Community Newsletter | September 2022
Overdose Response Training
Our 45-minute online class provides you with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in an opioid overdose crisis and save a life. Information about how to get naloxone at no cost will also be provided.
When:  
  • Thursday, Sept 29 @ 4:30pm
  • Friday, Oct 7 @ 10am
  • Monday, Oct 24 @ 12pm
  • Wednesday, Nov 2 @ 5pm
Cost: FREE - open to anyone 16+
Location: Online
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention
September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Learn the skills to prevent suicide and inspire hope in our community.
When: Fri, Sept 30 | 1:30 - 3 pm
Cost: FREE - open to anyone 16+
Location: Online
CPR/AED/First Aid
Led by our American Red Cross certified trainer, hybrid CPR classes make it easier than ever to earn your lifesaving certification (valid for two years). In-person learning sessions are held on our hospital campus on the following dates:
When:
  • Sun, Oct 23 | 12 – 2 pm
  • Sun, Oct 23 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Cost: $75 (a discounted price of $50 is available for households receiving benefits such as Basic Food, WIC, Apple Health).
Location: In-person learning sessions are held on the Sedro-Woolley hospital campus
Bringing Baby Home
Designed for both expecting and new parents, the Bringing Baby Home Program provides the skills and information to recognize and cope successfully with the normal stressors of becoming a family.
When: Workshops held on Thursdays over four evenings starting Oct. 6 - 27 | 6 – 9 pm
Cost: $70 per couple. Reduced fees of $40 for couples with Apple Health or WIC, $15 for couples with TANF
Location: Children’s Museum of Skagit County (432 Fashion Way, Burlington)
The Incredible Years
Parenting a toddler is rewarding, and often challenging, work! Practice the skills to help decrease frustration and bring more joy to your parenting journey, all while preparing your child for success in school and beyond. 
When: This program meets twice a week from Oct 29 - Dec 17
Saturdays - in person | 9:30-11:30 am
Tuesdays - online over Zoom | 6:15 - 8:15 pm
Cost: Free
Location: In-person sessions are held at the Cedarwood Center | 2100 Hospital Dr., Sedro-Woolley
WIC Breastfeeding Class
Overcome common concerns new parents have around breastfeeding with our friendly and knowledgeable WIC staff. Classes are offered each month in English and Spanish as a low-pressure way to find support, discover tips for feeding, and learn how our staff can help you along the way.
When:
  • Oct 20 @ 1pm (English)
  • Octubre 20 @ 2:15pm (Español)
Cost: Free
Location: Online - open to anyone pregnant or breastfeeding
Strengthening Families Program - Concrete
Get the tools, skills, and strategies to build stronger families in six weeks! The Strengthening Families Program is a parent, youth, and family skills-building curriculum designed to strengthen parenting skills, build family strengths and bonds, and prevent teen substance abuse and other behavior problems. Dinner is included each week.
When: Tuesdays from 5:30 - 8 pm | Oct. 25 - Dec 6
Cost: Free
Location: Concrete Elementary School
Festival of Family Farms October 1st & 2nd
Join Concrete Farm to School for Skagit Valley’s Festival of Family Farms this year! We’ll be at Double O Ranch October 1st from 10am-2pm at our pop-up farm stand with student-grown vegetable and flowers, kid’s activities, and Basic Food information.
Visit the Festival of Family Farms website to see the participating farms and schedule of events that includes farm tours, animal exhibits, corn and hay mazes, and gardening demonstrations. The festival offers a unique, first-hand experience to learn what it’s like to run a family farm straight from the farmers themselves. Follow your food from field (and ocean) to table at farms from Concrete to Bow to Mount Vernon, all while exploring the bountiful Skagit Valley. It’s fun for the whole family! 
Warm Apple Crisp
Autumn is officially here, and that means chilly mornings, colorful leaves, and the warm smell of apples and cinnamon.

Enjoy this delicious Apple Crisp recipe from Concrete Farm to School. Get the kids involved, and watch Rachel as she shows her Farm to School students how to prepare this yummy treat in this cooking video!
Volunteer Opportunities - Fall Gardening Lessons
Concrete and Sedro-Woolley Farm to School programs began fall garden lessons in five elementary schools the week of September 19. Community volunteers can help support our innovative garden education programs that integrate outdoor learning, nutrition and culinary education, and classroom content! If you’d like to volunteer, please fill out this form or email Adele or Margo at: adele.eslinger@unitedgeneral.org or margo.heffron@unitedgeneral.org.
Welcoming WIC Families Back for In-Person Appointments
Pregnant and parenting families are welcome to visit United General WIC clinics in Concrete, Stanwood, and Sedro-Woolley to receive hands-on help with topics like breastfeeding positions, toddler portion sizes, healthy recipes, free diapers, and other supplies. Telehealth appointments are still available for those who prefer a remote option.
Families can find out if they are eligible and learn more about United General WIC by calling 360-854-0435. WIC hours are 9am – 4:30pm M-F, and the 3rd Saturday 9am-1pm by appointment. Visit the website for additional details.
Trek for Treasure 2022 Recap
Thank you to all who participated in this year's Trek for Treasure summer hiking adventure! As part of our Active Living pillar, Trek for Treasure provides a fun way to get out in nature and stay active through the summer. Our post-season survey showed that 60% of participants increased their average level of activity at least a moderate amount thanks to the program, and 82% of respondents said they benefitted by getting to know the trails in the area.

For a full recap, including winning teams and the 2022 Trek for Treasure photo gallery, visit our 2022 Recap webpage.
Congratulations to this year's Trek for Treasure Final Challenge winners - team Lazy Sunday Champs!
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September gives us an opportunity to shine a special light on suicide, a topic that affects us all, and send a clear, hopeful message that help is available, and suicide can be prevented. Anyone could be struggling with suicidal thoughts. Find resources for supporting youth and people who are BIPOC, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, veterans, attempt survivors, and more through the new 988 Lifeline website 988lifeline.org or take part in one of our free online QPR suicide prevention courses.
Call or text 988 for 24/7 access to trained counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress with:
·      Thoughts of suicide
·      Mental health/substance use crisis
·      Any other kind of emotional distress

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) and is active across the United States. The previous Lifeline number is also still active.

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to local resources if necessary.
Welcome to Cedarwood Center!
We are excited to welcome community members to the freshly remodeled Cedarwood Center (formerly known as the Wellness Center), next to the main entrance of PeaceHealth United General Hospital! With space for many of our programs, trainings, and our ever-popular yoga classes, we can provide the prevention and wellness services that help our community thrive.
Did you know you can use your Fred Meyer card to help make our programs possible? Through Fred Meyer Community Rewards, you can link your card to Foundation of District 304. Link your card in person on your next visit, or click here to do it online. Funds support classes, trainings, and programs for Foundation of District 304 at no cost to you!
Thank you!