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 to Mary Krogh or Brittany Warren.

This month is a time to increase awareness about alcohol abuse and an opportunity for adults to have conversations about prevention with the young people in their lives.

Data proves that, “rates of substance use among youths were lower among those whose parents disapproved of substance use than among those whose parents did not disapprove.” (1)

Conversations about alcohol use can be made less awkward with these simple tips:

• Set clear boundaries and expectations

• Be trustworthy by sharing real facts

• Reinforce being caring, not controlling

• Talk honestly about peer pressure and practice saying, “no thanks”

• Show that you are paying attention

• Plan on having many brief conversations instead of one long talk

• Make time to listen to their point of view

Find more articles and links to printable infographics in both English and Spanish here.

1. Parental Disapproval of Youths’ Substance Use | Office of Justice Programs. (2025). Ojp.gov. https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/parental-disapproval-youths-substance-use

What is Kratom? "Kratom” commonly refers to an herbal substance that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects. Kratom and kratom-based products are currently legal and accessible in many areas, though U.S. and international agencies continue to review emerging evidence to inform kratom policy.

While there are no uses for kratom approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, people report using kratom to manage drug withdrawal symptoms and cravings (especially related to opioid use), pain, fatigue and mental health problems.

Kratom is not safe, especially for kids and teens. It can cause serious health problems like liver damage and seizures. In rare cases, people have died after taking kratom, mostly when using it with other drugs.

Kratom in Oregon is regulated under the Oregon Kratom Consumer Protection Act (475.392 to 475.404) that forbids the sale of kratom products to people under 21 and requires annual registration for kratom processors.

Here are some resources to learn more;

• Podcast - Kratom and 7-OH:What Clinicians Need to Know
• National Institute of Drug Abuse website on Kratom
• Kratom: A Legal Drug that's Dangerously Addictive

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network is an organization that strives to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities. They provide resources on finding services and training for practitioners.

They have recently published this resource for providers focused on understanding and addressing the intersection of substance and childhood trauma. Click here to view the full document.

Halla is constantly going above and beyond to support students and families at Harrison Park and Alliance. She works hard to truly know families and build strong relationships, making sure they feel seen, supported, and connected to the resources they need. Halla connects families to critical supports, including housing, food, and culturally responsive mental health services. Through regular communication and home visits, she has become a trusted and reliable presence for many families, helping them navigate challenges and access meaningful support.

Halla is also a deeply valued member of both school communities. Students feel supported by her, teachers feel seen, and her colleagues on the mental health team feel incredibly lucky to work alongside her. Even while splitting her time between two buildings, Halla shows up with consistency, care, and dedication. Her work has made a meaningful difference for families, especially those who have found more stable housing with her support. In addition to all she does, Halla brings humor, kindness, and even a great singing voice to her work every day.

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!