Community Members Develop Video to Thank Local Teens for Their Sacrifices During COVID-19

NEW GLOUCESTER, MAINE (April 30, 2020) ­–  Members of the community, from school counselors to the Cumberland County Sheriff, developed a video to thank Casco Bay region teens for their personal sacrifices during the pandemic to help keep their community safe and healthy.

This spring, teens have foregone sports, prom, graduation and college campus tours, as well as their vital connections with friends, teachers, coaches and counselors. The youth prevention coalition, Casco Bay CAN, reached out to their coalition members to send video messages acknowledging the sacrifices teens are making during this time and developed a three-minute video montage that will be shared across social media platforms and within school newsletters.

“We know that when young people feel isolated and disconnected some feelings of depression and anxiety can overwhelm them and this can lead to substance use as a way to self-medicate,” explains Phyllis Latham, chairperson of Casco Bay CAN and school counselor at RSU 5 Middle School. “We hope to help them feel their community cares and that Casco Bay CAN is a resource to help them during this time. We wanted to let them know they are our heroes through this pandemic and that we are in this with them as a support.”

Community members featured in the video include:

• Jonathan Sahrbeck, Cumberland County District Attorney
• Robin Haley, Falmouth High School Counselor
• Kevin Joyce, Cumberland County Sheriff
• Joanne Grant, Maine Behavioral Healthcare
• Phyllis Latham, School Counselor, RSU 5 Middle School
• Cole Chandler, Deputy, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, SRO, SAD 15
• Kirk Mazuzan, SRO, MSAD 51
• Jill Piker, SAD 15 High School Counselor
• Peter Scott, Parent Representative, Social Worker, MSAD 51 High School
• Michelle Murley, Social Worker, SAD 15 High School

YouTube video featuring community members thanking Casco Bay region teens can be found here: https://youtu.be/26QBWrnv2_s

In addition to developing the video to support and thank teens, Casco Bay CAN has compiled a list of resources for families, counselors, educators and other community members to help address the additional stresses and changes youth are encountering during the COVID-19 crisis.

Here are a few ways you can help your teen through this difficult time. Work together to create a new normal and help your teen create a healthy and productive routine. Read the full article from healthychildren.org here

People with substance use disorder (SUD) are advised to take extra precautions during the coronavirus pandemic. Health officials warn that those struggling with an addiction — particularly opioid and methamphetamine use disorders — and those who smoke or vape nicotine or marijuana  may be more vulnerable than others to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and to developing more severe symptoms. COVID-19 attacks the respiratory tract and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure.

To read the full article, click here.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day previously scheduled for Saturday, April 25th will be postponed. DEA will reschedule Take Back Day for a date shortly after the health crisis recedes and national emergency guidelines are lifted.

https://www.campusdrugprevention.gov/news/national-prescription-drug-take-back-day-postponed?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery