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Contact Dawn Fawcett - admin@wctcoalition.org
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The Weekly Update is now posted each week on our Facebook page
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The Change the Script Van is heading out to vaccination clinics this February, stocked with medication lock-boxes, Deterra bags, masks, hand sanitizer, free children's books, and timely health literature.
To learn more and to book a van visit for your community, click here
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Regional Opioid and Other Drug Prevention and Policy Workgroup |
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Tobacco in Pop Culture
Pervasive tobacco imagery in popular shows poses new threat, making youth more prone to e-cigarette use
The resurgence of tobacco imagery in episodic content – where it is often portrayed as a normal social behavior and as glamorous, rebellious and edgy — poses a new threat to young people. A groundbreaking new Truth Initiative study finds that youth and young adults with high exposure to popular streaming and TV shows containing tobacco images are three times more likely to start vaping compared to their peers with no exposure.
Watch this compelling video
"Straight to Vape: While You Were Streaming 2020"
The Truth Initiative is sounding the alarm on the re-normalization of tobacco images in streaming, broadcast and cable shows most popular among youth and young adults.
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Truth Initiative calls for comprehensive policies including:
- Ratings system – designating new titles with smoking as TV-MA — designed for adults and unsuitable for those 17 and under
- Inclusion of anti-tobacco and anti-vaping ads
- Educating directors, writers and producers about the importance of keeping tobacco out of their shows
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Drug Free Schools Committee
Resources for Youth, Parents and Families
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Positive Discipline Parenting Classes
Registration is open for this virtual 6-session online, live parenting class series!
Join parents and other adults raising children in a 6-session parenting class, live online via Zoom!
Learn to discipline with firmness and kindness, have fun as a parent, and set the foundation for important social and life skills. Help your children feel a sense of belonging and significance through mutual respect and encouragement.
DATES: April 5, 7, 12, 19, 26 and 28
TIME: 10 AM - 12 PM Eastern Standard Time (New York)
COST: $180 early bird discount until March 5. Regular price $200, includes PDF of Positive Discipline Parent Tool Cards.
Facilitator: Carol Dores, Certified Positive Discipline Trainer
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Minority Inclusitivity
Green TEAR Initiative, Inc. in Torrington, aspires to unite citizens, providers, businesses, and municipal depts. in efforts to dispel mental health and addiction stigmas, facilitate awareness of and collaboration between resources, and empower all to be effective advocates for overall wellness.
They recently held a panel discussion webinar:
We Are One Community: Minority Inclusivity addressing substance use and mental health treatment services for People of Color and the LGBTQ+ population. Among topics discussed were stigma, healthcare disparities, and the effects of trauma. Please take a moment to watch the recording and share this comprehensive list of resources they compiled.
If you would like to support Green TEAR Initiative, they are holding an Easter chocolate fundraiser. Follow them on Facebook
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Region 5 Suicide Advisory Board |
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The Surgeon General Releases Call to Action to Implement the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 19, 2021
Important points made within the report include:
- Suicide is one of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S., claiming more than 47,000 lives in 2019 alone, and the rates of suicide have risen more than 30 percent between 1999-2019.
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The goal of the Call to Action is to broaden perceptions of suicide, who is affected, and of the many factors that can affect suicide risk.
- Protective factors that can help prevent suicide include building life skills and resilience, increasing social connectedness and support, identifying those at risk, promoting lethal means safety, and helping individuals access effective healthcare and treatment.
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What can you do to support suicide prevention efforts in Region 5?
Attend a QPR Suicide Prevention Training Live Webinar (see flyer).
Space is available on 2/26.
Attend the next Region 5 Suicide Advisory Board meeting
on March 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Contact us to learn more!
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Risk and Protective Factors
Within the Strategic Prevention Framework, identifying risk factors that can contribute to substance use and mental disorders and building protective factors can have a tremendous effect on the wellness of your community.
Risk factors are characteristics at the biological, psychological, family, community, or cultural level that precede and are associated with a higher likelihood of negative outcomes. Examples include:
- Negative attitudes, values or beliefs
- Low self-esteem
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Poverty
- Children of parents in conflict with the law
- Homelessness
- Presence of neighbourhood crime
- Early and repeated anti-social behavior
Protective factors are characteristics associated with a lower likelihood of negative outcomes or that reduce a risk factor’s impact. Such as:
- Positive attitudes, values or beliefs
- Conflict resolution skills
- Good mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health
- Positive self-esteem
- Success at school
- Good parenting skills
- Parental supervision
- Strong social supports
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Problem Gambling Awareness |
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The Latest Research on Teenage Video Game Addiction
Since social distancing began last March, the rate of teenage video game addiction has been steadily rising. Even before the pandemic, teens were playing video games for hours each day. But in 2020, those numbers skyrocketed, with at least 70 percent of kids under 18 on consoles. With remote schooling and limited activities outside the home, teens are using gaming for distraction and to combat loneliness and isolation.
Moreover, while both genders suffer from what’s known as internet gaming disorder, boys are almost twice as likely to experience this type of addiction. That’s why mental health experts are hearing from a growing number of parents who tell them, “My son is addicted to video games.” Continue Reading image from Vox.com
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40 Developmental Assets Framework |
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The Developmental Assets® are 40 research-based, positive experiences and qualities that influence young people’s development, helping them become caring, responsible, and productive adults.
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External Asset #12 which falls under the category of
"Boundaries and Expectations"
Young people need clear rules, consistent consequences for breaking rules, and encouragement to do their best
School Boundaries
School provides clear rules and consequences
All schools need rules. In fact, young people actually learn better when school boundaries—expectations for how they should act—are clear and consistent.
How do we build this asset?
- Teachers and administrators can help by creating a conduct code at the beginning of the school year and sending it home to parents
- Parents can reinforce the rules set by the school
- Conflicts may still occur, and when they do, allow everyone—students, parents, teachers, and others in the community—to feel comfortable voicing their concerns and suggesting solutions to the problem.
The 40 Developmental Assets® may be reproduced for educational, non-commercial uses only. Copyright ©1997 Search Institute®, 3001 Broadway Street NE, Suite 310, Minneapolis MN 55413; 800-888-7828; www.searchinstitute.org. All rights reserved.
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Workforce Development
Trainings and Opportunities (some with CEUS offered!)
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Upcoming trainings from PTTC on CBD 101, Evaluation for Prevention Professionals, Diversity Inclusion, and more! |
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