The Prevention Council of Erie County

06/07/2024

06/07/2024

Mental health for all means just that, mental health for all! Everyone is deserving of care.

www.nami.org/pride

06/06/2024

No matter who you love or how you identify ❤️ We see you. We hear you. You matter. If you’re ever struggling, help is available.

06/06/2024

🌈 YOU matter. 🌈

This month can be liberating and this month can also come with moments of sadness, frustration, and overwhelm. If you don't feel supported or you aren't sure who to talk to, reach out to our counselors. We will listen, support you, and do all we can to point you in a positive direction.

📞 Call our 24-Hour Hotline 716-834-3131 or Dial 9️⃣8️⃣8️⃣
💬 Chat on our Crisis Chatline Monday-Friday from 3PM-11PM at www.crisisservices.org/chat

06/06/2024

We cannot wait to DANCE it out with the 3rd YOUTH led bands at FREEzone Saturday! Make sure to bring your dancing shoes! 💃🕺🪩

C22

Eddie Bratek - 17, junior, singer, Colden NY
Patrick Roof - 17, senior, guitar, West Seneca NY
Ben Siler - 17, junior, bass, West Seneca NY
Tom Pivarunas - 16, sophomore, drums, Elma NY
Zach Barr - 14, freshman, keys, Derby NY

All members of C22 attend St. Francis High School in Hamburg.

06/06/2024

Many can experience emotional distress, like anxiety, constant worrying & trouble sleeping, after a traumatic event.

💙 If you or someone you know is struggling with , help is available: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder

06/05/2024

Mental illnesses are disorders that can affect a person’s thinking, mood or behavior. These early warning signs and symptoms can help determine if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health condition.

Learn more & get support: samhsa.gov/mental-health

06/04/2024

mhanational.org/pride
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷🩵🤍🖤🤎

06/04/2024

*correction, there is no Farmers Market at Riverside this weekend.

This weekend will be our final batch of FREE Farmers Markets for the school year! Join us at Hamlin Park, West Hertel, Harvey Austin, or Lafayette to get fresh local food.

As a reminder, Farmers Markets take place within our Saturday Academy programming. We encourage you to hang around and check out some of the other resources and activities going on in the building.

Markets will return next school year!

06/03/2024

Public Advisory: Another potent sedative, medetomidine, is now appearing in the illicit drug supply. ⚠

This advisory is intended to make the public aware of a new threat entering the illegal drug supply in various parts of the United States, as reported by the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE).

Although there have been no reports of the substance in community drug sample tests by the New York State Department Health thus far, it is important that education about medetomidine and its effects be disseminated among treatment providers, harm reduction programs and people who use drugs to help prevent overdose.

Read the full advisory on our website at https://oasas.ny.gov/advisory-may-31-2024.

You can also order free naloxone and fentanyl/xylazine test strips from our online ordering portal. As always, New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (467369). 📱

06/03/2024

View the full study here: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2818635

P.S. Check out two more awesome submissions for our billboard contest. Both entries focus on the potential harms that va**ng ni****ne and THC can have on the body.

05/31/2024

Our mental health journey starts with a single moment. Take it!

Check out the NAMI 2024 Mental Health Awareness Month campaign. Let's prioritize mental well-being together: nami.org/mham

05/30/2024

It's okay not to be okay. Give yourself space and permission to be YOU!

Mental health is for everyone, and everyone deserves mental health support when they need it. Learn more at FindSupport.gov.

05/30/2024

Please join us for FREE NARCAN Training, you could save a life!

05/29/2024

💚 This Save & share this wallet card to offer support to those who may be struggling

💚 If someone is showing any of the warning signs, urge them to contact a mental health professional or

05/29/2024

Navigating your mental health journey can feel overwhelming. Try to incorporate small daily tasks that can kickstart your journey to better health!

Always know that if you’re struggling, support is available. 💚

05/28/2024

Check out the new NYS OASAS video presentation!!

