May 2014

CYHC members Fariba and Yasmin (Monte Vista High School), our MCs for the day.

On May 9, the Contra Costa County Youth Health Coalition (CYHC), in partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), held a countywide Youth Health Symposium!

46 young people
gathered at St. Mary's College for a day of learning, team building and action planning. The youth-led event focused on the issue of youth substance use, specifically alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drugs.

CYHC members ready to facilitate a session on tobacco and marijuana.
(L to R) Hailee, Dozier-Libbey Medical High School; Gabie, De Anza High School; Evelyn, Richmond High School; Patricia, Making Waves Academy

"I feel empowered, encouraged, focused, driven and overall amazing about everyone and that I'm in a group with people who care about youth." -- CYHC Member

Youth participants also had positive feedback to share:

"I liked the games, the comfort, the food and the kindess. I am very shy but today I felt welcomed and like I could say anything without pressure."

"I feel very reflective about situations I've been in and how I could've changed them and how I can change them in the future."

"I should start doing something about drug and alcohol abuse."

CYHC member Hannah (Deer Valley High School) introduces the topic of prescription drug abuse during a breakout session.
Also pictured, CYHC members Sanilie and Cinthya (De Anza High School).

CYHC members will continue to meet this summer and new members will be welcomed at their August Leadership Retreat. Stay tuned for more fantastic things coming from this group!

Sincerely,

Emily Justice
Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE)

Safe Storage Saves Lives

In light of recent tragedies and reports of students bringing firearms onto school campuses, some districts are reminding parents of their responsibility to keep guns out of the hands of children, as required by California law.

Please click on the links below to access additional information regarding school shootings, California law, and sample memos.

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

In This Issue

Safe Storage Saves Lives

Meetings/Trainings

FDA Proposed Rule

Fast Facts & News Articles

Meetings and Trainings

For more information on any of the meetings and trainings listed below, contact Emily Justice.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPEN!

2014 Northern California Safe and Healthy Schools Conference
November 6 and 7, 2014

More Information (Flyer)

Request for Proposals (RFP) available here

Join Our Mailing List

FDA Proposed Rule --
E-Cigarettes

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a proposed rule that would extend the agency's tobacco authority to cover additional products that meet the legal definition of a tobacco product, such as e-cigarettes.

Click here to read more about the proposed rule.

Useful Resources

*NEW*

The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide --

What We Know and What It Means for Schools

California Smoker's Helpline & Quit App

California Healthy Kids Survey

Toward a Tobacco-Free California: Saving Lives, Saving Money, TEROC Master Plan

Surgeon General's 2012 Report: Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth & Young Adults

Youth Risk and Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)

Facts on the Emerging Science on the Effects of Marijuana

Parents360 Rx Action Toolkit (Medicine Abuse)