Back to School Activities

It’s 3pm on a school day. Do you know where your children are?

As summer vacations end and students start a new school year, here are a few reasons you should encourage them to get involved with after-school activities:

• Children & teens are more likely to be the victims of crime during the after-school hours than at any other time.

• Children & teens are more likely to participate in violent crimes during the after-school hours than at any other time.

• Children & teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as tobacco, alcohol or drug use or sexual activity during the after-school hours than at any other time.

Courtesy National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center

Our young children often attend after school daycare or programs provided by their elementary schools, but by the time children reach middle school they are often left on their own after school.  It seems sensible enough. They are old enough to get their own snacks and open their books to complete their homework. They know who to call if they have an emergency. However, adolescents benefit from after-school activities and supervision, too. 

Youth who spend only a couple of hours per week in extracurricular after-school activities are significantly less likely to drop out of school; become teen parents; or use tobacco, alcohol or drugs. Spending 5-19 hours per week in after-school activities reduced the risk even further. 

It is important that these activities are not just time wasters, but are programs that help youth develop skills and values and provide them with experiences that mean something to them.

It doesn't take a lot. Our schools and community offer a variety of after-school clubs, sports and activities. Encourage your children to find something that interests them and participate regularly.  If your student is in Grades 7-12 please have them check into the Youth Leadership Council that meets at the VBCCSD Middle/High School.  This is a group sponsored by the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition and works on leadership skills with the youth involved to address health, wellness, and substance abuse prevention in Van Buren County.  

For information about YLC and the coalition please contact the SAFE Coalition by phone at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or by email at safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

By Kim Torguson of the Action Alliance

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) – the nation’s public-private partnership championing suicide prevention as a national priority – and its partners, like the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition in Iowa, are coming together to inform the public about simple actions that can support someone in crisis and potentially help save a life. This September, during National Suicide Prevention Month and National Suicide Prevention Week, the Action Alliance is asking organizations to step up to educate the public about the role anyone, anywhere can play in being there for someone who is struggling or in crisis.

 Join the collective effort!

·       Promote the hashtag #BeThe1To when posting social media messages about being there

·       Visit our website to access information about our partner’s campaigns focused on being there for others

For more information on Suicide Prevention month please contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org or checkout the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention website: http://actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/national-strategy-suicide-prevention-0

Resources for Parents

Are you a Van Buren County Parent who is in need of information on drug and alcohol misuse?  The SAFE Coalition is here to help you!  You can contact the SAFE office any time via phone 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or by email – safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org.  

Currently the Coalition would like to share with you some of the online opportunities that are available for parents:

• Talk They Hear You: https://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking/mobile-application

• Institute for Behavior & Health: https://www.ibhinc.org/

• How to Talk about Marijuana: https://drugfree.org/article/how-to-talk-about-marijuana/

• Smart Approaches to Marijuana: https://learnaboutsam.org/

• Kevin Sabet on Marijuana: http://kevinsabet.com/

• Partnership for Drug Free Kids: https://drugfree.org/resources/

• Tobacco Free Kids: https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/

• National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/

• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Marijuana: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana

• Smoke Free: https://smokefree.gov/

• Easy to Read Drug Facts: https://easyread.drugabuse.gov/

• Family Checkup: Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup

• Family Resource Center: http://www.familyresourcectr.org/

• Stop Underage Drinking: https://www.samhsa.gov/iccpud

• Too Smart to Start: http://www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov/

Parents, family, and friends of teens please make sure to check out these sites or contact the Coalition for more information on issues that teens are facing today!  Van Buren County SAFE Coalition: 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org.

STOP Act Grant Awarded to the SAFE Coalition

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition and Van Buren County Community School District has been awarded a grant from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to STOP (Sober Truth on Preventing) Underage Drinking. The grant award was for $50,000 a year for 4 years beginning April 30, 2020. The program will work to make server trainings mandatory for every business that obtains a liquor license, provide 12 Merchant Alcohol Trainings (two trainings every other month), and will support the efforts of law enforcement to perform semi-annual compliance checks. The ultimate goal of these activities is to reduce the access to alcohol by underage youth and young adults, in turn reducing the number of youth and young adults who are using alcohol in the county. If you would like more information on the STOP Act Grant or any of the coalition’s activities please feel free to contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-3334 or safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org. 