The program explores the impact of the opioid crisis in NYS and the steps OASAS is taking to address it. It also features stories of several New Yorkers, and information about how to access scholarships for those interested in a career in addiction services.




Video Link:

05/28/2024

05/28/2024

We are one week out from the BPS Summit!

Activities and games sponsored by the Bills and Highmark, CPR & AED training from the American Heart Association, live performances from our BPS community, and so much more!

05/24/2024

A simple “hello” is usually followed by “how are you” or “how have you been” – and most of the time the answer is “good” or “fine.”

But what if you’re struggling? Here are some things you can say when you’re not okay.

05/24/2024

We have more opportunities in , and counties to receive assistance in determining eligibility and applying for SNAP!

Learn more about our SNAP outreach efforts at https://www.feedmorewny.org/snap-resources/

05/23/2024

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl contribute to nearly 70% of overdose deaths. Even in small doses, it can be deadly.

The video below shares the story of Kate and Dave Gibbons who lost their 19 year old daughter to a fentanyl overdose. She took just one pill. One Time.

Get Free Naloxone: https://forms.ny.gov/s3/Harm-Reduction-Order-Form
Video: https://youtu.be/-C0Cg8r-vvE

The Gibbons family from Pittsford, New York, courageously share the story of their 19-year-old daughter, Paige. While home from college for Thanksgiving brea...

05/23/2024

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl contribute to nearly 70% of overdose deaths. Even in small doses, it can be deadly.

05/20/2024

🥗 If you want to eat healthier, Erie County Senior Services & Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) can help! For information about the closest farmers' market or senior dining site, or for tips on how to better understand a nutrition label and much more, visit: www3.erie.gov/seniorservices/nutrition

05/20/2024

"Higher THC levels may also mean a greater risk for addiction if people are regularly exposing themselves to high doses." ~ National Institute on Drug Abuse
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana

Check out two more awesome submissions for our billboard contest. Both entries focus on the potential harms that va**ng ni****ne and THC can have on the body.

05/16/2024

One in five adults within the U.S. experience mental illness, yet 55% receive no treatment. Let's break the stigma and prioritize mental health for all. Together, we can make a difference 💚

Don't wait, we are here to help now. Call us at 716-884-0888 or visit www.bestselfwny.org

05/16/2024

Teachers & parents play a crucial role in shaping how children learn & grow. During we encourage you to talk about and prevention. Download games & activities to help: samhsa.gov/prevention-week/community-events/activities

Quiz Question: Symptoms of substance use disorders may include...

A: Behavioral Changes
B: Physical Changes
C: Social Changes
D: All of the Above

Visit samhsa.gov/prevention-week to learn more about the substance use prevention initiatives happening nationwide.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
[Correct Answer: D]

05/15/2024

is a way for us to share our and prevention experiences. Whether it’s how you’re preventing or promoting better , every journey is unique. Your story can inspire change. Learn how to get involved: samhsa.gov/prevention-week/my-prevention-story

During learn about prevention and mental health promotion best practices & new initiatives from experts in the field.

05/13/2024

Another great weekend of Saturday Academies ahead!

05/09/2024

Praise God! The Stbrianclothiers iPROMise Program FREE SUITS FOR PROM giveaway has found a home!! Thanks to the Buffalo Sabres for opening up the KeyBank Center to dress the young men for their prom this year. Thank you to our partners The Prevention Council of Erie County Planetethos and Total Package Sports.. So the way it works is - our mentors visit schools or youth groups to discuss the iPROMise Presentation and then they will get an invite to KeyBank Center on May 25th to get dressed for the prom. If you have a young person who is in need - please visit our website link bit.ly/ipromiseprogram and we will be in contact. We have a virtual presentation happening soon!

We are still looking for sponsors to join this important endeavour you our youth. If you would like to donate financial, clothing or your time - please contact me.