Important News & Information in Our Region


SAFETY ALERT!

Two weeks after the state announced fentanyl was found in marijuana throughout the state, students became sick after using a tainted vaping product at a Norwalk school. Read the statement from Norwalk Police Department.

You can find a variety of resources to help you talk to kids about the dangers of substances on the You Think You Know website.
Anxiety Over School Shootings & Threats of Violence

A week after the devastating school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, students in multiple Connecticut towns faced potential threats on Friday, December 3rd. One of these threats was in our region at Norwalk High School. Students at the high school and neighboring elementary and middle school were placed on lockdown until an all-clear was given. While the treat was determined to be a hoax, students and teachers were left to cope with the anxiety and stress from the situation. Mental health services were provided at the high school on Monday, but what can parents do to help alleviate their children's anxiety and their own. Here is a helpful article from Child Mind Institute.
Anxiety Over School Shootings - Child Mind Institute

Anxiety over school shootings has become a common fear in America. When something that once seemed unthinkable happens with some regularity, added to our feeling of horror that it's happened (again!) is another kind of alarm: Could this happen at ...

Read more
childmind.org
Resources
The Effects of Combining Yoga and Therapy
Meet Herbie Mack, one of My Friend Abby's Board members. Herbie is also the founder of "The Just Believe Podcast", which is focused on creating a space to discuss mental health issues, that most of us struggle with, through a variety of conversations and stories.

Listen to an interview Herbie did with his special guest James "Dat Yoga Dude" Woods. James talks about how his desire for more holistic healing led him to become a registered yoga instructor. Listen now.
Resources for Serving Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder
Medications are a critical component of effectively treating individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Despite their effectiveness, however, these medications could be more widely utilized, especially in acute care settings. Although numerous outpatient providers throughout the state offer Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (MAUD), you may not know who and where they are.
Beacon Health Options, on behalf of the Connecticut Behavioral Health Partnership (CT BHP), is working with hospitals and freestanding withdrawal management facilities to make MOUD and MAUD more accessible to you and individuals with OUD and AUD. Learn more.
UR Community Cares helps fill in the gaps of traditional at-home care services by mobilizing residents to care about and connect with each other. Learn more about them and their volunteer opportunities.
Learn more about the Integrative Recovery Coaching Programs at Progressive Institute.
In the News
Surgeon General Advisory Raises Alarm on Youth Mental Health

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has issued an advisory calling for swift action to respond to a growing mental health crisis among youth that has worsened due to stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more
www.usnews.com
U.S. Mental Health Rating Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Level

Story Highlights A steady 34% rate their mental health as "excellent," matching record low Men, Republicans, churchgoers, higher-income adults rate mental health highest Rating of "excellent" physical health is stable but below mental health...

Read more
news.gallup.com
The Hub: Behavioral Health Action Organization for Southwestern CT
A division of the Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership (RYASAP) 

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