In this issue: Combating racism, Marcie's retiring, the Big Give is back, and more. Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a web page. Our Statement on the George Floyd Protests Prevention Action Alliance is dedicated to supporting healthy communities in the prevention of substance misuse and the promotion of mental health wellness. Cultural diversity, competence, and humility is a foundational component to effective and impactful prevention services and that mission cannot be fully realized while certain members or our communities are purposefully harmed by systems of oppression and violence that have been in place for far too long. To the members of our black community, we see you, we hear you, and you matter to us. We have seen the damage that multigenerational trauma has on health outcomes, and understand the role that social determinants, including race, play in the occurrence of those outcomes and traumas. The recent death of George Floyd is more than a tragedy, it is an act of violence and hate that will be forever seared into the history and hearts of this nation. We condemn the violence that the black community has had to endure and support the unity and love that has been displayed at the protests. We at Prevention Action Alliance believe that everyone has a role in prevention, and today we strengthen that statement by claiming that everyone has a role in combating racism and discrimination. Prevention Action Alliance will use its platforms to promote love, change, equality, equity, and unity and we ask our partners throughout the state do the same. Marcie Seidel to Step down, Fran Gerbig to Step up as Executive Director Marcie Seidel, our executive director, is stepping down, effective June 30th, and Fran Gerbig, currently our assistant executive director, will be taking on the role of executive director at that time. The following is a letter from Marcie about the transition. Dear Friends, Seasons come and go at an alarming pace! Although planned for nearly a year, I suddenly, find myself facing the transition into a new season of life. One, that I anticipate will be more self-focused at a more measured pace. On June 30, 2020, I am retiring. My career has been long and rewarding. I have been afforded amazing career opportunities of which dreams are made. The joy of working with so many dedicated and talented individuals has helped me to learn, grow, and build a passion for lifelong wellness in all communities. It has helped define profound purpose for my life. While leaving my official position, I don’t plan on disappearing. Prevention is a way of living and I intend to stay connected, continue to learn and see colleagues often. Thanks to each of you who have been a part of my journey. Each one of you has been a life blessing. Gratefully, Marcie Seidel Help Ohio's Communities. Support Prevention. Join Prevention Action Alliance. The COVID-19 pandemic has set back mental health nationwide. People are cut off from friends and family, are afraid of getting sick, have lost jobs and health insurance, and are struggling against depression and anxiety with reduced access to treatment services and healthy coping mechanisms. At the same time, young people struggle with the loss of their daily routines, seeing friends, going to the movies on the weekend, playing sports, and more. Those losses are hard on them, and the pandemic makes it harder for them to get the help they need during these hard times. More than before, our youth need coping skills, strategies for building resilience, and resources for taking care of their mental health. It’s vital that we stop mental health issues from worsening, and everyone has a role in prevention. We’re asking all Ohioans to join us as we build a world where every community can access resources, strategies, and supports for prevention. By donating, you help all of Ohio’s communities and protect the health of all Ohioans. The Big Give makes joining the Prevention Action Alliance that much more impactful. Between June 10th, 10 a.m., and June 11th, 11 a.m., donations made to Prevention Action Alliance through The Columbus Foundation’s Giving Store will be amplified by a $1 million+ bonus pool. No gift is too small or too big. Here are some examples of how your donation might be used: $25 allows a young person to attend the We Are The Majority Rally $50 gives Know! Parent Tips to hundreds of parents and teachers $100 educates lawmakers and regulators on the importance of considering prevention in public policy Everyone who donates through the Big Give will become a part of the Prevention Action Alliance and will receive a commemorative Everyone Has A Role In Prevention pin. You can play your role in prevention, and by donating during the Big Give, you can have that donation amplified. So please—mark your calendars for June 10th at 10 a.m. to June 11th at 11 a.m. Learn More Thank You to the Teens Who Joined Us for the Virtual We Are The Majority Rally We want to say thank you to the thousands of teenagers who joined us for the Virtual We Are The Majority Rally. Despite the ongoing pandemic and all the challenges its brought, you've shown that youth are ready to lead their peers in prevention. Thank you for your resilience, for sharing your reasons for being drug-free, and for your time on Friday, May 15th. If you missed the Virtual We Are The Majority Rally, you can watch