October 2023

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

HOW TO OBSERVE #BullyingPreventionMonth

National Bullying Prevention Month in October reminds us of the harm bullying does. It’s always important to talk about the dangers of bullying and the trauma it can bring to its victims. However, this month, use your voice to speak up extra loud.

Research shows that bullying often leaves lasting negative effects on those who deal with it. These effects include chronic depression, increased risk of suicidal thoughts, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, poor general health, self-harm, substance abuse, and difficulty establishing trusting reciprocal friendships and relationships.

By speaking out, spreading kindness, and finding other roles in bullying prevention, you are making school settings, work-places, and other environments safer and happier places. We must send a message that bullying will not be tolerated in our communities, and now is the perfect time to start.

Take a stand against bullying. Spread the word about the negative effects bullying can and has caused. Be sure to use #BullyingPreventionMonth when posting on social media.

Learn more about the issue. The more informed and better educated you are, the better you can make an impact.

Practice what you preach. Children mock what they see, so be a good role model for the little ones around you.

Talk to your kids. Ask them about experiences at school, and make sure they feel comfortable and know they can always come to you if something happens.

Monitor what your child does online. Right now, cyberbullying is the fastest-growing type of harassment amongst young people.

Form a group in your community or school system that stands for bullying prevention. Some good sources of support for this may be local businesses, PTA’s, local government, and service clubs in your area.

Thank you for your commitment to keeping

our community safe and healthy!

NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK

October 23-31

Project Alliance is planning for Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, and this year’s theme is

Be Kind To Your Mind. Live Drug Free.™

CHCC would love to partner with local schools, businesses, and organizations to provide resources for engaging youth in activities that promote a drug-free and healthy lifestyle, supporting parents in family discussions about the dangers of substance misuse, and helping businesses support a recovery-friendly workplace.

Email projectalliance@une.edu if your school or organization plans to participate or would like Project Alliance to provide some resources.

Encourage youth to participate in the National Family Partnership photo contest. The contest is free, and the champion wins an iPad and $1,000 for their school! Click here and below to learn more.

Encourage staff to wear red on Friday, October 27th, take a picture, and share it with us via email above or tag us on our social media pages.
Facebook: @CoastalHealthyCommunitiesCoalition
Instagram: @coastalhealthycommunities

Take Action! Have a voice, make an impact, and join CHCC’s Project Alliance. This substance misuse prevention coalition focuses on improving prevention programming, addressing youth alcohol and cannabis misuse, and promoting safe storage and disposal of prescription medications. To learn more about the great programs we offer in our community and how you or your organization can be involved, contact projectalliance@une.edu or (207) 602-3555.

Red Ribbon Week Resources & Contest

How to Talk to Your Kids About Fentanyl

Learn More About the Effects of Cannabis on the Brain

3 Towns: 1 Community C.A.R.E.S.

Communication, Advocacy, Resources, Education, Support

Thursday, October 5th

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library's Community Room

Join us for an informal gathering to discuss the importance of community engagement in prevention and how YOU can help make a difference!

Discuss: Community engagement core principles, the importance of community coalitions, and creative prevention strategies.

Learn About: Naloxone (Narcan)- Receive administration training, and free Naloxone will be available.

Questions: Call Kennebunkport Public Health Department at 207-967-4401.

SAVE THE DATES!

PROJECT ALLIANCE COALITION MEETING

Friday, October 13th

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Virtual Lunch via Zoom

https://une.zoom.us/j/96761983184

As the new school year has begun, this meeting will feature members speaking about their experiences so far, what is going well, where youth are struggling, and what role our coalition can take to build on strengths and meet unmet needs. We will also talk about our Community Conversations in Biddeford, Red Ribbon Week planning (October 23-31), and hear updates from attendees who would like to share their successes and any needs they may have.

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NATIONAL LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK: October 22-28

Did you know Biddeford is one of five High-Risk Areas designated by the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC) for having the greatest burden of children with lead poisoning? In recognition of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 22-28, learn more about how lead exposure affects human health, especially in children. There is NO safe level of lead in a child’s body. Even low levels of lead may cause lifelong health problems.

Test your home. Test your children.

Learn More About Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Make Your Home Lead-Safe: Help from City of Biddeford

SNAP-ED CLASSES IN SCHOOLS

Our SNAP Educators are spending October back in schools! Last year, they were able to reach 1,500 youth across York County. If you are interested in scheduling a class, please reach out to one of our SNAP Educators directly or click the button below.

Maine SNAP-Ed uses evidence-based curricula and multi-level community-based approaches to help make the healthy choice the easy choice for low-income Maine families. Trained nutrition educators provide hands-on cooking classes, support wellness committees, and increase food access through garden programs and Farmers' Market partnerships. Our goal is to empower individuals and families to shop, cook, and eat healthy on a budget.

Click Here to Host Classes at Your School