Welcome to our freshly redesigned community newsletter!
We have all the same great information about upcoming trainings,
programs, and current events, now with a streamlined look and new name. | | |
Mental Health First Aid
The same way you don’t need to be a cardiologist to perform CPR, you don’t need to be a therapist to help someone having a mental health emergency. Anyone 18+ can learn and apply the proven Mental Health First Aid action steps for recognizing when to help, supporting someone in the moment, and connecting to available care. Over four million people in the U.S. have been trained. Join the movement and make a difference in the life of a friend, coworker, family member, or other adult.
WHEN: Thursday, March 27 | 9 am - 4:30 pm
WHERE: Online
AUDIENCE: Anyone age 18+
COST: $35 (scholarships available)
Sign up by March 25 here
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Overdose Response Course
Naloxone (aka Narcan®) quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of opioid overdose. Learn to recognize and respond to an overdose, as well as how to deliver naloxone in our brief training. Information about how to get naloxone at no cost is provided.
WHEN:
- Monday, March 24, 10 – 11 am
- Wednesday, April 2, 3 – 4 pm
WHERE: Online
AUDIENCE: Anyone age 16+
COST: Free
Find out more and sign up here today
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Strengthening Families Program for Parents & Youth 10-14
All families have strengths! Over seven weeks the evidence-based Strengthening Families Program 10-14 helps bring them out by improving communication, encouraging healthy habits for youth, offering helpful tools for parenting teens, and making memories & having fun together. Over the course of two evenings each week, participants will meet virtually for one hour with certified facilitators about that week’s topic.
WHEN: Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 15 – June 5 from 6 – 7 pm
WHERE: Online
AUDIENCE: Families in Skagit & Whatcom County
COST: Free
Learn more and register here
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WIC Breastfeeding Class
All families can benefit from support during the early days of feeding. This online class covers:
- common concerns and how to overcome them
- breastfeeding positions and tips for best latch
- colostrum and how we make milk
- hunger signals and other baby behaviors
Our friendly specialists are here to help you meet your breastfeeding goals!
WHEN:
- Thursday, April 17, 1 pm (English)
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Jueves, Abril 17, 4 pm (Spanish)
WHERE: Online
AUDIENCE: All pregnant people
COST: Free
Learn more here
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Play and Grow Drop-in Group
Facilitated by Help Me Grow Nurses and a Perinatal Support-WA Resiliency Specialist, this group is a space for parents and caregivers to connect and share. This hour includes time for songs, play and group discussions on development, feeding, sleep, and other related topics. No need to sign up – just bring your baby and yourself!
WHEN: Every Tuesday
- Spanish group meets at 9:30 am
- English group meets at 11:00 am
WHERE: Heartwood House | 2136 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley
AUDIENCE: Infants/toddlers and their caregivers
COST: Free
Learn more here
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Peer Grief Support for Youth & Families
Join us for FREE drop-in sessions and spend time with people who get it. Participants have the option to take part in discussions, play, art, learning, and other age-appropriate activities for expressing grief in a supportive environment with trained staff and volunteers. Let us know you’d like to attend as a family by filling out the pre-registration form here.
WHEN: The second and fourth Tuesday of the month | 6 - 7:30 pm
WHERE: Heartwood House | 2136 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley
AUDIENCE: Youth 6 -18 and caregivers
COST: Free
Questions? Contact Grace at (360) 420-9390 or Grace.Weinrich@UnitedGeneral.org
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Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
Suicide is one of the most preventable types of death. In Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), participants learn the skills to help when someone is struggling. QPR is an evidence-based suicide prevention program developed in Washington State that teaches lifesaving knowledge and how to connect someone in crisis to care.
WHEN: Thursday, April 24 | 2:30 - 4 pm
WHERE: Online
AUDIENCE: Anyone age 16+
COST: Free
Learn more and register here
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Facilitator Training: Strengthening Families Program 10-14
Become certified to facilitate the program proven to build positive parenting skills and protect against youth substance use! This training is for new facilitators to learn to work in a team of three to deliver the evidence-based program (first three days required for full certification).
Note:To deliver the Spanish language program, you must attend 5/16.
WHEN: May 13-16 | 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
WHERE: District 304 campus, Sedro-Woolley
AUDIENCE: Community members aged 19+ who can commit to the entire training and are interested in providing SFP 10-14 locally
COST: Free (lunches included!)
Find out more and sign up here
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Adult & Pediatric CPR, AED, First Aid
Led by our own American Red Cross-certified trainer, this class provides you with the knowledge and skills to address cardiac, breathing, and other first-aid emergencies. After successfully completing a class, a certificate that satisfies most OSHA-mandated job requirements, workplace, and other regulatory requirements will be issued (certification lasts for two years).
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WHEN: Thursday, April 17 | 10 am -3 pm
WHERE: Upper Skagit Library | 45952 Main Street, Concrete
AUDIENCE: Community members age 12+ interested in learning/updating their certification
COST: Traditional full-length class (no online learning): $100 (a discounted price of $80 is available for households receiving benefits such as Basic Food, WIC, Apple Health).
