Prevention First

The next session of the Prevention First Leadership Center Harm Reduction ECHO Series will be November 19th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Session two will be about LGBTQ+ and Harm Reduction. The presenter is Dr. Jonna Cooley, Executive Director of the Phoenix Center. Learn more here:
https://buff.ly/3TmZk9x

People throughout IL are working to prevent and treat substance use disorder, support their loved ones, spread the word about the Helpline, and more. Learn more about the Illinois Helpline Champions program and how you can get involved here: https://helplineil.org/app/champions_program

Webinar Announcement!
The Alcohol Policy Resource Center is excited to collaborate with the Cannabis Policy Resource Center to host a webinar on January 30th from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm (CST). Dr. Matthew Rossheim will present "The Alcohol Retail Environment: Emerging Hazards to Public Safety."
https://buff.ly/3NZQYBs

The 2024 holiday season is approaching!
Be proactive in taking care of your mental and physical health this year.
Prevention First YPRC has compiled the resource "Unhappy Holidays: It's Not the Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Everyone." This free, shareable document discusses the "Winter Blues," navigating grief during the holidays and managing expectations for yourself and others. https://buff.ly/3ArJq7v

The November Prevention Connection Newsletter is live! Don't miss out on timely prevention updates. https://conta.cc/4foQT5X

Now is the time to take care of your mental health, so that you can fully enjoy the upcoming holidays. Check out the Prevention First YPRC Self-Care Cheat Sheet: https://buff.ly/48tAGso

You can celebrate Halloween and spooky season without substance use. If holidays and celebrations are an especially hard time, help is available. Contact the IL Helpline for free, confidential assistance. You are not alone.
https://buff.ly/3pYEdvP

Prevention works by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors ― in individuals, families, schools, communities, and society.
buff.ly/3JdglvI

Join us in celebrating Red Ribbon Week®. Take the pledge: https://buff.ly/2DedlBC.

No gym membership? No problem. You don’t always need heavy equipment or a gym membership to exercise. If you need to destress from work, school, or just life in general, take a walk. Walking can reduce your chances of problems with blood pressure, obesity, depression and heart disease long term.
https://buff.ly/3qWwZMk

Keep Fido and Fluffy safe! Dispose of any unneeded or expired medication at a local prescription drug collection site, so that your pets, family, and friends aren't accidentally in harm's way. https://buff.ly/3AXSWPD

Set your alarm clock, put a reminder in your phone, and do whatever it takes to remember that TOMORROW is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day!
https://buff.ly/3t0LRHQ

Do the youth in your community know that most of their peers don’t use substances? Check out SAMHSA's stats. Learn about social norms: https://buff.ly/47AXack

Working with youth? Prevention First's FREE online training, "Introduction to Engaging Youth in Prevention, " is a great place to start when it comes to youth engagement and best practices for working with youth committees/councils. Register here:
https://buff.ly/405a2pf

Your pets and anyone living in your house could be at extra risk if medications aren't properly disposed of. Make the responsible choice to protect your family and friends--including the furry ones!
https://buff.ly/3AXSWPD

It's almost here! The Fall 2024 DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 26. Gather your expired and unneeded prescriptions-- it's a great way to declutter while keeping your home safe at the same time. Win/win!
https://buff.ly/3t0LRHQ