Summit County Community Partnership

Did you know that strong family connections are one of the most powerful protective factors for youth? Simple activities like sharing a meal, taking a walk together, or having regular conversations can help children feel supported and connected. When young people have trusted adults in their lives, they're more likely to make healthy choices and less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

This week, challenge yourself to spend 15 uninterrupted minutes connecting with someone you care about.

Because wellness starts with connection.

Have you been following our summer mocktail series? 🍹 We’ve shared a mix of refreshing, alcohol-free drinks perfect for cookouts, pool days, and summer nights with friends and family.

From fruity favorites like strawberry lemonade and watermelon mint to crisp options like cucumber lime, each recipe is a simple reminder that summer fun doesn’t need alcohol to feel complete.

Did you try any of them? Which one was your favorite – or which one are you planning to make next?

Ohioans seeking mental health or addiction treatment can find verified providers in minutes. Free. Anonymous. Available 24/7. Visit RecoveryRachelOhio.org

Ohio's first-of-its-kind treatment finder - RecoveryRachel - is now available! Ohioans seeking mental health or addiction treatment can find verified providers in minutes. Free. Anonymous. Available 24/7. Visit RecoveryRachelOhio.org
Department of Behavioral Health Department of Insurance

New Semester, New Choices

Heading back to campus means new classes, new friends, and new opportunities. It also means more independence and more decisions that can impact your future.

Whether you're managing stress, navigating social situations, or balancing academics and work, remember that your well-being matters. Prioritize healthy coping skills, get enough rest, stay connected to supportive people, and don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

Substance use, including alcohol and ma*****na, can affect academic performance, mental health, and personal safety. Make choices that support your goals and the future you're working toward.

This school year, invest in yourself by putting your wellness first.

August is National Wellness Month, and we're starting with one of the most important parts of wellness - mental health.

Life gets busy, stressful, and overwhelming at times. Taking a few moments each day to check in with yourself can make a difference. Whether it's talking with a friend, taking a walk, journaling, or simply taking a break, small acts of self-care matter.

Parents, remember: when you model healthy coping skills, your children learn them too.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 anytime for support.

💚 This week, ask yourself: "What is one thing I can do today to support my mental wellness?"

Today is World Lung Cancer Day.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but awareness, prevention, and early detection can save lives. While smoking remains the biggest risk factor, lung cancer can affect anyone. Exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, air pollution, and other environmental factors can also increase risk.

This World Lung Cancer Day, take a moment to learn the signs, encourage loved ones to talk with their healthcare provider about screening options, and support those impacted by lung cancer.

Knowledge is powerful. Awareness can make a difference.

Learn more about lung cancer prevention and screening at the American Lung Association:

American Lung Association Help us save lives by improving lung health, preventing lung disease, and creating a healthy world for all.

Some summer days just call for something cold, crisp, and refreshing, and this is it.

The Cucumber Lime Sparkler is a reminder that staying cool, social, and present doesn’t require alcohol. Whether it’s a backyard hangout, a graduation party, or just a long summer afternoon, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the moment without pressure or assumptions.

🥒 Simple choices. Clear mind. Real connection.

🥒 Cucumber Lime Sparkler Mocktail

Light, crisp, and cooling, like summer in a glass.

Ingredients:
6–8 cucumber slices
Juice of 1–2 limes
1–2 tsp honey or agave syrup
Sparkling water
Ice
Optional: fresh mint sprig

Instructions:
Muddle cucumber slices with lime juice and honey/agave. Fill a glass with ice, pour mixture over, and top with sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with cucumber or mint.

Sometimes the hardest part isn’t going through something, it’s deciding to talk about it.

In many of our communities, mental health struggles have been ignored, minimized, or kept private out of fear of being judged. But silence doesn’t make things disappear, it just makes them harder to carry.

You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to ask for help.

Mental health support is for:
💛 The overwhelmed parent
💛 The stressed student
💛 The person who “has it all together” on the outside
💛 The one who is quietly struggling

Reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward healing.

If you or someone you know needs support, 988 is available 24/7 by call or text. You are not alone in this.

SCCP is here to support a community where getting help is normal, not rare.

You don’t even have to leave home to make summer fun.

Try creating your own “Backyard Fun Day”:
🎨 Sidewalk chalk art contest
💦 DIY water games
🍉 Picnic lunch outside
🏆 Family challenges with small prizes

💡 Keeping kids engaged and connected at home can help prevent boredom and risky choices
💬 Ask your kids to help plan, it builds confidence and connection

Not every summer drink has to be loud to feel special.

The Blueberry Lavender Sparkler is calm, refreshing, and a reminder that choosing not to drink alcohol can still feel elevated, social, and fun.

Peaceful, intentional, and real.

Calming, floral, and slightly fancy without being complicated.

🫐 Blueberry Lavender Sparkler

Ingredients:
1/2 cup blueberries
1 tsp lavender syrup
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Sparkling water
Ice

Instructions:
Muddle blueberries, mix with lavender syrup and lemon juice. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water.