Maximizing All Potentials-MAPS Program

August is Overdose Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about overdose prevention, reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders, honor those lost to overdose, and support individuals and families affected by addiction. Together with PA Stop, Pennsylvania's statewide prevention initiative, we are committed to promoting education, encouraging healthy choices, and connecting communities with resources that help prevent substance misuse before it starts. Through awareness, compassion, and prevention, we can work together to save lives and build healthier communities.

These graphics are being shared from PA Stop, a campaign that is designed to educate Pennsylvanians about the risks of prescription painkiller and he**in use, the relationship between painkiller and he**in use, and what to do when you need help. We are working to prevent non-medical use of prescription painkillers and, in so doing, to break the connection between he**in and prescription painkillers. Together, we can stop op**te addiction before it starts.

On behalf of MAPs, we would like to express our immense gratitude for the community members that came together to donate school supplies! ✏️✂️📚 We are overwhelmed with the generosity and know that this will make a difference for MANY students that are not able to purchase their own supplies.

A special thank you to Project #1 Nutrition and Dr. Joe DeFelice (Vital Spark Chiropractic) for hosting and organizing. 💙💛

🍻 August 7 is International Beer Day 🍻

Whether you are celebrating with family or friends, remember that the best celebrations are the ones where everyone gets home safely. If you are of legal drinking age and choose to drink, do so responsibly. Plan ahead, know your limits, never drink and drive, and look out for one another.
Every safe choice helps protect you, your loved ones, and your community.

For more information visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

August is National Wellness Month is a month-long campaign promoting practices that reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. It covers a broad definition of wellness that includes physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mindfulness and emotional health. The observance is aimed at anyone wanting to build healthier habits, as well as at spas, wellness brands and employers who use the month to encourage their communities and staff to prioritise self-care.

For more information you can check out 10 ways to celebrate this month at: https://bryanuniversity.edu/announcements-news/10-ways-to-celebrate-national-wellness-month/

MAPS has been very busy this summer engaging in different events around many communities. These past few weeks some of the events included the Pittsburgh Citi Parks Roving Art Carts and a youth prevention day at Sampson Family YMCA in Plum! Youth participated in a Mindful Monday where they were able to reset from the weekend and kick off the week by spending some time with therapy dogs!

Join us on August 9th for a Back to School Drive, in partnership with multiple local businesses. 📚✏️📓
MAPS will be the recipient of all school supplies and will distribute them throughout our contracted school districts. The day will be filled with family fun including button making, food truck, lemonade stand, face painting, and more!

Check out what the MAPS team is doing around the different communities this week! Last week of art carts and we have great activities planned!

July 25 is World Drowning Day.

Every second counts around water. On World Drowning Prevention Day, take a moment to learn, prepare, and protect. Stay alert, swim safely, and help keep your family and community safe all summer long. For more information check out: https://www.usla.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1973856