February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness 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 22522, or through live chat at loveisrespect.org.
Local Resources: Hope’s Door, One Love
ASK is proud to curate the virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair which 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.
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.
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. Presented by our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard. Please inquire about setting up a virtual training by contacting Susan Salomone at: ssal@drugcrisisinourbackyard.com.
Feeling overwhelmed? Join Us for Nervous System Regulation and Gentle Movement
This will be a safe space where we may connect and come home to ourselves. Practice may be done from a seated position, with options to stand for moving meditations. For more information, click here.
Student Assistance Services Corner
“Helping Students Enhance Their Well Being by Making Healthy Decisions and Remaining Substance Free”
A partnership between a parent/guardian and Student Assistance Counselor best supports the nurturing of the social and emotional wellbeing of students. We encourage you to contact the SAC at your child’s school for a confidential consultation. Click here to learn more.
| Lakeland High School Sasha Meyer Porco, LMSW, CASAC smeyerporco@lakelandschools.org | Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School Ms. Finan, MS lfinan@lakelandschools.org | Yorktown High School Kiara Loughran, MS sacounselor@yorktown.org |
Upcoming Events
February 4 – The New Face of Stress: Science-Based Strategies to Manage Modern Challenges
Modern stressors are very different from those experienced just a decade ago. Stress levels have increased across nearly every demographic, and this trend is closely connected to lifestyle demands. Explore the science of stress with a licensed therapist and learn how to develop simple, effective strategies that feel natural to use—without becoming overwhelming. Register here.
February 10 – Understanding Seasonal Depression
Do the winter months get you down more than you think they should? Discuss the signs and symptoms of seasonal depression, when it’s time to see a doctor, and what treatment options are available. Register here.
February 11 – The Mind-Risk Connection: How Mental Health Can Influence Substance Use
Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or ADHD can increase the risk that a young person turns to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs to cope. In this webinar, Linda Richter, PhD, with Partnership to End Addiction, explains this connection and shares warning signs and ways to support your child and reduce risk. Register here.
February 17 – NAMI Westchester Family & Friends Webinar
The presentation is designed for family members, friends, and caregivers of individuals living with mental health conditions. Learn how to support your loved one while also taking care of yourself. Register here.
February 24 – Behind the Buzz: Nicotine, Mental Health, and What Kids Aren’t Being Told
Nicotine products are changing fast — and their impact on kids’ mental health is often overlooked. Join Parents Against Vaping for a focused conversation led by Jonathan Avery, M.D., a nationally recognized expert in addiction psychiatry, as we explore how nicotine intersects with adolescent mental health, why youth are especially vulnerable, and how parents can recognize warning signs and offer support. 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.
