December 2022
The Holidays Are Upon Us
As we move further into the holiday season, one important thing to remember is that not everyone finds joy in this time of year. As the holidays approach, we often feel overwhelmed, and for some this season is associated with sadness as we miss loved ones who are no longer with us. When you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, try pausing and taking a few calming breaths. Below is a video that can help you with this practice.

Think About Holiday Drinking
The holidays are a time for gathering and having fun with friends and loved ones - and often times there is alcohol involved in these celebrations. Above are some ways to stay safe and consume consciously this time of year.
14.5% of Ottawa County Youth say they've been given alcohol by a parent, or a friend's parent, and 15.6% of Ottawa County Youth have been given alcohol by someone over the age of 21.
So please remember as you come together in this holiday season and beyond, that just because it's legal for you, it doesn't mean it's safe for youth. So if you're ho-ho-hosting this year, be sure you know who's at your party, how old they are, monitor alcohol consumption, and refuse to give alcohol to minors.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
OSAP has partnered with the Momentum Center to offer QPR training every other month. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.
December Kindness
This month, our friends at Action for Happiness want us to share a little kindness.
Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Contact Alli Land - aland@arborcircle.org


Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OSAPCoalition
Talk Early. Talk Often. Learn How. www.talksooner.org