Kaufman County Behavioral Health Leadership Board

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

💜 August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day.

The 2026 theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed.,” reminds us that overdose awareness, prevention, compassionate care, and recovery support remain as important as ever.

Today, the Kaufman County Behavioral Health Leadership Board joins communities around the world in:

💜 Remembering those whose lives were lost
💜 Supporting families, friends, and communities affected by overdose
💜 Sharing information that can help save a life
💜 Reducing the stigma surrounding substance use and recovery
💜 Reminding everyone that recovery is possible

Know the signs of a possible opioid overdose:

• The person cannot be awakened
• Breathing is slow, weak, or has stopped
• The body becomes limp
• Skin feels pale or clammy
• Lips or fingernails appear blue or purple

If you suspect an opioid overdose:

1️⃣ Call 911 immediately.
2️⃣ Give naloxone if it is available.
3️⃣ Begin CPR if breathing has stopped or is very weak and you are trained.
4️⃣ Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.

An overdose is a medical emergency. Every minute matters—and every life is worth saving.

🚨 Overdose emergency: Call 911
💜 Local behavioral health resources: 469-376-4512
💬 Mental health or substance use crisis: Call or text 988
☎️ Treatment information and referrals: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Let’s remember without stigma, respond with compassion, and support every pathway to recovery.

08/31/2026

🌅 Carrying Wellness Forward

As National Wellness Month comes to a close, remember that caring for your mental and physical health does not stop when August ends.

True wellness is a lifelong journey built through small, intentional choices each day. It may look like protecting your sleep, practicing box breathing, setting a healthy boundary, nourishing your body, taking a break from technology, moving more, or checking in with someone you care about.

Thank you for prioritizing your well-being with the Kaufman County Behavioral Health Leadership Board this month. We hope you will carry the tools, encouragement, and connections you have gained into September and beyond. 💚

Which wellness habit from this month will you continue practicing in September? Share it in the comments below! ⬇️

08/30/2026

🕯️ National Grief Awareness Day | August 30

Grief is a natural response to loss—not a weakness, a problem to hide, or something that follows a predictable timeline.

Grief can affect our emotions, sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, relationships, and sense of identity. It may include sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, numbness, relief, or even unexpected moments of joy. There is no single “right” way to grieve.

Breaking the stigma around grief begins by allowing people to talk about their loss without judgment, pressure, or being told to “move on.”

Gentle ways to support emotional wellness while grieving:

🌿 Give your feelings space without judging them
🌿 Talk with someone you trust
🌿 Maintain basic routines for sleep, hydration, and meals
🌿 Take movement and responsibilities one step at a time
🌿 Honor memories through photos, music, journaling, or meaningful traditions
🌿 Join a grief-support group or speak with a counselor
🌿 Ask for help when the weight feels too heavy to carry alone

Kaufman County–area grief resources:

💙 GriefShare groups are currently available at Kaufman Church of Christ and First Baptist Church Kaufman. Find current dates and registration information at:
https://find.griefshare.org/countries/us/states/tx/cities/kaufman

💚 LightHouse for New Hope offers grief-support groups for adults, teens, and children, including Spanish-language groups.
972-226-3110
https://lighthousefornewhope.org

📞 For help locating behavioral-health resources in Kaufman County, call 469-376-4512.

📱 If grief becomes overwhelming or you are experiencing a mental-health crisis, call or text 988. Kaufman County residents may also call the NTBHA Crisis Hotline at 866-260-8000. Call 911 when there is immediate danger.

You do not have to grieve alone. Support is available when you are ready. 💜

08/28/2026

📅 SAVE THE DATE! Lone Star CASA is having their Carnival of Giving Community Celebration on September 17 at the Spellman Amphitheater from 5:00 - 8:00 pm!

Join us for an evening of fun, community, and generosity as we celebrate North Texas Giving Day and support local nonprofits making a difference right here at home!

08/28/2026

💙 North Texas Giving Day starts TODAY!

Beginning August 27, you can support The Center through North Texas Giving Day and help us continue serving our neighbors throughout Kaufman.

Your generosity helps provide food assistance, essential resources, educational programs, and support for local individuals and families who need a helping hand.

Giving is open August 27 through North Texas Giving Day on September 17.

👉 Support The Center here:
https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Kaufman-Christian-Help-Center

Together, we can build a stronger Kaufman. 💙

08/28/2026

Looking for free information on legal and financial planning topics?
Join Senior Connect and FBC Kaufman for a Free Legal Information Clinic this September. Attendees will receive educational information on estate planning, wills, trusts, Medicare and Medicaid, scam prevention, and have an opportunity to ask general questions.
Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided.
📍 September 17 | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Kaufman Civic Center, 607 E. Fair Street, Kaufman, TX
📍 September 24 | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Mabank Senior Center at the Ballpark, 405 W. Walnut, Mabank, TX
RSVP is required or email [email protected] for more information.
Many thanks to our grantee Senior Connect and their collaborator, FBC Kaufman, for providing community education and resources that help individuals and families make informed decisions and plan for the future.