Van Buren County IPFS Project Has Ended

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition was awarded the Iowa Partnership for Success (IPFS) Grant in February 2015 to address underage drinking and underage binge drinking in Van Buren County.  The coalition completed the fifth year of this five year grant on September 29, 2019.  The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition’s IPFS project was funded by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The coalition received a nine month extension (September 30, 2019—June 30, 2020) from IDPH funded through State of Iowa beer and liquor permit revenue to continue to address two of the IPFS strategies and two new strategies.  The coalition members chose to continue to address Alcohol Restrictions at Community Events at Privately Owned Facilities and Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places.  The two new strategies are a Media Campaign produced by IDPH “As You Age, THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK” to address the increase in deaths from alcohol use by people over 45; and to promote suicide prevention work in the county. 

During the nine month extension of the IPFS Project the coalition worked on implementing the four strategies it was funded to work on as follows:  

1) Alcohol Restrictions at Community Events at Privately Owned Facilities: The coalition worked with privately owned facilities to help them write, adopt, and implement newly written alcohol policies focused on the Best Practices for Alcohol Service at their location.  No new policies were put in place during the grant extension.  The coalition would recommend that all facilities in the county put into place a written alcohol restriction policy to help limit the access to alcohol by youth and young adults.  If you are interested you may contact the coalition office for more information. 

2) Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places: The coalition worked with city councils to help them write, adopt, and implement newly written alcohol policies focused on the Best Practices for Alcohol Service at their local parks and ball fields. The coalition worked cities to help them to implement these policies, but no new policies were put in place during the grant extension.  The coalition would recommend that all towns in the county put into place a written alcohol restriction policy for their community parks and ball fields to help limit access to alcohol by youth and young adults. 

3) Older Adult Drinking Prevention Media Campaign: The coalition worked with local media outlets to implement IDPH’s “As You Age, THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK” older adult drinking prevention media campaign.  The coalition utilized posters at the hospital and clinics, a billboard ad, newspaper ads, and radio ads to promote the campaign during the grant extension.  The coalition worked with local media outlets to ensure older adults were exposed to the media campaign. 

4) Adult Suicide Prevention: The coalition worked to increase the capacity of the county to address Adult Suicide Prevention.  The coalition worked to educate community members on the risk and signs of potential suicide in family members and friends.  The coalition provided the opportunity to community members to participate in the online START Suicide Prevention Training to train local community members and stakeholders in how to help prevent suicides in the county.  This opportunity is still available for community members.  Please contact the coalition office if you are interested.  The coalition members also worked to promote IDPH’s Your Life Iowa website (yourlifeiowa.org) and related resources.  This included articles and ads in the newspaper.   

For more information on the Van Buren County Partnership for Success work or the SAFE Coalition please contact the coalition at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org.

Why Van Buren County Should Care About Having Drug-Free Workplaces

Drug-Free Workplaces are important because substance abuse in the workplace is a widespread problem.  Alcohol and other drug abuse is widespread in our society.  It affects us all in many ways.  Although national, state and local efforts have begun to show encouraging results, the problem of alcohol and other drug abuse remains a serious problem. 

Substance abusing employees often do not make good employees.  Studies show that, compared with non-substance abusers, they are more likely to change jobs frequently; be late to or absent from work; be less productive employees; be involved in a workplace accident and file a workers’ compensation claim. 

Workplace substance abuse can also have a serious effect on people other than the abuser.  For example, some studies suggest that working alongside a substance abuser can reduce non-abusers’ morale and productivity.  It also is quite common for substance abusing workers who are involved in workplace accidents to injure other people (rather than themselves), especially if they work in safety-sensitive industries, such as the transportation or construction industry. 

Employers who have implemented drug-free workplace programs have important experiences to share (Joel Bennett and Wayne E.K. Lehman. 2003. Preventing Workplace Substance Abuse: Beyond Drug Testing to Wellness. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.):

·    Employers with successful drug-free workplace programs report improvements in morale and productivity and decreases in absenteeism, accidents, downtime, turnover and theft.

·    Employers with longstanding programs report better health status among, and decreased use of medical benefits by, many employees and family members.

