December 2022

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

OVER 65 STUDENTS ATTEND

TEEN WELLNESS SUMMIT

CHCC’s Project Alliance hosted a successful Teen Wellness Summit for over 65 students last month at the Biddeford Community Center. Students chose five sessions to attend on a variety of topics, ranging from the dangers of vaping to the juvenile justice system during the day-long event. Presentations included information on many areas that teens report to cause anxiety, including university admission, money management, and safe relationships.

As stress is a risk factor for substance misuse, the teens were provided information to help reduce anxiety, access to local resources and services, and strategies to encourage empowerment. The day was a success, with the vast majority of event attendees reporting increased feelings of resiliency and peer connectedness. Thank you to all coalition and community members who helped make this event happen!

Project Alliance

Holiday Social

In lieu of our regular December meeting, the coalition is considering hosting a holiday social at the CHCC office in Saco. We are looking for input to determine the best day and time to host the event.

Please take a moment and review our Doodle Poll, and let us know your preference.

Click here to learn more about the programs offered through Project Alliance and how to get involved.

UP IN 'SMOKE'

A Vaping Awareness Presentation

Thursday, December 1st

It's not just water. CHCC’s Project Alliance Coalition is working with schools to dispel myths about vaping and combat other substance use issues among youth. Up in ‘Smoke’ a Vaping Awareness Presentation will be held at Kennebunk High School on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. This free presentation is open to the public.

Guest speaker Melissa Moore of Tall Cop Says Stop will break down the basics of vaping, industry advertising tactics, and discuss what YOU can do to prevent this growing threat. The presentation will come as a complement to a student- and staff-only day of education that includes a panel discussion with local experts from the Substance Use Disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery community.

Registration is requested.

Please review the below information and scan the QR code to register.

Did you know?

29% of Maine High School students report using

e-cigarette products, including vapes.

-Maine Integrated Youth

Health Survey, 2019

The Role of Recovery Community Centers in Maine's Opioid Response Plan

Governor Mills' Monthly

Opioid Response Series

Friday, December 2nd

11:30am - 12:30pm via Zoom

Click Here to Register

Join this free webinar for an overview of the role of EMS in Maine's opioid response.

Maine EMS Director J. Sam Hurley, MPH, EMPS, NRP, with additional staff from the Office of Maine Emergency Medical Services, will share data on EMS responses to overdose calls and discuss the naloxone “leave-behind” program authorized by L.D. 1333, An Act Concerning the Dispensation of Naloxone Hydrochloride by Emergency Medical Services, enacted as Public Law 2021, chapter 161. Director of Opioid Response Gordon Smith will moderate the discussion.

A certificate of attendance will be provided, but there will be no Continuing Education Credits associated with this event.

Prevent Blindness America has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. The group encourages everyone to consider if the toys they wish to give suit the age and individual skills and abilities of the individual child who will receive it, especially for infants and children under age three. Here are some reminders when giving toys:

Look for labels that assure you the toys have passed a safety inspection – “ATSM” means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

Keep kids safe from lead in toys by educating yourself about lead exposure from toys, symptoms of lead poisoning, and what kinds of toys have been recalled; being aware that old toys may be more likely to contain lead in the paint.

Do NOT give toys with small parts which can cause serious injury or death if ingested or put in the mouth. If the piece can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is not appropriate for kids under age three.

Do NOT give toys with ropes and cords or heating elements.

LEAD POISONING PREVENTION

CHCC & City of Biddeford PSA

CHCC and the City of Biddeford partnered with Townsquare Media to create this PSA on childhood lead poisoning prevention and the City of Biddeford’s Lead Hazard Reduction programs and funding. Please feel free to share this information with Biddeford residents and community partners!

Lead Poisoning Prevention Resources

for all Mainers

Funds and Resources available to

Biddeford Residents

Lead Poisoning Prevention Resources

for our Community

Updates from SNAP-Ed

Our SNAP Educators have been hard at work with nutrition classes this past month!

Our staff are serving over 600 pre-k to middle school-aged youth across York County. Some of November’s taste tests with these groups have included: whole grain cracker comparisons for Pre-K, broccoli versus cauliflower comparisons for K-3 students, and fruit smoothies for 4th and 5th graders.

Our educators have also hosted five different adult nutrition and cooking classes through November. Some of the recipe demonstrations have included whole wheat blueberry muffins, veggie wraps with homemade hummus, and a harvest vegetable salad (a great holiday side dish)! Check out the photos of these recipes below and a helpful video to make Turkey Chili.

Turkey Chili Demo

CLICK HERE for more SNAP-Ed Resources

Early Care & Education Conference Facilitator & Vendor Opportunities

The York County Early Childhood Coalition will be holding an Early Care & Education Conference at the Sanford Regional Technical Center on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Professionals from all over York County will spend the day in workshops and visit vendor tables meant to inspire and support their practices.

Over 200 professionals are anticipated to attend! We are looking for facilitators for breakout sessions as well as interested vendors for tabling- some may wish to do both! Facilitators are encouraged to share their expertise, enthusiasm, and WHY to inspire others in the field of early care and education. Vendors are invited to sell, promote, inform, and support professionals in the field. Please view the links below for additional information.

FMI Contact Tammy Dwyer at tammy.dwyer@maine.edu.