it on our YouTube page. Watch the Rally Join the OYLPN Youth Council The Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network Youth Council was created to engage youth voices in behavioral health. It consists of up to 25 high school students from every region of our state who work to organize and lead youth-led prevention activities across Ohio, including the We Are The Majority Rally. If you or a young person you know wants to join the OYLPN Youth Council, use this online form to apply. Apply to Join the OYLPN Youth Council What We're Doing about COVID-19 Our office continues to telecommute in order to combat the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. We’ve also canceled all in-person events between now and June 30th. For a full list of which events have been canceled and all other updates about how we’re responding to COVID-19, please visit our website. We will continue to evaluate telecommuting and events on an ongoing basis moving forward. Check our website and this newsletter for updates. Find Resources on Our Website SPCA Membership is Now Free The beginning of the next fiscal year is rapidly approaching, which means it's time for members of the Statewide Prevention Coalition Association to renew their membership. However, in light of current events and in an effort to grow coalition capacity across Ohio, we'll be waiving all membership fees for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from July 1st to June 30th. Whether you're a current SPCA member or want to become one, now you can get one year of membership for free. Apply for Membership Learn More about SPCA Grab a Coffee (Virtually) with Us Grab your coffee or tea, have a seat at your kitchen table, and join us for a conversation about the history, impact, and power of youth asset development. Join Us for a Coffee Klatsch Videos from Around the Field Mental Health is Essential Health The Three Hardest Things to Say Resources You Can Use Responsible RestartOhio Responsible RestartOhio is about protecting the health of employees, customers, and their families; supporting community efforts to control the spread of the virus; and, leading in responsibly getting Ohio back to work. At the Ohio Department of Health, you can find updated information about how to reopen responsibly, which businesses are still closed or impacted, protocls for keeping everyone safe, and more. Learn More Digital Fact Sheets We're dedicated to our mission of leading healthy communities in the prevention of substance misuse and the promotion of mental health wellness. To that end, we've created fact sheets and infographics that you can use and share to educate your community about prevention. These fact sheets work well in print and online. We've created resources on the following topics: Grieving the Loss of a Loved One to an Overdose Death – New! Problem Gambling – New! Prevention Makes Cents Advocacy Versus Lobbying Coalitions in Prevention 5 Ways Drug Use Impacts Health Prevention Works – An Infographic A Case for Prevention in Higher Education Addiction—What Is It and How Can I Stop It? Prevention 101 Tobacco 21 Download and Share Fact Sheets and Infographics Training and Technical Assistance from SAMHSA The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has compiled lists of products and resources for tackling behavioral health challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are resources for supporting public health workers’ mental health, practicing self-care through yoga, leading during times of chaos, providing telehealth services, using text messages as part of treating substance use disorders, and more. View the Full List of Resources OhioMHAS Telecommunications Reference Sheet Behavioral healthcare providers are a crucial part of people’s overall health and wellbeing. It isn’t always easy for employees to work or provide services from home for extended periods of time. Employees or clients may not have access to phones, internet, or cell service, and it can be difficult to keep up with all the changes telecommunications companies are making during this time. The Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has a reference sheet on telecommunications, including where to get free Wi-Fi for those who need it, up-to-date information about how telecommunications companies have changed their policies, and how people with low incomes can get discounted phones and internet. Download the Reference Sheet Secure Your Meds with the DEA The Drug Enforcement Agency recently announced the launch of the Secure Your Meds campaign to address the risk of medicine languishing in home medicine cabinets. Medicines left unsecured at home are high susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse, and the DEA is asking families to secure their medicine to keep it safe, secure, and out of reach of children and others in the household. The DEA has postponed its 2020 Spring Take Back Day due to COVID-19. The federal agency said it will be rescheduled when the health crisis recedes and emergency guidelines are lifted. Download Campaign Materials ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Share this email with your friends! ‌ ‌ ‌ Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Click here to email us. Prevention Action Alliance | 6171 Huntley Road, Suite G, Columbus, OH 43229 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!