local executive directors sharing policies and programs regarding children’ s mental health. The group provided information, dialogue, and resources for participants from peer-operated organizations.
Pledge for Life Partnership, ILLINOIS
The Pledge for Life Partnership in east central Illinois commemorated each daily theme of National Prevention Week. For Wednesday’ s theme of“ Prevention of Prescription & Opioid Drug Misuse,” the group led a High School Radio Public Service Announcement( PSA) Contest. Kankakee High School students were challenged to develop a prescription drug abuse prevention PSA discussing four key messages: take medications exactly as prescribed( Safe Use); store prescription drugs in locked and secure locations( Safe Storage); properly dispose of unused medications( Safe Disposal); and promote safe medication practices and teach others to do the same( Spread the Word).
For Monday’ s theme,“ Promotion of Mental Health & Wellness,” the Pledge for Life Partnership followed up on its Trauma & Resiliency Summit with an eight-hour Mental Health First Aid course. The partnership collaborated with the Helen Wheeler Center for Community Mental Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to host the event for all sectors of the community, including law enforcement, parents, educators, and more.
Wabash County Project Success, ILLINOIS
The Wabash County Project Success Youth Advisory Board in Illinois hosted a Color Fest 5K color run for NPW. Throughout the event, information stations about NPW topics were available. They also coordinated a scavenger hunt for younger participants and hosted an ice cream social.
Montgomery County Media, MARYLAND
Montgomery County Media put together a symposium for NPW, encouraging youth in middle and high school, as well as their families and school communities, to maintain their own mental wellness, reduce stigma around mental illness, and share resources for youth in crisis and their families and friends.
Wheeler Clinic, Connecticut Clearinghouse, Connecticut State Police, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, CONNECTICUT
Wheeler Clinic, Connecticut Clearinghouse, Connecticut State Police, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and other community organizations in Plainville created a presentation for the public to understand commonly used drugs in the state. The presentation teaches the community, prevention professionals, school staff, counselors, coalition members, and social workers how to identify potential indicators associated with illicit drug activity and help minimize the impact of illicit drug activity on children.
2018 OUTCOMES REPORT 21