·    Some organizations with drug-free workplace programs qualify for incentives, such as decreased costs for workers’ compensation and other kinds of insurance. (U.S. Department of Labor. “Florida State Law: Drug Free Workplace Act.”)

·    Employers find that employees, employee representatives and unions often welcome drug-free workplace programs.  If employers do not have a program the employees may be wondering why.  (Robert R. Bonds and Effie Bastes. 1999. “A Peer-Professional Team Intervention Approach in the Treatment of Drug and Alcohol Problems in the Workplace.” Paper presented at the International Union of Railways World Conference on Occupational Health and Safety, September 23.)

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition would like to encourage all Van Buren County residents, workers and businesses to find out the facts about Drug-Free Workplaces and be informed.  For more information please contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org.  

Senator Grassley Visits Van Buren County

Wednesday, July 8, 2020 the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition hosted a visit to Van Buren County by Senator Chuck Grassley for a question and answer time with community and coalition members.  This meeting was part of Senator Grassley’s annual tradition to hold at least one Q & A in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties each year. In attendance at the Q & A Session were: Gloria Brown – Van Buren County SAFE Coalition (Board Member), Melissa Daugherty – Van Buren County Hospital (Job Ops, PAT, and Coalition Board Member), Senator Grassley, Jennifer Heins – Senator Grassley’s Office (Director of Scheduling), Jeremy Hissem – Van Buren County Community School District (Superintendent and Coalition Member), Kasha Kite – Van Buren County Hospital (Chief Nursing Officer), Kara McEntee – Van Buren County Hospital (Chief Financial Officer), Lisa Plecker – Van Buren County Auditor (Coalition Board Member), Dean Rankin – Community Member, Kris Rankin – Van Buren County SAFE Coalition (Coordinator), Jon Tharp – Van Buren County Sheriff’s Deputy, and Penny Vacek – Senator Grassley’s Office (Regional Director). 

During the meeting Senator Grassley allowed the attendees to ask questions and share information on what was happening in their area of the community.  The issues discussed included substance misuse prevention work and substance misuse issues in the county, mental health, Paycheck Protection Program Loans, rural health care, back to school plans and guidance, transportation issues for schools and other entities in the county, etc.  Each attendee was allowed a time to present their information to the Senator and ask questions of him.  He also took time to ask questions of the individuals present about the work they are doing and issues they are facing. 

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition would like to thank Senator Grassley for allowing them to host this event and for coming to Van Buren County to interact with his constituents.  The coalition would also like to thank all of the community members who attended the meeting and added to the active and productive dialogue. 

For more information on the SAFE Coalition please check out these online sites: Blog: http://vbsafecoalition.blogspot.com/; Website: http://www.van-buren.k12.ia.us/vnews/display.v/SEC/RESOURCES%7CSAFE%20COALITION; SAFE Coalition Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vanburencountysafecoalition/; YLC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/vanburencountyyouthleadershipcouncil/ or you may contact the coalition at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org. 

WARNING…. EXPIRED EMPLOYEES!

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition will be completing an audit of all Van Buren County Licensees. When it has been completed the coalition staff will send you a copy of who is or is not trained at your business.  Coalition members are available to meet with business owners/managers to help you with your business and any questions you may have in regard to licensing rules and training your staff.  In order for a local business to be eligible to eliminate administrative sanctions on a local compliance check the employees must have a current certification with the coalition from the free Merchant Alcohol Training. In order to eliminate administrative sanctions on a state patrol compliance check your employees must be trained through I-PACT the ABD online training system.

The 3 Step Employee Training Process that the coalition encourages merchants to follow for trainings is as follows:

1. Orientation DVD: Checking ID’s– Easy as 1-2-3

2. SAFE Merchant Alcohol Training Program

3. I-PACT Online Training Program– Iowa ABD

The SAFE Coalition will be holding merchant alcohol trainings on July 23, 2020, September 15, 2020, and November 17, 2020 at 6:00 pm and July 24, 2020, September 16, 2020 and November 18, 2020 at 9:00 am at the Van Buren Community Services Center Conference Room (ER entrance of the Hospital – Building is on the Left) in Keosauqua. The trainings in 2020 will be held every other month unless a business or special event is in need of a personal training and those can be set up through the coalition by calling 319-293-3334 ext. 1017.

