Community Newsletter | January 2025

Overdose Response

Informed and empowered people help keep their loved ones and the community safe. Our short online course teaches anyone aged 16+ the signs of overdose and how to act quickly to save a life. Information on how to get free naloxone (aka Narcan) is also provided.

WHEN:

• January 21 | 2-3 pm
• February 13 | 11 am-12 pm
• February 25 | 3-4 pm

WHERE: Online

COST: FREE

Learn more & register here

Supporting Behavioral Health in Young Children: Tools for Health Care Providers

As part of our professional education series, we invite medical professionals to join us for a comprehensive training focused on enhancing pediatric behavioral health. This event will cover various strategies to support children’s mental health, including an introduction to the FAST-E (First Approach Skills Training – Early Childhood) program, designed to empower providers with effective approaches for promoting behavioral health. CME credits provided!

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 25 | 9:30am – 2:30pm

WHERE: Skagit Casino | 5984 Darrk Ln, Bow

COST: $30 (lunch included)

AUDIENCE: This training is for primary care, pediatric healthcare, and therapy providers serving children in Whatcom and Skagit Counties.

Learn more and register here

Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14

All families have strengths! Over seven weeks the evidence-based Strengthening Families Program 10-14 helps bring them out by:

• Improving communication
• Encouraging healthy habits for youth
• Providing tools for parenting teens
• Making memories & having fun together

Starting this February, we are offering programs in Concrete and Sedro-Woolley.

COST: Free (dinner provided!)

AUDIENCE: Parents/Caregivers and their 10-14 year old(s)

Concrete Program:

WHEN: Tuesdays, Feb 4 through Mar18 from 4:00–6:30 pm

WHERE: Concrete Elementary Library | 7838 S. Superior Ave, Concrete

Sedro-Woolley Program:

WHEN: Wednesdays, Feb 5 through Mar19 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm

WHERE: Cascade Middle School | 905 McGarigle Road Sedro-Woolley

Play and Grow Drop-in Groups

Now offered in English and Spanish!

Spend an hour connecting with other parents/caregivers to share in the ups and downs of raising a baby. The hour includes time for song, play, and discussions around development, feeding, sleep, and other related topics. A scale to weigh your little one is also available and no registration is required!

WHEN:

• Spanish: Tuesdays at 9:30 am
• English: Tuesdays at 11 am

WHERE: Heartwood House | 2136 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley

COST: Free

Learn more here

Adult Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the perfect course for anyone seeking additional skills and knowledge related to mental health. Class material covers a range of topics, including the five-step action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental health or substance use challenge. Over 4 million people in the United States have now been trained in MHFA – join the movement and sign up today! 

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb 11 | 9am-4pm (Note: In addition to the live class listed above, each attendee must complete 2 hours of online independent study prior to the class.)

WHERE: GoSkagit Publishing Community Room │ 1215 Anderson Road, Mount Vernon

AUDIENCE: Community members 18+ in Skagit County

COST: $35*

*scholarships available 

Learn more and register here

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) 

Asking directly about suicide helps to prevent suicide. People age 16+ will learn and practice the proven QPR method to support someone in a mental health or suicide crisis and help save a life. This free training covers suicide myths and facts, warning signs for suicide, and how you can apply hope to save a life. 

WHEN:

• Wed, February 19th | 12 pm – 1:30 pm
• Sat, March 15th | 10 am – 11:30 am
• Thur, April 24th | 2:30 pm – 4 pm

WHERE: Online

AUDIENCE: Anyone age 16+

COST: FREE

Learn more and register here

The Incredible Years Toddler Parent Program

The Incredible Years Toddler Parenting Program is a 12-week series for parents of children 1-3 years old. In this series, parents learn how to:

• Help their toddlers feel loved and secure
• Encourage their toddler’s language, social, and emotional development.
• Establish clear and predictable routines.
• Handle separations and reunions
• Use positive discipline techniques

WHEN: Mondays 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, starting February 24 through May 19

WHERE: Online

AUDIENCE: Parents and caregivers of children ages 1-3 years old

COST: Free

Learn more and register

The Incredible Years Preschool Parenting Series

This program for parents/caregivers of children ages 3-6 strengthens positive parent-child interactions and attachment, promoting positive discipline and fostering parents’ ability to promote children’s social, emotional, and language development. Parents also learn how to build school readiness skills and are encouraged to partner with teachers and daycare professionals so they can promote children’s emotional regulation and social skills.

WHEN: Thursdays 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, starting February 27 through May 29

WHERE: In-person │Heartwood House │ 2136 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley

AUDIENCE: Parents and caregivers of children ages 3-6 years old

COST: Free

Learn more and register