Communi-Key
Cumberland, North Smithfield & Lincoln Prevention Coalitions
November 2019
And just like "THAT"...the holidays are upon us! The holidays can certainly be stressful (not only for adults, but for children, as well)....We urge you to take some time from the "hustle and bustle" and enjoy the beauty of the holiday season.
“Don't wait until the fourth Thursday in November, to sit with family and friends to give thanks. Make every day a day of Thanksgiving!” -Charmaine J. Forde
Lincoln High School ATI (Above the Influence) PSA
The amazing ATI (Above the Influence) Crew of Lincoln High School wrote and created their very own PSA, focusing on impaired driving. As members of the RI Police Chief's Youth Task Force, they attended the Youth Conference held this summer, sponsored by the Lincoln Prevention Coalition. Through this conference, they learned the importance and how to create a thought-provoking PSA for their peers and community, alike. This PSA has also been entered into a state-wide competition with other Coalitions and youth groups throughout RI. We wish them the very best of luck!
Fantastic job, LHS ATI Crew!! We are so very proud of you all!
Drug Take Back Day: SUCCESS!
Rhode Islanders joined Americans nationwide to do their part to reduce the opioid crisis by bringing the DEA 4,778lbs - of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to 36 collection points across the state on National Drug Take Back Day on October 26th, 2019. In total, 937,443 pounds or 468.72 tons were collected in the United States this year of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for disposal at more than 5,839 collection sites. .
Cumberland residents disposed of 201.5bs & Lincoln collected 285lbs of unwanted/expired medications! The next drug take-back day will be held in the spring.
REMINDER: Lincoln and Cumberland are both equipped with 24/7 drop off boxes in the police stations!
Hidden in Plain Sight
"If Only": Town Hall Meeting: SUCCESS!
The Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition presented the Annual Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, November 6th, at 6 PM, Stadium Theater, Woonsocket RI. A special viewing of “If Only” of the Mark Wahlberg Foundation was featured with a panel discussion following. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear from individuals that have been directly impacted because of addiction.
The Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition would like to thank everyone who attended our annual Town Hall Meeting “If Only” & panel discussion this evening. Special thanks to James Wahlberg, Executive Director of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, Maureen Kershaw for sharing her personal family story on addiction, Rebecca Boss, Director of BHDDH and our panelists who led an insightful discussion about addiction. We are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support and participation in this event! It was a tremendous success!
Holiday Reminder! Secure your medications!
As the holidays quickly approach, many of us will have an influx of visitors and guests to our home. Out-of-town guests, distant relatives & friends stopping over or perhaps staying is what so many of us look forward to the most. We would like to urge you, be sure your medication is locked or securely put away.
If you have unused or expired medications, please dispose of them properly. There is a 24/7 drop-box, located in the police stations of Cumberland and Lincoln.
And be sure to keep "an eye out" for our newest Prevention commercials, airing on Channel 12 during the holiday season!
Stay Connected!
Stay on top of all the latest news, trends and events by "Liking" & "Following us! Our Facebook page is, Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition! Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bvprevention/
And last, but not least, we are on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BVPrevention. Our website address is http://blackstonevalleyprevention.org/. Be sure to "Like" and "Share" us with your friends and family!
Have questions? Any suggestions? Please email Pam Shayer, at pshayer@lincolnri.org.
We want to hear from you!
Holidays have YOU STRESSED OUT?!?!?!
During the holidays, a lot of families get together for food, fun, reminiscing — and maybe a touch (or more) of drama. Holiday gatherings can be stressful as old memories — good and bad — rise to the surface.
We’re typically busier during the holidays than we are at any other time of the year. This means stress levels are higher and we’re more likely to be upset by smart remarks, teasing, and negativity. In the midst of kids fighting, siblings sharing stories you wish everyone had forgotten, or family members engaging in behavior that drives you up the wall, you might ask yourself "Why is my family so ‘out there?’"
Here are some tips to survive the holiday season with your family:
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don't give any more mileage to bad feelings. If you have some bad feelings about others, acknowledge those feelings are there, and maybe for a good reason, but decide not to let them grow.
- Set healthy boundaries. If there are things you’d set limits on with others at any other time of the year, set them during the holidays. Healthy boundaries will help reduce stress and give you a sense of control over your environment.
- Be sensitive to those around you. Statistically speaking, one in five people will suffer from a mental health condition this year in the U.S. In fact, Utah has the nation’s highest rate of mental illness. A lot of people struggle with the holidays — and they might be family members who don't want to talk about the extra stress or sadness they’re feeling. But be aware that the holidays can be especially stressful for some people, and be on the lookout to help someone around you.
- Have realistic expectations. Here’s the thing about families: You know a lot about each other — the good and the bad. Avoid the temptation to make a case against those who bother you and make an effort to see their strengths in addition to their weaknesses in order to keep a balanced view. Remember this: Everyone has something they’re battling.
- There’s some very real pain out there. If you find yourself in an emotionally abusive situation, you need to look for a healthier place to be. Families can come in all forms, so if relatives are distanced from one because of abuse or trauma, find your "family" with people who enhance your health and well-being.
Friday Night Done Right: SUCCESS!
12+pizzas later , we are so happy tonight’s kick-off for Friday Night Done Right was a huge hit!! Over 2 dozen Lincoln Middle School students socialized, played games, Prevention Bingo & oh yeah...did we mention the pizza ?! Huge shoutout to our partners Town of Lincoln Parks and Recreation for helping our “vision” become a reality!
MARK YOUR CALENDER!!! The next Friday Night Done Right will be held Friday, January 10th, 2020!!!
Interested in becoming a member of the Cumberland, Lincoln or North Smithfield Prevention Coalition?
Interested in finding out or becoming a member of the Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition? Please join us for our monthly meeting!
(For Lincoln Residents) Tuesday, January 21st at 6:00pm, Lincoln Police Department
(For Cumberland Residents) Tuesday, January 21st at 4:00pm, McCourt Middle School
(For North Smithfield Residents) Thursday, January 23rd at 2:00pm, NS High School
Please join us & learn how YOU can be a part of prevention for the community!
Please watch our Facebook page, Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition, for more exciting news!