If you have employees who need to be re-trained or who have never been trained plan to get them to a training as soon as possible. If you are unsure of the status of your employees you may contact the coalition office. If you would like to set up a private training for your business please contact Kris at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017. If you have other questions or concerns the coalition can be reached via email at info@vbsafecoalition.com or by phone at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017. RSVP is required for all trainings.

DRIVE SOBER THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY, AND EVERY DAY: BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

This Independence Day, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, SAFE Coalition and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration want to remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Unfortunately, the summertime merrymaking can create dangerous road conditions, as some drivers hit the streets after drinking alcoholic beverages. Make sure you celebrate the birth of our nation safely. If you are under the influence of any substance and you choose to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you put everyone in a vehicle on the road in danger, including yourself. During the Fourth of July holiday, make sure you plan for a safe weekend of festivities.

According to NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, drunk driving accounted for 29% (10,511) of motor vehicle traffic crash deaths in 2018. With Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night, more vehicles will be on the road at night. In 2018 alone, 193 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday period (6 p.m. July 3 to 5:59 a.m. July 5). Forty percent (78) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. This compares to 2017 when 38% of the July 4 holiday period fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.

We want our community to have a happy and safe Independence Day, one that they’ll remember for years to come, for all the right reasons. We have partnered with NHTSA to help remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Under no circumstance is it ever okay to drink and drive. This behavior is illegal, it’s deadly, and it’s selfish. Do everyone in our community a favor: If you have been drinking at a Fourth of July party, or for any occasion, find a sober ride home. If you are drunk or high, or even a little buzzed, we are begging you: Stay off the roads. Drunk driving is deadly. If you plan to be the sober driver, then don’t indulge — your friends are relying on you.

This Fourth of July, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, SAFE Coalition and NHTSA urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan how you will get around without driving. Remember these tips for a safe night on the roads:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you have had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan for a way to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

This Fourth of July, commit to driving 100-percent sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drunk-driving/buzzed-driving-drunk-driving/4th-july.

START Suicide Prevention Training

Know the Facts about Boating & Drinking

Operating a Motorboat or Sailboat While Intoxicated –Boaters are reminded that alcohol reduces reaction time and the ability to make quick, sound judgments in an emergency situation. Also, wind, sun, glare off the water, and water movement multiplies the effects of alcohol.  The current blood alcohol level for boating while intoxicated (BWI) is .08 percent – the same as a motor vehicle as of July 2011.   

Operating a motorboat or sailboat while under the influence of alcohol (.08 alcohol level or higher), a controlled substance, or other illegal chemical is unlawful. For the purpose of BWI, "operating a motorboat" means the motorboat is powered by a motor that is running. For the purposes of BWI, "operating a sailboat" means the sailboat is either powered by a motor that is running or has sails hoisted and is underway. Operators who are impaired may be required to take tests by an enforcement officer to determine their sobriety. Anyone refusing to test will be charged a penalty.  All navigable waters in the state of Iowa will be subject to the new law, except farm ponds and privately owned lakes.

First Offense: A Serious Misdemeanor – A serious misdemeanor can result in the following punishments:

• Imprisonment in county jail for at least 48 hours.
• Assessment of a fine up to $1,000.
• Loss of boat operating privileges for one year.
• Assignment to a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and a course for drinking drivers.

Second Offense: An Aggravated Misdemeanor – An aggravated misdemeanor can result in the following punishments:

• Imprisonment in county jail or community-based correctional facility for at least seven days.
• Assessment of a $1,500 to $5,000 fine.
• Loss of boat operating privileges for two years.
• Assignment to a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and a course for drinking drivers.

Third Offense: A Class "D" Felony – A class "D" felony can result in the following punishments:

• Imprisonment in the county jail for 30 days to one year.
• Assessment of a $2,500 to $7,500 fine.
• Loss of boat operating privileges for six years.
• Assignment to a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and a course for drinking drivers.

 Consequences of Refusing to Test – Refusing to submit to a breath or chemical test can result in a $500 fine and a one year suspension of boat operating privileges. If the offender, during the second offense, refuses to submit to a test, a $1,000 fine will be assigned plus suspension of boat operating privileges. Third-time offenders will receive a $2,000 fine and suspension of boat operating privileges. 

