March 2022
Marching into Spring
(Hopefully)
As we face year 3 of the pandemic, the hope of more sunshine and warmth is everywhere.
Springtime is a time of renewal and growth, something that is needed right now. Be sure you are taking time for YOURSELF; if you are depleted physically and emotionally, you can not take care of your family/friends/community. Enjoy the sunshine, the budding trees and plants; breathe the (somewhat) warmer air. Take a moment for you so you have something to give when someone needs you.
It's Okay to Not be Okay
We know these past two years have been stressful, chaotic, sad and many other unpleasant adjectives. At times, many of us have struggled to keep to our routine, to go out with a smile on our face, to just be who we were before.
We want you to know, and to let your loved ones know, that it's okay to not be okay.
Throughout the pandemic, MDHHS has offered mental health resources including a "warm" line open 24/7, virtual support groups for parents, youth, and teachers, and now a series of videos focused on surviving and thriving as we enter this 3rd pandemic year. All these-and more- can be found here.
AND to watch their video Cultivating Joy, click on the weird battery above/
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
March 21-27
Take time this month to be a part of NDAFW, a yearly event that promote conversation and exploration of the science around substance use and addiction for our youth. Currently sponsored by NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), their website is full of info for parents, teachers and youth. This year, they have incorporated some Kahoot! quizzes--ask your kids to help you set this up. The site offers many opportunities for those teachable moments when you are learning, talking, and sharing with your kids while having a great conversation about substances.
All these resources can be found here.

Vaping Update

While youth use appears to be declining statistically, anecdotally we hear story after story of youth use in our schools. Vapes are not safe; they are highly addictive and carry many added physical health risks. Get more familiar with the facts here
Why not start a conversation with your kids by asking if they know kids who are vaping at school-or if vaping is happening in the bathrooms-or if they know what vaping is.
Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Contact Leigh Moerdyke at lmoerdyke@arborcircle.org


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Talk Early. Talk Often. Learn How. www.talksooner.org