SAPCA Continues Collaboration with Community Partners to Distribute Reusable Bags
In February 2022, SAPCA distributed 300 reusable grocery bags to ALIVE! team members. These bags will be shared with community members during upcoming food distribution events. In addition to helping residents avoid the the 5-cent per bag tax on disposable plastic bags, these reusable bags also include brochures highlighting:
SAPCA is appreciative of our partners for supporting efforts to share these bags and resources with community members and looks forward to continuing to distribute these items with the help of our partners.
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International Academy Students Learn Facts and Consequences of Substance Use
In mid-February, SAPCA Coordinator Emma Beall and Alexandria City Public Schools Substance Abuse Prevention Counselor Fredy Martinez presented to over 600 International Academy students at Alexandria City High School. Through assembly-style presentations, students learned about school and local policies regarding substances; health consequences associated with using alcohol, marijuana, and e-cigarettes; the dangers of fake pills laced with fentanyl; and resources for helping a friend access community resources to address substance use and/or mental health needs.
The International Academy addresses the unique needs of immigrant English Learners as they accomplish the challenging task of graduating college-ready, while simultaneously learning English. Through the innovative use of strategic grouping, experiential learning, collaboration, and language and content integration, students are provided the targeted supports and strategies required for their success.
SAPCA is appreciative of this opportunity to engage with students about these important topics. We look forward to continuing to educate, inform, and empower Alexandria youth with the support of our school and community partners.
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Volunteer Opportunity: Facts and Consequences Presenter
SAPCA is recruiting adults interested in delivering Facts and Consequences workshops to middle and high school youth. These presentations share information about the health and legal consequences of using alcohol, marijuana, tobacco products, and prescription medications. Presentations usually take place during the school day and are delivered in person or virtually. No previous experience is required and all volunteers receive training before presentations take place.
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Save the Date: National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
Did you know that National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is taking place March 21-27?
This annual, week-long, movement inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction. It also provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance the science, so that we can improve the prevention and awareness of substance misuse in our own communities and nationwide.
To learn more facts about alcohol and other drugs during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week and year-round, visit PreventItAlexandria.org.
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No Joke: Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action Returns April 1
Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action is back on April Fools’ Day – and this year, youth advocates across the country will join together to call Big Tobacco’s bluff and expose them for who they really are: jokers who gamble with people’s lives. It’s time to raise the stakes on Big Tobacco. Learn about ways you can get involved here.
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Upcoming Events & Resources |
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Marcus Alert Mission Group Seeks Members
The City of Alexandria is developing its model for the local implementation of Virginia’s Marcus-David Peters Act and is seeking new members for its Marcus Alert Mission Group. Mission Group members will have a unique opportunity to be a voice for their communities and to help reshape how behavioral health crises are responded to in the City. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Marcus Alert Mission Group, please complete this survey application by March 4, 2022.
What is Marcus Alert?
Marcus Alert is a new approach to behavioral health crisis response, as mandated by the Marcus-David Peters Act enacted by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020. Its broad goal is to ensure that behavioral health crises are met with behavioral health responses, with an emphasis on racial equity and reducing the role of police.
What is the Marcus Alert Mission Group?
The Marcus Alert Mission Group collaborates with and provides feedback to the Marcus Alert Technical Group, which is responsible for developing and finalizing the City’s Marcus Alert model. The Mission Group is comprised of community members and other stakeholders. To ensure that all voices are heard during the development process, it is critical that the group be representative of Alexandria’s diverse population and communities.
What is expected of members?
Mission Group members are expected to attend and engage in monthly one-hour meetings, which are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM. There may be reading or small group work outside of the monthly meetings, though this will be limited. The Mission Group is expected to run through July 2022.
Click here for more information about Marcus Alert in the City of Alexandria.
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Applications Open for 4-H Camp Counselors
4-H Camp is seeking teen counselors ages 14-19 to support a summer camp running from June 19-23 at the NoVa 4-H Center in Front Royal, VA. This is a great opportunity for teens to gain leadership, community service hours, and have a fun time at camp at a reduced fee.
Youth interested in this exciting experience should complete this application by March 11.
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Nominations Open for Ellen J. Pickering Environmental Excellence Award
The Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission and Alexandria Renew Enterprises (AlexRenew), the public wastewater treatment provider serving Alexandria, are seeking nominees for the 2022 Ellen J. Pickering Environmental Excellence Award. The award honors an Alexandria resident or group that demonstrates a commitment to protecting the environment and works to preserve local natural resources. Nominations must be received by March 18. Click here to submit a nomination.
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Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Seeking Applicants for Junior Docent Program
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is now accepting applications from 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students for the Junior Docent Program. Students accepted into the program are trained in museum information and presentation skills. Then, they provide tours in 18th-century clothing Sunday afternoons during the summer to practice their speaking skills, engage visitors of all ages, and share their interest in history.
Applications are due March 25. Click here to complete the application.
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Volunteer Opportunity: Breaks with Impact
With spring break coming up this April, Volunteer Alexandria is planning projects for Breaks with Impact (BWI), a service-learning program where middle and high school students perform community service and learn about issues in their community. Past participants said their experiences were impactful, and persuaded them to volunteer more.
To receive updates about specific BWI opportunities, click here.
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COVID-19 Reminders
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) strongly urge everyone to help end the pandemic by wearing a mask over both your nose and mouth, washing your hands frequently, and getting vaccinated. Approximately 1 in 20 Alexandrians who have tested positive for COVID-19 have required hospitalization, so without these critical steps, additional lives may be at risk. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Every Alexandrian can take precautions to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about how to protect yourself and those around you at alexandriava.gov/coronavirus
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Emma Beall, MPH
SAPCA Coordinator
O: 703.746.3670
C: 571.302.1022
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Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria
123 N Pitt St, Suite 225
Alexandria, VA 22314
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