Questions & Answers
Can I drink alcohol on the boat?  Yes, consuming alcohol is permissible on the boat, but remember the operator is not to be under the influence.

Will a boating while intoxicated (BWI) offense affect my driver's license?  No, a boating while intoxicated (BWI) offense will not be transferred to your automobile driving records.

How much alcohol can I consume to be considered legally drunk?  That depends on the individual. Use extra precaution while drinking on the boat because sun, wind and movement can quickly amplify the effects of alcohol and disorient the operator or passengers.

The information for this article came from the Iowa DNR website.  For more information contact Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-5918 or at webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov

Dads, could your kids be at risk for substance abuse?

Families strive to find the best ways to raise their children to live happy, healthy and productive lives.  Parents are often concerned about whether their children will start or are already using drugs such as tobacco, e-devices, alcohol, marijuana, and others, including the abuse of prescription drugs.  Research supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has shown the important role that parents play in preventing their children from starting to use drugs.
These five questions, developed by the Child and Family Center at the University of Oregon, highlight skills that are important in preventing the initiation and progression of drug use among youth.  For each question, there is a video clip on line at http://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup that shows positive and negative examples of the skill and additional videos and information are provided to help you practice.  

Questions:

1. Are you able to communicate calmly and clearly with your teenager regarding relationship problems?
2. Do you encourage positive behaviors in your teenager on a daily basis?
3. Are you able to negotiate emotional conflicts with your teenager and work toward a solution?
4. Are you able to calmly set limits when your teenager is defiant or disrespectful? Are you able to set limits on more serious problem behavior such as drug use, if or when it occurs?
5. Do you monitor your teenager to assure that they do not spend too much unsupervised time with peers?

For more information on talking to your teens about substance abuse please contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or by email at safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org.  For other resources please check out the coalition’s blog at http://vbsafecoalition.blogspot.com or on Facebook – Van Buren County SAFE Coalition

Article and data provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse Website. 

References

1. Dishion, T.J.; Nelson, N.E.; Kavanagh, K. The Family Check-Up with high-risk young adolescents: Preventing early-onset substance use by parent monitoring. Behavior Therapy 34: 553-571, 2003.
2. Dishion,T.J.; Kavanagh, K.;  Schneiger, A.;  Nelson, S.; Kaufman, N.K. Preventing early adolescent substance use: A family-centered strategy for the public middle school. Prevention Science 3 (3): 191-201, 2002.

100 Things to Do to Beat Summer Boredom

Summer is just beginning and you do not want to be thinking, saying, or hearing; “I’m bored” in the next few months. Below is a list of 100 things you can do to beat summer boredom. Write each of these things on a piece of paper and put it into the summer fun jar and when you get bored draw one out and have fun! Challenge yourself to accomplish all 100 before school starts.

If your kids start to suffer from summer boredom, let them come up with their own ideas for fun summer activities to put into the fun jar.  When you let children come up with their own solutions to boredom, you’re helping them develop important problem solving skills and they will take ownership in the activity.

As the summer progresses, new ideas can be added to the jar. Then when the children get bored, they can reach into the jar for a fun activity. And, you’ll be less likely to hear, “I’m bored!” 

