Great American Smokeout share

According to the American Cancer Society, every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout event. Encourage someone you know to use the date to make a plan to quit, or plan in advance and then quit smoking that day. By quitting – even for 1 day – smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk.

Red Ribbon Week 2016 share

SIGN THE RED RIBBON PLEDGE

Take the National Red Ribbon Campaign Pledge now and be a part of the creation of a drug free America.

WHAT’S THE PLEDGE ABOUT?

1. As parents and citizens, we will talk to our children and the children in our lives about the dangers of drug abuse.
2. We will set clear rules for our children about not using drugs.
3. We will set a good example for our children by not using illegal drugs or medicine without a prescription.
4. We will monitor our children’s behavior and enforce appropriate consequences, so that our rules are respected.
5. We will encourage family and friends to follow the same guidelines to keep children safe from substance abuse.

I PLEDGE TO SET GUIDELINES TO HELP CHILDREN GROW UP SAFE, HEALTHY AND DRUG-FREE.

Family Day - 2016 share

Family Day – Monday, September 26^th 2016

Family Day is a national movement established in 2001 to promote simple acts of parental engagement.

So many of us are wearing multiple hats in both our professional lives and our personal ones.It may be hard to find time to do everything we and our children want to do. But according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), even small everyday activities such as tucking your child in at night or driving them to soccer practice can have lasting effect on children by providing them an opportunity to communicate. Opening the lines of communication while they are young and keeping them open as they grow older will not only have a positive impact on your child’s life, but will also set a good example for when they get older. It is up to us to start the chain reaction.

“America’s drug problem is not going to be solved in courtrooms or legislative hearing rooms by judges and politicians. It will be solved in living rooms and dining rooms and across kitchen tables – by parents and families.” Joseph A. Califano, Jr., The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse Founder and Chairman Emeritus

Become a Family Day STAR!

I commit to:

S– Spend time with my kids

T– Talk to them about their friends, interests and the dangers of nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs

A– Answer their questions and listen to what they say

R– Recognize that I have the power to help keep my kids substance free!

Take the pledge here.

International Overdose Awareness Day share

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event to raise awareness to overdoses, break the stigma, and spread the message that they are preventable.

What is our community doing to prevent overdoses:

Through youth, parent and family education the Brunswick County Coalition, Cape Fear Coalition and Coastal Horizon’s Prevention Department are working to prevent the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. According to NIDA, 8 out of 10 heroin users started with prescription drugs and New Hanover and Brunswick County are both in the top ten for prescription drug overdoses in North Carolina. By partnering with other organizations we  also address proper storage, use and misuse. Click here to find a medication drop box near you.

North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC) provides harm reduction resources such as Naloxone, syringe exchange, and the Good Samaritan Law.

Recovery Month 2016 share

National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is an annual observance celebrated every September since 1989. In September, and throughout the year, Recovery Month spreads the message that

• Behavioral Health is essential to health.
• Prevention works
• Treatment is effective
• People recover

Refer to the Recovery Month website, www.recoverymonth.gov, for additional information on the initiative.

Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA collaborates withapproximately 200 Recovery Month Planning Partners who represent local, state, and national organizations dedicated to prevention, treatment, and recovery.

This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery!” highlights the value of peer support by educating, mentoring and helping others. It invites individuals in recovery and their support systems to be active change agents in communities, and in civic and advocacy engagements.

Every September and throughout the year hundreds of events occur to celebrate Recovery Month.These events, ranging from recovery walks and rallies to online web chats and group barbecues, encourage the following audiences to address the continued need for prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. Follow the Cape Fear Recovery Month on Facebook for local information and events.

Many treatment options exist. SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatments and Services webpage, www.samhsa.gov/treatment, helps people find mental and/or substance use disorder treatment facilities and programs across the country. SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889 (TDD), provides 24-hour, free, and confidential information about mental and/or substance use disorders, and prevention, treatment, and recovery referrals in English and Spanish. Additionally, the “Treatment and
Recovery Support Services” section in this toolkit provides an overview of support options.

Refer to the “Mental and/or Substance Use Disorders: Fast Facts” section in this toolkit for up-to-date statistics on the prevalence of mental and/or substance use disorders in the United States.