Student Assistance Services News
May 2023
2nd Annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day -- May 9 -- Become a Partner for Change
Tuesday, May 9 is the second annual National Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Day. On that day, the LCPS School Board will receive a brief presentation from Jennifer Evans, Director of Student Mental Health Services, and Darren Madison, Supervisor of Student Assistance Services. LCPS School Board Members will be joined by and recognize the contributions of LCPS Student Assistance Services and the following community partners:
- Prevention Alliance of Loudoun
- Loudoun County Mental Health Substance Abuse and Developmental Services
- Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
- Leesburg Police Department
- Loudoun Medical Group
- The Williams Center for Wellness and Recovery
Everyone can be an advocate! Raising awareness of Fentanyl and its risks can be as simple as a conversation with a loved one or a post on social media. If you would like to join us and do your part to raise awareness, visit FentanylAwarenessDay.org for more information and shareable resources. Have questions or want to get more involved? Contact your school's Student Assistance Specialist. Visit the Student Assistance Specialists school assignments page for contact information.
Social Media Accounts to follow and repost:
Twitter: @FentAwareDay
Instagram: @fentanylawarenessday
Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/national-fentanyl-awareness-day
#NationalFentanylAwarenessDay
#JustSayKNOW
Upcoming Events
“Talk. They Hear You.”
LCPS and MHSADS staff will present the “Parents’ Night Out” session that is intended to inform parents and caregivers about the realities of underage drinking and other substance use, prepare them to talk with their kids about these issues, and help motivate them to take the actions to have these important conversations. Sponsored by Prevention Alliance of Loudoun.
You have two opportunities to hear this important presentation:
- May 18, 6:30-8 p.m., Rust Library. This session will be live-streamed.
- May 23, 6:30-8 p.m., Sterling Community Center. Offered in English and Spanish.
Student Presentations Discussion Guide
Education and Support Resources
Increase Your Knowledge
Talk. They Hear you. SAMHSA’s national substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action.
Safe Storage and Safe Disposal Educational Videos | CADCA
LCPS Parent/Student Substance Use information
LCPS Tobacco and E-Cig Information
Information for Parents and Educators — Science-based information about drug use, health and the developing brain (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
REVIVE naloxone training - Free training to administer naloxone in the event of opioid overdose
Tobacco and Nicotine education, advocacy and cessation resources
Drug Fact Sheets — Drug-specific information, pill identifiers, social media trends (DEA)
Get Smart About Drugs - Drug prevention website from the DEA with resources for parents
Addiction Policy Forum — Provides educational videos and articles
Start Talking Now — Education and tips for parents on talking to their children about substance use
Support for you as a Loved One
Families Against Narcotics — Resources for families
Partnership to End Addiction — Online Support Community for parents/caregivers
Virginia Al-Anon, Loudoun District — Support for family members of someone struggling with addiction (Zoom meetings)
Find an Al-Anon Meeting — Support for children of parents struggling with addiction, (Zoom meetings)
Al-Anon Family Groups — Find online Alateen meetings
Addiction Policy Forum — Help finding and navigating the treatment experience
Find a Treatment Provider
FindTreatment.gov — Find a treatment center — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Substance Abuse and Mental Heath Services Administration National Helpline
Smart Recovery — Online Recovery Community: Self-Management and Recovery Training
Recovery Dharma — Using Buddhist practices and principles to recover from addiction, virtual meetings available
Narcotics Anonymous — Virtual Narcotics Anonymous meetings
Northern Virginia Intergroup — Virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
LCPS School Based Mental Health Services — LCPS listing of community treatment providers
Student Assistance Specialists (SASs) have mental health and substance use expertise. They have Master’s degrees in Social Work or Counseling, and most are licensed by the Virginia Department of Health Professions as Clinical Social Workers, Professional Counselors or Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners. As Unified Mental Health Team members, Student Assistance Specialists support LCPS initiatives that promote student connectedness, enhance student resilience and educate about mental health and substance use issues. We provide educational presentations for students and parents, restorative practices, individualized and group support, referral services, coordination with providers, staff development and consultation with parents and staff.
To find your school's SAS assignment, visit our website.
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