1. Go hiking in the park
2. Ride your Bike
3. Go swimming at the lake or pool
4. Paint a picture
5. Play a board game
6. Get out the hose and sprinkler
7. Go horseback riding
8. Go to the Library
9. Go on a nature scavenger hunt
10. Go fishing
11. Have a talent show
12. Go Camping
13. Have a pet parade
14. Hold a lemonade stand
15. Tie Dye Shirts
16. Build a sandcastle
17. Make a collage with magazine pictures
18. Have a pizza decorating contest
19. Go to a baseball game
20. Start a hobby
21. Scrapbook some photos
22. Go bowling
23. Go to a water park
24. Visit a museum
25. Do a science experiment
26. Pick a bouquet of flowers
27. Blow Bubbles
28. Make homemade ice cream
29. Have a fashion show
30. Finger paint
31. Create Sidewalk Art
32. Rent a canoe and go canoeing
33. Write a letter to a pen pal
34. Write or draw your own story book
35. Start a journal
36. Make a home movie
37. Play catch
38. Have a puppet show
39. Play twister
40. Wash the car at home
41. Go miniature golfing
42. Make mud pies
43. Have a picnic
44. Play croquet
45. Catch fireflies
46. Go hunting night crawlers
47. Color in a coloring book
48. Do a craft project
49. Paint your room
50. Throw a Frisbee
51. Fly a kite
52. Read stories
53. Throw water balloons
54. Play red rover
55. Have a garage sale
56. Build a fort
57. Play a musical instrument
58. Walk a dog
59. Go to a concert
60. Have a pancake party
61. Plant a garden
62. Go skateboarding
63. Play hopscotch
64. Do a good deed for a neighbor
65. Clean up trash in the park
66. Take pictures in nature
67. Play with play dough
68. Dance
69. Clean your closet
70. Design, plan and make a meal for the family
71. Conquer a Rubix cube
72. Hula hoop
73. Jump on a trampoline
74. Make root beer floats
75. Have a fashion show
76. Start a collection (stamps, rocks, coins)
77. Ride a 4 wheeler
78. Make a quilt
79. Go shopping at a garage sale
80. Read a magazine
81. Play horseshoes
82. Swing on a swing set
83. Bake a cake
84. Play baseball
85. Make a smoothie
86. Go to a fair
87. Play basketball
88. Play wiffle ball
89. Play charades
90. Go golfing
91. Build a Lego creation
92. Play badminton
93. Adopt a pet from a shelter
94. Have a pedicure party
95. Play beach volleyball
96. Jump rope
97. Read a newspaper
98. Play tennis
99. Create a new recipe
100. Go to a farmers market

For more information on how to get involved with your kids this summer visit the SAFE Coalition at Van Buren County SAFE Coalition on Facebook!

Suicide Facts & Figures: Iowa 2019

On average, one person dies by suicide every 18 hours in the state of Iowa.  More than five times as many people died by suicide in Iowa in 2017 than in alcohol related motor vehicle accidents.  The total deaths to suicide reflect a total of 10,127 years of potential life lost (YPLL) before age 65.  Suicide cost Iowa a total of $441,111,000 combined lifetime medical and work loss cost in 2010, or an average of $1,185,783 per suicide death.  Suicide is the 9^th leading cause of death in Iowa.  It is the 2^nd leading cause of death for ages 15-34, the 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-54, the 8th leading cause of death for ages 55-64, and the 17th leading cause of death for ages 65 & older.  Based on most recent 2017 data from CDC. Learn more at afsp.org/statistics.

Suicide Prevention Programs and Initiatives

·         The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) suicide prevention program works with stakeholders to provide information about signs and symptoms of depression and suicide and develop suicide prevention strategies. IDPH also funds community programs to identify youth who are most at risk for suicide and provide assessment and referral for services. See https://bit.ly/2QXGarQ.

·         The Your Life Iowa program provides 24/7 crisis services via phone (855-581-8111), text (855-895-8398), and through the Live Chat feature on their site. The site also includes a depression screening quiz, suicide warning signs, help for family and friends, FAQs about suicide, and tips for practicing self-care. See http://yourlifeiowa.org/suicide.

·         The Iowa Plan for Suicide Prevention: 2015 to 2018 aims to reduce the annual number of deaths by suicide by 10% by 2018, ultimately working towards zero deaths by suicide; see https://bit.ly/2SKYlya.

·         SF 2113 (adopted 3/29/18) requires school districts to adopt protocols for suicide prevention and Postvention, and requires all school personnel who have regular contact with students in kindergarten through grade twelve to receive at least one hour of evidence-based suicide prevention and Postvention training annually. The training requirement must be established by all local school boards by July 1, 2019.

·         Iowa law (§ 279.50) requires that the Department of Education identify and disseminate information about early intervention programs for students who are at risk for suicide.

The Van Buren County SAFE Coalition partnered with the Van Buren County Community School District in 2018 and 2019 to help them develop a Suicide Prevention and Postvention Plan.  The coalition has worked to promote the Your Life Iowa website in Van Buren County.  The coalition has worked to educate community members on the need for suicide prevention work in the county.  The coalition staff has participated in the Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Collaborative since 2017 to help increase child/youth suicide prevention work in Van Buren County.  Coalition staff have also begun to attend the South East Iowa Link meetings to help increase adult suicide prevention work in Van Buren County. Iowa Department of Public Health has funded this work through the Iowa Partnership for Success Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (February 2015 - September 2019) and state substance abuse prevention funds (September 2019 – June 2020). 

