Launch of Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project
Last Thursday, leaders from Norwalk, New Canaan, Weston, Westport, and Wilton came together for the launch of the new Mid Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project. Norwalk representation included State Rep. Dominique Johnson; Lamond Daniels, Chief of Community Services; Officer Chris Kassimis, NPD; Dr. Robin Gredinger, NPS; and members of TNP's leadership team: AnaVivian Estrella, Human Services Director; Ginger & Larry Katz, Courage to Speak Foundation; and Margaret Watt, Positive Directions. Not pictured: Dr. Robin Gredinger, NPS.
This project, developed by Positive Directions-The Center for Prevention & Counseling, is funded as one of the first 10 pilot grants from the state using the state's cannabis tax revenues. The collaboration across multiple towns in the Greater Norwalk retail market will allow for shared mass media marketing, the development of a regional youth team, and collaboration on environmental scans. The project will also bring together leaders from key stakeholder groups, such as police, schools, and prevention, in regional sector summits.
Also in this blog post:
Parent Chat: Preventing Youth from Risky Behaviors
NPS Community Forum on Cell Phone and Social Media Policy
Webinar: Dangers of Vaping - What Parents Need to Know
Courageous Parenting 101: A Double Dose of Prevention (Bilingual)
In-Person QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Save a Life Day: Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training
Save the date & sign up: 4th NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk and Wellness Fair
Save the date: Day of Training
Flyers from NCHC and Parent Connection
Read on to get details for each of these events & to sign up. Spread the word!
Parent Chat: Preventing Youth from Risky Behaviors
On March 11th, come learn parenting tips from local professionals and bring your questions about how to keep your kids safe from overly risky behaviors! This Parent Chat is part of a monthly series on ways to nurture your child's mental health at home. These chats aim to empower caregivers with knowledge and tools to foster a positive emotional environment. Open to all, with bilingual presenters.
Date: Tuesday, March 11
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: SoNo Branch Library, 10 Washington St, Norwalk
Descargue el folleto en español:
NPS Community Forum on Cell Phone and Social Media Policy
NPS invites parents and students to a forum to share data and perspectives as the district formulates a new cell phone policy. Event will be hybrid (at City Hall and also online), with translation into Spanish and Haitian Creole.
Please register for this event, especially if you are in need of translation. The event will also be live streamed on the NPS YouTube Channel.
Date: Wednesday, March 12
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Norwalk City Hall, Common Council Chambers, 3rd Floor
Webinar: Dangers of Vaping: What Parents Need to Know
This year, vaping, tobacco and nicotine use among youth and young adults are still major concerns. Every day, more and more discreet vapes enter the market. They are meant to sneak past adults by camouflaging as common household objects, video games, toys, and school supplies. Behind the enticing flavors and flashy colors of e-cigarettes are harmful chemicals and nicotine addiction. Now is the time to remain vigilant and learn the essentials to help kids avoid or quit vaping! Parents Against Vaping (PAVe) is a national grassroots organization founded in 2018 by three New York City moms as a response to the youth vaping epidemic. parentsagainstvaping.org
Date: Tuesday, March 25
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Online
Courageous Parenting 101: A Double Dose of Prevention (Bilingual)
The Courage to Speak Foundation's signature parenting program is back! Side by Side School is hosting Courageous Parenting 101 as a bilingual Zoom event, open to all, on March 27th. This event will be offered simultaneously in English and in Spanish.
Date: Thursday, March 27 Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Location: Online
Descargue el folleto en espanol:
In-Person QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) is an evidence-based training for the general public, ages 16+. We encourage everyone to receive the training! Learn how to reach out to someone who may be struggling and provide life-saving support. The training includes videos, a slideshow, and a group role play.
QPR can be provided to local groups on request, in English or in Spanish. Another group training, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), is also available through Norwalk Health Department and Family & Children's Agency.
Date: Friday, March 28 (and every other month on the last Friday)
Time: 12:00-1:30 PM - light refreshments will be served
Location: Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West, Westport
Save a Life Day: Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training
Save a Life Day is a collaborative initiative of local health departments across the state, aimed at creating public awareness about the overdose crisis and how to respond. Norwalk Health District, Norwalk Housing Authority, and Positive Directions are partnering to provide this free training at NHA's new EnVision Center. The Narcan(TM) is provided by DMHAS via Catalyst CT | The Hub. Se habla español.
Date: Wednesday, April 9
Time: 4:00PM-5:00 PM
Location: EnVision Center, 30 Day Street, Building C, Norwalk
Save the Date! NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk and Wellness Fair
Save the date! Our 4th annual NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair will be back on May 3rd! Kick off Mental Health Awareness Month with a big community day: activities, music, food, resource fair, speakers, and an awareness walk. Let's all come together and make this our best community event yet, around the theme of UNITY!
Agencies/groups: To have a table at the resource fair, please sign up here.
Email Dayna with any questions: dmacari@positivedirections.org
Date: Saturday, May 3
Time: 9am-12pm
Location: Norwalk Town Green
Please download and share the WALK Save the Date flyer to your networks:
Day of Training
Save the date for the amazing semi-annual Day of Training, organized through Norwalk ACTS. If you work with youth, plan to attend this day of free skills workshops! The goal of DOT is for all youth-serving adults to be equipped to identify and serve the social-emotional needs of Norwalk youth. For more information, please contact Anamilena at: amoreno@norwalkacts.org
Date: Tuesday, June 17
Time: All day
Location: Jefferson Elementary School, 75 Van Buren Avenue, Norwalk
Resources
Norwalk Community Health Center - trilingual flyers for Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Medication Support:
Parent Connection - Support Group & Bereavement Group Flyers and House of Harrison Form:
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