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Greetings!
It is estimated that 10,000 Contra Costa adolescents are victims of physical violence and between 20,000 and 30,000 are verbally or psychologically abused by a romantic partner each year.
We believe all teens should feel safe in their relationships.
In our January e-newsletter, we shared information regarding February: Teen Dating Violence (TDV) Awareness Month and we want to provide additional information.
If you have planned activities for Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, I encourage you to share that with Families Thrive, a project of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors' Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative, and they will post your activity on their website. Contact Kathryn Burroughs to share activity information or, for suggestions on possible activities, contact Sharon Turner at STAND! for Families Free of Violence.
What works to prevent TDV and protect teens?
- Teen connection to supportive adults: parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, older youth, etc.
- School interventions that focus on creating a positive school environment.
- Strengthening and expanding partnerships between schools, public agencies, and community-based groups.
Resources:
I am always available if you have any questions or are seeking additional student health resources.
Sincerely,
Emily Justice
Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE)
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 Kick Butts! Day
March 20, 2013
Kick Butts! Day is an annual nation-wide event, organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Quick & easy and no/low cost
Activity Ideas:
- Create powerful visual displays to help people realize the deadly consequences of tobacco use:
- Everyone has reasons why they are tobacco-free, especially former smokers. Set up a booth to take photos of students/staff with personalized, "I am tobacco-free because..." signs.
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 Training: Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs (ATOD) & the Adolescent Brain
For Adults Working with Youth in a School Setting
This training will cover a number of topics including:
- Effects of alcohol and other drugs on an adolescent brain. (Focus will be on tobacco and marijuana.)
- The power of dopamine.
- Drug education/intervention strategies for reaching youth.
When: Friday, March 8, 2013; 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Where: Contra Costa County Office of Education, Board Room, 77 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill, 94523
Cost: $20 (Coffee, water and lunch will be provided.)
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Free Tobacco-Use Cessation App
National Cancer Institute's (NCI) QuitPal
In addition to the California Smoker's Helpline (see resources), we are happy to share information about the NCI's QuitPal app. 
NCI QuitPal's features:
Set a quit date, financial goals, and reminders.
Track daily smoking habits.
Track money saved.
Receive tips to stay motivated.
Connect with social networks to give updates.
QuitPal was developed by the National Cancer Institute using the latest smoking cessation evidence and behavior change theory.
More information is available at: smokefree.gov |
Thank You
We hope you enjoyed this month's Health & Wellness Matters e-newsletter! If you have suggestions for future articles or resources to share, contact Emily Justice.
CCCOE Educational Services
Emily Justice, Manager, Tobacco Use Prevention Education
Pamela Comfort, Ph.D.,
Associate Superintendent, Educational Services
Pam Tyson, Ph.D., Director, Educational Services |
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Meetings and Trainings |
For more information on any of the meetings and trainings listed below, contact Emily Justice.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs & the Adolescent Brain Training
3/8; 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
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| Useful Resources | |
*NEW* The Sara Bellum Blog is a free resource from the National Institute on Drug Abuse that provides content on drug abuse geared toward teens in grades 8-12.
Presentation slides and resources on various school climate topics: staff engagement, parent involvement, youth development, student assistance programs, bullying, mentoring, brief intervention, and positive disciplines such as Restorative Justice.
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| Fast Facts & News Articles | |
The American Lung Association recently released their " State of Tobacco Control" report and the above infographic which shows how the tobacco industry gambles with children's lives.
School connectedness declines markedly between 7th and 9th grades. Only 44% of California 9th graders are classified as being high in school connectedness, compared to 51% of the 7th graders (2009-2011 CHKS).
Recess is a necessary break in the day for optimizing a child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics. Click here to read their policy statement.
A project update from the Contra Costa County Tobacco Prevention Project
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