Positively Elkhart County

PSA: Positively Elkhart County messaging will now be under the Elkhart County Drug-Free Partnership. Learn more about the partnership here: https://elkhartdrugfree.org/

We've said it before and we'll say it again, there's no better time than now to talk to your teen about drugs and alcohol. Here are some tips to get the conversation started: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2024/03/18/how-to-talk-to-your-teens-about-drugs

It's easy to assume most teens are drinking or doing drugs, especially when sources like the news make it seem like everyone does it. But we know that here in Elkhart County, MOST teens make great choices. We know that 9 out of 10 Elkhart County teens have never vaped. More than 8 out of 10 have never used ma*****na. And less than 1 in 10 have drunk alcohol. That's incredible, Elkhart County. Keep up the great work.

In honor of National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week, we encourage you to test your Drug & Alcohol IQ with this fun Kahoot! https://create.kahoot.it/details/0c339ba3-618a-4fae-a89d-c02a917e33d2

This week is National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW), an annual health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth.

To kick things off, we encourage you to start the conversation with your teen, using this resource as a guide: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/education/conversation-starters/10-questions-teens-ask-about-drugs-and-health

Spring Break is just around the corner! What are you most looking forward to? Sleeping in? Going on vacation? Hanging out with friends? Whatever your answer is, we know you'll make great choices, because Elkhart county teens are the best. Last year, 8 out of 10 local teens worked or volunteered during their spring break. Keep up the great work, Elkhart County!

Remember, your teen's approach to substances is highly influenced by YOUR approach to substances. With that in mind, here are a few ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day WITHOUT alcohol.

1. Trade your Guinness for a fun St. Paddy's Day themed mocktail!
2. Host an Irish-movie marathon!
3. Learn to cook some traditional Irish foods or practice your Irish dancing!

The possibilities are endless. You DON'T need alcohol to have fun.

Dear parents and caregivers: March 2 was World Teen Mental Wellness Day, but here at PEC, we hope every day of the year is Teen Mental Wellness Day.

How often do you talk to your teen about their mental health? For inspiration and guidance, check out this great resource: https://sounditouttogether.org/

Last Saturday was World Teen Mental Wellness Day. But mental health is more important than a one-day event. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, please know that help is available. Before you try to battle your mental health struggles alone, consider talking to someone you trust or reaching out to a counselor. And if you're not ready to do either of those, know that you can always call or text 988, or visit www.FindTreatment.gov.

These Fairfield Jr Sr High School students were caught doing something kind for another! Students like Nic Hofer, who volunteers to tutor others in his free time, Logan Ramer, who helped a new student not feel so "new," Myra Hardy, who searched high and low for the owner of a cell phone she found, and Zora Miller who also spends time tutoring on her own time.

These students were recognized by school staff for their do-gooder acts of kindness. We at PEC are all about recognizing teens for their positive choices. Be sure to recognize and celebrate your own teen when you catch them doing good!

Fairfield Community Schools

Life is hard. Especially for teenagers. Studies show that the main reason some teens choose to experiment with substances is to combat their stress or mental health struggles. But you, as a parent or caregiver, can help them. How? By staying informed, staying open, and remembering to celebrate their positive choices. For more guidance, check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y86EBcLn9qU