Casco Bay CANCOVID-19 Resources
As we all deal with implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember the additional stress it places on our youth. We have compiled and are sharing a list of resources for families, counselors, educators, and other community members, to help address the additional pressures, stresses, and changes our youth are encountering during this challenging time.
Research shows that youth turn to substances for a number of reasons — stress, loneliness, and periods of transitions are some of the leading causes that can trigger unhealthy choices. We know you are concerned about keeping children safe and healthy, we will continue to add to these tools and resources, so please check back often.
View our helpful resources here: https://www.cascobaycan.org/covid-19-support/
Dr. Matt Bellace Presentation
In collaboration with New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center, Casco Bay CAN hosted national speaker, Dr. Matt Bellace. Dr. Bellace focused his training on communicating effectively with teenagers about sensitive topics such as substance use and mental health during his Using Endorphins Wisely: The Science Behind Laughing, Meditating, Reducing Stress and Managing Your Emotions. He further provided insight into best-practice for empowering youth to find their “natural highs” such as theater, yoga, journaling, skiing, etc. in lieu of using alcohol or drugs.
The event was held outside in the tent at Pineland Farms and followed all CDC guidelines. Coalition members and others working in youth substance use prevention attended. We had 8 of our coalition members attend – a total of 22 attendees overall.
Online Support Community for Parents & Caregivers
Prevention in the Family: An Online Q&A for Teen Health Promotion
Receive a FREE At-Home Drug Disposal Pouch
Deterra® and SAFE Project are on a mission to take half a million pills out of homes leading through National Prevention Week (May 10-16). Help be part of the solution by simply cleaning out your medicine cabinet and properly disposing of unused drugs with a free Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal Pouch.* The easy, three-step Deterra Pouch is safe to use in the comfort of your home, can be thrown out in your household trash and ensures medications are gone for good.
To order, please click here.
Secure Unwanted, Unused and Expired Medications
The Drug Enforcement Administration – DEA reminds Americans to clean out their medicine cabinets and secure unused, unwanted and expired prescription medications for the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, on a date to be determined.
What people with a substance use disorder need to know about COVID-19
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 Postponed
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.
