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National Prevention Week (NPW) is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental health and/or substance use disorders.
NPW is held each year during May because it is near the start of summer, an important time for school, communities, and prevention professionals to re-focus on prevention. Adolescents and full-time college students most often use substances for the first time during June or July, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
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Each year, NPW includes daily themes to focus on major substance use and mental health topics. The 2021 daily themes are:
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COVID-19 and Beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic created numerous stressors and challenges for Idaho families. Research has found that parental factors can influence the risk of depression and anxiety in children, and that family involvement can help children build the core competencies that are believed to reduce substance use later in adolescence.
Last year, ODP partnered with the Boise State University Institute for the Study of Behavioral Health & Addiction to create the COVID-19 and Beyond series to provide information and tools to support parents and families as they navigate the ongoing pandemic. Resources include:
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Activity Sheets for Youth - share engaging projects parents can do with their children to help ease anxiety and lift their spirits. Activities include Belly Breathing, Gratitude Board, and Positive Rocks, and more!
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Educational Presentations on stress and substance use, bullying and cyberbullying basics for parents, and structuring time at home with your kids.
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Tuesday TIPS videos and companion sheets for parents. The series includes TIPS for social-emotional and brain-based wellness and self-care.
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH |
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Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. In May, ODP joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Here are some resources to help you get involved: |
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Idaho Resilience Project & Optum Idaho | Kites for Hope
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Through May, the Idaho Resilience Project and Optum Idaho will distribute 7,000 “Kites for Hope” to communities throughout the state. On Friday, May 21, 2021, grab a kite (yours or one of theirs), choose your favorite kite-flying location and join us in a day to reconnect and lift one another up, while flying “Kites for Hope.” Post your pictures on your favorite social media platform and tag @optumidaho and @idahoresilienceproject, #kitesforhope, #resilientcommunities, #resilientidaho, #hopeliveshere.
DATE: May 21, 2021 | TIME: Any time the wind blows | LOCATION: Anywhere
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Partnership to End Addiction | Help & Hope Text Program
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Parents and caregivers concerned about their child’s substance use can receive customized resources and skills delivered via text. Messages include evidence-based skills and strategies to help you better communicate with your child and motivate them to get the help they need.
How it works:
1) Text JOIN to 55753
2) Answer a quick series of questions about your child and their substance use.
3) Receive messages with information and support specific to your family's needs.
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Empower Idaho| 2021 Idaho Mental Health Month Toolkit
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In the spirit of resiliency and community, Empower Idaho invites you to celebrate the 2021 Idaho Mental Health Month theme: All Together Now!
Their toolkit contains information and resources to help you as an individual, or your organization, celebrate Mental Health Month, through tools such as pre-made social media posts featuring work by local artist Miguel Almeida, avenues to advocate for mental health in your community, and mental health resources.
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PARTNER RESOURCE: ECHO Idaho's Podcast |
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Something for the Pain helps support Idaho’s healthcare professionals to prevent, treat and facilitate recovery from opioid and substance use disorders in communities across the state. Hear recorded lectures from ECHO Idaho’s series archives - delivered by Idaho’s leading healthcare specialists - and interviews with Valley County experts to find out the latest trends, best practices, and existing resources for opioid and substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. Whether you work in healthcare and want to earn continuing education credits or live in Idaho and want to educate yourself about opioid and substance use disorder treatment, Something for the Pain has a little something for everybody. Episode 1 is available May 10 at www.uidaho.edu/echo-podcast
Connect virtually with specialists and other healthcare professionals in Idaho for case-based learning and support, all while earning free CE/CME/CEU over your lunch hour.
For details and registration information about our ongoing ECHO Idaho series, including:
- Counseling Techniques for Substance Use Disorders
- Hepatitis C
- Opioids, Pain and Substance Use Disorders
- Perinatal Substance Use Disorder
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GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: Canyon County Drug Free Coalition |
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Town Hall: Drugs in Our Community
On April 22, 2021 the Canyon County Drug Free Coalition sponsored a special presentation, Drugs in Our Community, with the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Bryan F. Taylor. Prosecutor Taylor provided insight into the drug trends of Canyon County. The Town Hall was held at the Caldwell Police Department Community Room and live-streamed on YouTube.
ODP appreciates the work of our prevention partners to educate and inform their communities!
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Registration Open for the Idaho Healthy Youth Survey
The Idaho Healthy Youth Survey (IHYS) is a bi-annual, statewide survey of 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders facilitated by the Idaho Office of Drug Policy (ODP).
The Survey is designed to measure the perceptions, opinions, attitudes, and behaviors of Idaho youth related to the use and misuse of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes/vaping, marijuana, prescription medication, and other drugs. Learn more.
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PFS-LE Grant Application Closes June 2, 2021
The Partnerships for Success Law Enforcement (PFS-LE) Grant is a one-year grant opportunity available to law enforcement agencies. The goal of the PFS grant is to prevent underage drinking, marijuana use, and methamphetamine use in Idaho through effective law enforcement techniques. Learn more.
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NEWS STORIES & REPORTS | UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Local News Stories
National News Stories
Reports
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Upcoming Events
A United Day of Hope | May 22
Participate in the NAMIWalks United Day of Hope on Saturday, May 22 to support your local community. Lace-up your shoes, and join the best and the brightest mental health advocates in the country. Learn more.
2021 Idaho Conference on Alcohol and Drug Dependency | May 24-27
The 2021 ICADD will be held virtually on May 24-27. Earn prizes, connect with colleagues, and earn 24 continuing education hours! Learn more.
Region 10 Opioid Summit | August 3-5
The 2021 Summit is an opportunity for professionals from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Indian Nations, urban Indian health programs, and recognized American Indian organizations to meet and explore ways to address the opioid crisis. Learn more.
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What's new with you?
Have an update, story, or other news you'd like to share in a future newsletter?
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We envision a safe and healthy Idaho free from the devastating impact of substance use on youth, families, and communities. |
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