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Recognize September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in Minnesota and tenth nationally. Based on preliminary data, 723 Minnesota residents died by suicide in 2020, which is lower than the 830 suicide deaths recorded in 2019. View the latest data released by the Minnesota Department of Health.
During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Washington County Public Health & Environment encourages anyone in the community who is interested to take a free lifesaving suicide intervention course. The QPR Gatekeeper online course teaches participants how to Question, Persuade, and Refer a person who may be considering suicide through a one-hour session that can be accessed at any time.
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School Toolkit for E-Cigarette Use Prevention and Cessation
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Check out the newly updated e-cigarette toolkit for schools, which provides tools and resources for school staff who are working to address the use of e-cigarettes (vapes) in schools. It outlines opportunities for action — including meeting the state’s new vaping instruction requirement — along with resources to help youth quit.
The rapid uptake of e-cigarettes (also known as vapes or vaping devices) has reversed a trend of declining teen commercial tobacco use in Minnesota. Data show about one in five high school students use e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a chemical that is highly addictive. Not only does the use of these products increase the risk for addiction, but it may also worsen chronic health conditions, like asthma, which puts students at risk of increased absenteeism and lower academic performance.
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Millions of Americans experience mental illness or substance use disorder, yet the individuals who experience these conditions too often feel isolated and alone.
September is National Recovery Month. Recovery Month reminds us to encourage others to start conversations with family and friends about prevention, treatment, and recovery. The Minnesota Department of Human Services offers information about drug and alcohol treatment programs, how to qualify for free treatment, and answers to frequently asked questions. There is free, confidential help available 24 hours a day through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889 (TDD).
National Recovery Month offers an opportunity for all of us to share the promise of recovery with those who still suffer.
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Household Prescription Drug "Take Back" Event
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Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands, which can be dangerous and often tragic. Washington County is hosting a collection event during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 23 in Scandia. Clean out your medicine cabinets and bring your old and unused medications for safe and free disposal.
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Back to School Toolkit to Support Student Mental Health
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on youth mental health. As students across the country return to their classrooms, we must prioritize their mental health and emotional well-being so that they can thrive in and out of the school setting.
Mental Health America (MHA) has launched its annual Back to School Toolkit to give parents, teachers, and school personnel the tools and resources they need to support their children’s mental health. This year’s toolkit is full of hands-on materials that can help students navigate all the emotions and challenges of the new school year.
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