Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. This is an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well. Together, we can raise the nation’s awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships.
- Dating Basics for a Healthy Relationship
- Learn about Healthy Relationships
- The importance of personal safety
- Find ways to support others
How Do I Get Help?
If you know of a teen or parent that could benefit from speaking to a caring, well-trained peer advocate, please connect them with the National Dating Abuse Helpline, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, at 1-866-331-9474, by texting “loveis” to 77054, or through live chat at loveisrespect.org.
Local Resources: Hope’s Door, One Love
Virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair
ASK’s virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair will connect you to resources that support Substance Misuse Prevention, Treatment and Recovery; Mental Health and Opportunities for Thoughtful Service.
Click here to view the virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair and download the application on your phone. You never know when you, a friend, neighbor or loved one may need this vital information and by having it readily available it truly may be the most important gift you have ever given yourself or shared.
Life is hard, let’s be prepared to take good care of ourselves and one another.
Facts About Fentanyl
A Parent’s Guide For Discussing Fentanyl With Kids
By Heather Hugelmeyer, LCSW , Director of Behavioral Health, Northwell Garden City Treatment Center
Talking with your kids about drugs is a conversation no parent looks forward to having, but it’s also an essential one. And that’s especially true today because of the dangers of fentanyl—an extremely potent synthetic opioid that’s been linked to the majority of overdose drugs in the U.S. today.
Here’s everything you need to know so you can talk to your kids about fentanyl.
Start the conversation early—and keep talking
When kids are still in elementary school, that’s when you should start having age-appropriate conversations about drugs, alcohol, smoking, and vaping. Keep in mind, at this age you’re not having detailed conversations, but you do want them to know that these substances exist in the world and that they can have significant and serious consequences.
Once kids get into middle school, that’s when we’re seeing them begin to experiment with taking prescription drugs that are found in the home, as well as vaping. So that’s when you need to start having these conversations in a more in-depth, age-appropriate way. Let them know that fentanyl is a dangerous component that is being found in all kinds of drugs and that it can be deadly.
By the time your child is in high school, you as a parent need to be fully educated about the dangers of fentanyl and what you can do to help reduce the risk of drug overdose. That includes safely disposing of old prescription medicines and learning about overdose prevention.
Keep in mind, this should be a series of conversations rather than a one-time thing.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at awesome nonprofits throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. To view these opportunities, please check out Volunteer New York!
The John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak can always use some volunteers! To find out about their Teen Volunteer Program, click here.
Yorktown Leos Club
Leadership, Experience, Opportunity! The Yorktown Leos are a community service club for people ages 12-25 willing to help others in the community. They host and participate in a variety of fun and collaborative events. The Yorktown Leos Club has been helping the Yorktown community for over 25 years and to learn how to get involved, click here.
Weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups
From our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups, held virtually every Tuesday and Wednesday via Zoom. Spotlight on Recovery is a Family Educational and Support Group for families struggling with a loved one misusing substances. For more information, click here.
Weekly Yoga for Resilience
Do you have a loved one struggling with addiction? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Carve out time for yourself so you may respond to your loved one with a clear mind and an open heart. Join us on Zoom and we will come together in a safe space to practice somatic mindfulness, grounding and centering, containment and breath regulation. For more information, click here.
February 20 – Virtual Naloxone Training
Naloxone is a prescription medicine that reverses an overdose by blocking heroin or other opioids in the nervous system for 30-90 minutes. Naloxone is administered by injection or intranasal. Following training, participants receive a kit by mail. Please join our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard on Zoom at 6:30pm. Register by email: ssal@drugcrisisinourbackyard.com
Upcoming Events
February 12 – Understanding Cutting and Self-HarmSelf-injury is a complex behavior that is difficult to understand if you haven’t experienced it. Explore what self-harm is and is not, why people purposely hurt themselves, and the symptoms to look for. Register here.
February 18 – Vaping in 2025: What’s Changed & What Parents Need to KnowJoin Operation Parent and Dr. Aaron Weiner for an in-depth look at the evolving vaping landscape, the hidden risks to physical and mental health, and practical tips to help you have informed, impactful conversations with your child. Register here.
March 4 – Unpacking the Risks of Modern MarijuanaToday’s marijuana is stronger and more dangerous than ever, posing serious risks to adolescent brain development and mental health. Join Operation Parent and Laura Stack, founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors, to learn more and be prepared to start essential conversations with the teens in your life. Register here.
NAMI Westchester
The families and members of NAMI Westchester are here to help! They offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. To view their calendar, click here.
Westchester Breathes is an ongoing program offered by the Westchester Library System offering an experience of gentle movement, breathing and relaxation exercises that reduce stress and anxiety and increase a sense of calm and well-being. These exercises are simple and evidence-based – which is to say …they work! They are free and on Zoom. Register here.