L to R:
Kris Rankin, Stacie Schroeder, Sue Greene. Not pictured: Lynne Coleman. Also not pictured: welcome to our newest Board Members Julie Furne and Kristin Frank.
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VISION:
Connected Communities.
Effective Coalitions.
Healthy Iowans.
MISSION:
Unifying Iowans to reduce youth substance misuse
on a state
and community level.
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Join an Action Team or Work Group session every month!
Access the action team meetings on Mondays (except holidays). Login information here
Other Substances Action Team
Next meeting -May 4 @ 9:30am
Marijuana Action Team
Next meeting- May 11 @
9:30am
Nicotine Action Team
Next meeting- May 18 @ 9:30am
Alcohol Action Team
Next meeting- Tues., May 26 @ 9:30am
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Policy Work Group
Meeting information can be found
here
Click
here for meeting minutes
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Purpose
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To collaborate with the community and statewide entities to advocate and educate on substance abuse legislation, policies, and related issues.
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Marketing and Communications Work Group (currently meeting with Capacity Work group)
3rd Monday at 2:00 pm
Click
here
for meeting minutes
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Purpose
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To build skills and provide resources to members of AC4C
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Capacity Work Group (currently meeting with Marketing & Communications Group)
3rd Monday at 2:00 pm
Click
here
for meeting minutes
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Purpose
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Create a network of professionals that have a diverse knowledge, experience and interest.
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| Medication Disposal Resources
More resources...
Mid-America Prevention Training Transfer Center (PTTC) recently featured AC4C on their Podcast. Check it out and their website for training opportunities and other resources to support prevention here in Iowa.
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