Pieces of Prevention

Nurturing Social Connections: The Foundation of Children’s Well-Being. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact that social connections have on our children’s development. From the playground to the classroom, these connections form the foundation of a child’s emotional, social, and academic growth. As we observe Social Wellness Month, it’s crucial to… Read more: Spotlight On: Social Wellness Month

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness around the unique challenges and mental health needs this population faces. Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and suicidal ideation compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The minority stress… Read more: Spotlight On: Pride and Mental Health for the LGBTQ+ Community

Empowering Communities Through Strategic Prevention: Observing National Prevention Week, May 12-18, 2024. As we celebrate National Prevention Week, it’s important to recognize the crucial role that comprehensive, data-driven prevention efforts play in promoting the health and wellbeing of our communities. Substance misuse and related behavioral health issues can have devastating impacts, but by employing effective… Read more: Spotlight On: National Prevention Week

The challenges that children and teens face today can feel overwhelming at times. From academic pressures and social dynamics to family stresses and anxieties about the future, young people are navigating a complex world. Providing them with tools to effectively cope with life’s challenges is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next… Read more: Spotlight On: Empowering Youth for Mental Wellness

April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol use and promoting strategies for prevention. As we embark on this important initiative, it’s crucial to understand the significance of responsible alcohol consumption and the steps we can take to prevent alcohol-related harms. Here are some key tips… Read more: Spotlight On: Alcohol Awareness Month

Whether it be poker nights at a friend’s house or participating in a local bingo fundraiser, gambling is often considered a fun social activity. Sometimes, however, gambling can become more of a problem. Individuals may find themselves preoccupied with gambling or continuously chasing losses. They may lie about their gambling habits or feel irritable when… Read more: Spotlight On: Problem Gambling

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), commonly referred to as ‘vapes’, first came on the U.S market in 2007, but data on their mental and physical health effects is just starting to take shape. Vaping uses a battery-powered device to heat, aerate and inhale a liquid (e-juice), which usually contains flavoring and nicotine. Initially promoted as a way… Read more: Spotlight On: Vaping

When you think of your favorite senior citizen, what comes to mind? Often, it’s how kind and supportive they can be in times of trouble. Ironically, older adults may hesitate to talk about their own struggles, feelings of sadness, or depression. September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports… Read more: Spotlight On: Older Adult Suicide Awareness

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day was founded on 9/9/99, to remind us that the 9 months of pregnancy have the potential to shape the course of a lifetime, for both a developing child and their family. It’s encouraging to know that 9 out of 10 women report they abstain from alcohol during pregnancy. … Read more: Spotlight On: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a global event that addresses the widespread and growing impact that drug overdose has had, and continues to have, on our communities at large. In the year 2022, the state of Oregon alone lost 1,387 people to drug overdose. That’s an average of 3.8 deaths per day, a more… Read more: Spotlight On: International Overdose Awareness Day

What is a safe level of marijuana use? The answer isn’t all that clear. With the legalization of cannabis across many states, the perception of how harmful marijuana use can be is on the decline. However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes that today’s high-potency cannabis may pose serious health risks for some of… Read more: Spotlight On: Cannabis and Schizophrenia