Learn more and sign up here
| | Basic Food Application Assistance | | |
Nearly a quarter of households in Skagit are eligible for Basic Food (aka SNAP) nutrition benefits and may not even know it! Our staff take part in community events and provide free education and information to help people get more nutritious foods each month. Our team is also trained to pre-screen community members and assist with the application process. Not sure if you qualify? Click here to see current eligibility and income guidelines.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here for you when you’re ready to apply. Just complete this form or call (360) 856-2549 and get connected in English or Spanish. Or you can apply on your own directly through Washington Connection here.
| | Youth-led Food Waste Prevention | | Pupusa Recipe from Farm to School | | |
Concrete Farm to School students recently made pupusas in the Kitchen Classroom – a first for many youth. The thick griddle cakes, which are the national dish of El Salvador, are stuffed with things like cheese, beans, veggies, meat and typically made (and eaten!) by hand.
Get the kids involved! Download the recipe and hand-drawn instructions here!
| | | | | March is National Nutrition Month®. The 2025 theme is Food Connects Us, celebrating how growers & distributers, cultural heritage, and our own life stages provide different ways to engage with meal and snack time! Health, memories, traditions, seasons, and access can all impact our relationship with food and what it means to nourish ourselves and each other. Learn more at EatRight.org | | | Tips for Healthy Family Meals & Nutrition | | |
Our WIC staff understands that preparing healthy foods your family will eat can be especially challenging with young children. Here are a couple of resources they recommend:
- Get kid-friendly recipes, tips about feeding your children, and ideas to improve your whole family's health and nutrition at the WA State Dept. of Health website
- Check out these Nutrition Education Materials to learn what foods to feed your child at every age, as well as recommendations for parents who are expecting
WIC is a vital resource for families with children under age five, helping people access monthly benefits for healthy food, and so much more! WIC participants can schedule one-on-one appointments with a nutritionist free of charge. Curious whether or not you qualify for WIC? Learn more on our website or give us a call today: (360) 854-0435.
| | For National Nutrition Month, United General WIC families can receive a goody bag (pictured) with gear to make healthy eating a part of your child’s routine! | | Washington WIC doesn't discriminate, and participation does not affect your immigration status. Learn more here. | | Interested in hosting a table or booth at the event? Register here. | | |
Presented by Skagit YMCA and Help Me Grow Skagit, Healthy Kids Day is where children and families can learn about the importance of healthy eating; nutrition and physical activity; mental and emotional well-being; and developing healthy habits. It’s also a great place to get excited about summer programs happening in the greater Skagit/Whatcom area!
Join the fun with events, games, educational activities, healthy snacks, resource tables, and more for kids and families to enjoy on Saturday, April 26 from 12:30 – 2:30 pm at the Skagit Valley Family YMCA (1901 Hoag Rd, Mount Vernon).
| | Skagit Nature Rx is Back! | |
Spring is here, and community nature walks are around the corner! If you are looking for ways to boost your physical, mental, and social wellbeing, join us for an hour-long walk on local trails with other adults:
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Tues., April 22 | 10–11 am at Northern State Trail
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Wed., April 30 | 10-11 am at Burlington Dike Trail
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Thurs., May 8 | 10–11 am at Padilla Bay Shoreline Trail
Walks are 1 to 2 miles long, guided by our friendly AmeriCorps members at a relaxed pace. Registration is FREE! Learn more and register here.
Want to be the first to know about upcoming walks and nature-related content? Sign up for the Skagit Nature Rx newsletter!
| | | Prepare to Hit the Trails | | Click to view/download the map | | |
The trails at Northern State Recreation Area in Sedro-Woolley continue to grow and evolve thanks to a dedicated partnership of organizations and volunteers from Skagit Trail Builders (STB)! The new Song Sparrow Bridge connecting Hill Creek Trail with the Pump House Trail at the north end of the park is now finished and trail approach work is in progress.
Mark your calendars for the bridge ribbon cutting: September 19, 2025. In the meantime, enjoy the trails, volunteer with STB, donate to support local trails, and advocate for outdoor recreation! Learn more at SkagitTrailBuilders.org.
| | Regional Youth Summit 2025 | | |
We’re gearing up to host the annual Youth Got This! summit on Friday, April 18 at Camp Korey in Mount Vernon. Solomon Masala, renowned facilitator, will help 80+ young people explore how challenges can help us grow as leaders and how to stick to our personal values and goals through healthy confrontation.
Open to middle school students and their adult advisors throughout the North Sound region, the free all-day event combines learning, team building, and FUN. Watch the video recap of last year's summit, visit our webpage, or reach out to Olivia with questions at Olivia.Guelich@UnitedGeneral.org
| | Foundation of District 304 | |
Did you know? The Foundation of District 304 is the non-profit arm of United General District 304, which allows us to receive donations and apply for grants that meet urgent and ongoing local health needs.
You can give a one-time or recurring gift to support the more than 50 programs we offer by clicking here.
| | The Foundation’s goal is to help ensure the continued availability of quality local services and programs that promote health and wellbeing at every stage of life. | | To everyone reading our newsletter, participating in our programs and classes, and giving of their time and resources, THANK YOU! Together, we are Building Healthier Communities. | | |
Fred Meyer Rewards – It’s easy and free to support the work of United General District 304 just by shopping at Fred Meyer with your
rewards card! Link your card to United General District 304 in person on your next visit, or click here to do it online. Funds support classes, trainings, and programs in our community at no cost to you!
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United General District 304 offers more than 50 programs promoting health & wellbeing at every stage of life. | | | | | |
