Healthy Choices Bulletin

The Healthy Choices Bulletin is a monthly summary of substance use prevention resources for school staff to use and share with students and families. Most of the titles and images are linked to fliers and websites. We want to encourage school teams to include them in their school newsletters and communications with families. If you have thoughts, questions or feedback please feel to reach out mkrogh@pps.net.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support.

The annual campaign aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as encourage healthcare providers to screen for problem gambling and connect individuals to appropriate support.

The newest research reveals that gambling has become common among adolescents, with more than a third of male identified youth gambling before they turn 18. For many youth, gambling largely happens in sports betting, as a part of favorite video games, or other virtual reward systems that blur the line between playing and paying. It is also advertised in social media feeds through algorithmic recommendations.

Check out this article from Newport Healthcare to increase your understanding of this emerging issue.

The Multnomah County Department of Behavioral Health Prevention and Wellness has launched a new program calls Safety Starts at Home. This program is offering a range of prevention tools that families can access for free. Please feel free to download this flyer and share in family communications. Click on this link or the flyer to download the flyer or click here to access the request form.

Robin’s middle name must be “belonging.” As Vernon’s School Climate Specialist, she works hard to truly know students and their families and makes sure students feel seen and supported. Robin notices when students need something and responds in the moment, whether that means a snack, a listening ear, a thoughtful note, or an honest conversation. She builds strong relationships with students and creates an environment where they feel comfortable opening up and being themselves. Her enthusiasm for learning and genuine care for students help create a sense of joy and connection throughout the school.

Robin is also a natural community builder. She has invited many people into the Vernon community to help make it stronger, from her own mother volunteering with second graders and helping during recess and lunch to bringing in artists, a breakdancing instructor, and even the DJ for the Thorns to play music for students in the gym at recess. She has also brought great energy to staff professional development by introducing games, snacks, new teaching strategies, and opportunities for staff to connect.

Robin has built deep and meaningful relationships with students and families at Vernon. Students have trusted her from the beginning, which is significant in a community where trust with new adults can take time. Because of those relationships, some students have felt comfortable sharing important parts of their lives and getting the support they need. Robin consistently shows up for students, remembers what they share, and continues building trust every day.

Vaka is the sweetest person ever. He has the nicest smile and really cares about students. He was there for me on a hard day. He checked in on me and helped to reassure me and stepped in when I needed support. He made me feel like my feelings were valid and that I can count on him.

Submitted by Itzayana Alliance Student

As a reminder, each month we will feature a Portland Public Schools staff member who represents what it means to be a trusted adult. These are the teachers, counselors, coaches, and staff who take the time to connect with students, offer support, and help create a sense of belonging in our schools. Trusted adults are one the single biggest protective factors for youth against early substance misuse and other at-risk behaviors.

By sharing their stories, we hope to celebrate the caring adults who make PPS a place where every student feels seen, supported, and valued.

Know a staff member who goes above and beyond? Click here to nominate a trusted adult in your school to be featured in an upcoming Staff Spotlight!

DEA has drug fact sheets, detailing the history, use, street names, scheduling status, and more of various drugs of abuse. These fact sheets, available in both English and Spanish, are excerpted from Drugs of Abuse, which is also available in English and Spanish.

Each year, NDAFW participants host educational events in their communities so youth can learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction.

To support event organizers, NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse) offers educational activities, videos, and Kahoot! quizzes on important topics. Check-out this link articles, links to short videos to share in classrooms, conversation starters for parents, and NIDA's Kahoot Drug & Alcohol IQ challenge.

Need a cool, substance free place to hang out over spring break - all for FREE! Check out PUSH Recovery Skateboard's new space!