◆ LC Prevention Coalition hopes families will get involved.
National Prevention Week is May 10-16, 2020. It is a week set aside each year to recognize efforts to prevent substance abuse.
“The purpose of this week is to create an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, mental health and/or substance abuse disorders,” said Brittany Ritter, Lincoln County Prevention Specialist.
According to Ritter, in Lincoln County the Prevention Coalition has a mission to “focus prevention efforts on alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse and suicide.”
“It is our goal to reduce the abuse and misuse of substances and save lives,” she said. “Through identified evidence-based strategies, the coalition works to create a healthier Lincoln County.”
National Prevention Week is a great time for families to come together to identify and discuss potential dangers related to high risk behavior.
“This week is a timely opportunity because we will soon be transitioning into summer,” she said. “The summer season is a key time for increased social transitioning and is often a risk factor for increased substance abuse among our youth. Strengthening community ties and family bonds are protective factors that increase and benefit overall health. Parents having open dialogue with their child(ren) is one of the most effective tools to keep kids from starting [substance abuse].”
The Lincoln County Prevention Coalition offered the following tips to families in regards to prevention efforts:
• consistency of parenting;
• have a home where education is valued and encouraged;
• spend time together and parents be actively involved;
• cope with stress in positive ways;
• ask teens who they are with and where they are going;
• set clear expectations and limits;
• encourage supportive relationships;
• share family responsibilities;
• encourage family members to be nurturing and supportive of each other.
“If someone you know is struggling, reach out to help,” Ritter said.
The following are crisis resources.
• Wyoming Crisis Text Line: text WYO to 741741
• National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-TALK-NOW
• Safe2Tell: 1-844-WYO-SAFE
• High Country Behavioral Health: 1-307-885-9883.