Get Involved: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Iowa Chapter brings together people of all backgrounds in communities throughout the state to fight suicide. They help fund research, offer educational programs, advocate for public policy and support those affected by suicide. For more information or to volunteer, please contact: AFSP Iowa iowa@afsp.org

Become an Advocate: AFSP’s Iowa advocacy volunteers build relationships with public officials and advocate on behalf of sound suicide prevention policy.  Visit afsp.org/advocate to sign up!

Alcohol-Involved Deaths Climbing: A Public Health Perspective in Iowa Think Before You Drink Media Campaign

Alcohol-involved deaths are a serious public health problem in Iowa, increasing from 388 in 2008 to 650 in 2017. From 2008-2017, the average annual number of alcohol-involved deaths in Iowa was 505 (Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), 2017). According to the World Health Organization (2018), 3 million deaths occur globally each year as a result of the harmful use of alcohol. In the U.S. in 2010, an estimated 70,000 people died from alcohol use, making alcohol use the third leading cause of premature deaths (McGinnis, 2013). The first and second leading causes of preventable factors causing premature deaths in the U.S. were diet/inactivity (400,000) and tobacco use (350,000), respectively (McGinnis, 2013).

The rate of alcohol-involved deaths has increased in Iowa significantly over the past 10 years, from a rate of 13 per 100,000 population in 2008 to 21 per 100,000 population in 2017. The rate of alcohol-involved deaths increased by more than 61%.  In Iowa, alcohol-involved deaths are prevalent among Iowans aged 45 to 64, and 65 or older. From 2008 to 2017, alcohol-involved deaths increased by 45% among Iowans aged 65 or older, and 75% among Iowans aged 45 to 64. In 2017, the rate of alcohol involved deaths was 45 per 100,000 population for Iowans aged 65 or older, and 42 per 100,000 population for Iowans aged 45 to 64.  In 2017, there were 330 deaths from motor vehicle crashes in Iowa. Of these 330 crash deaths, 88 (27%) involved at least one driver with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 g/dL or higher, which is above the legal intoxication level (FARS, 2017). 

Iowa Department of Public Health has created a new media campaign that the Van Buren County SAFE Coalition is utilizing to help educate community members on the need to Think Before You Drink.  As you age, your body cannot process alcohol like it used to.  The coalition will be utilizing the campaign as ads in the newspaper, an ad on the billboard in Keosauqua, and posters at the hospital and clinics.

For more information about prevention and treatment resources in Iowa, please visit the IDPH Substance Abuse Prevention website at https://idph.iowa.gov/substance-abuse/prevention or Your Life Iowa at http://www.yourlifeiowa.org/.

References

·         McGinnis, J.M. (2013). Actual causes of death, 1990–2010. Presentation at the Workshop on Determinants of Premature Mortality, September 18, National Research Council, Washington, DC. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279971/pdf/Bookshelf_NBK279971.pdf

·         World Health Organization. (2018). Alcohol. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol

Sources

·         Fatality Analysis Reporting System. (2008-2017).                                                                             Website: https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/States/StatesAlcohol.aspx

·         Iowa Department of Public Health. (2008-2017).                                                                       Website: https://tracking.idph.iowa.gov/Health/Substance-Use-and-Misuse/Substance-Involved-Mortality-Data

NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK 2020

National Prevention Week (NPW) is a SAMHSA-sponsored campaign dedicated to increasing the prevention of substance use and promotion of mental health by promoting prevention year-round. The weeklong National Prevention Week observance that occurs each May brings individuals, organizations, coalitions, states, and communities together to celebrate the events and activities that communities have held all year to raise awareness about the importance of preventing substance use and mental disorders.

NPW will take place on May 10–16, 2020. Near the kickoff of summer. This year’s NPW theme continued to be “Inspiring Action. Changing Lives.” and reminds us that we can all inspire positive change through the year. Every day and everywhere, whether we make healthy choices for ourselves or inspire others to do so, the small actions we take can change lives for the better.

Some of the NPW health topics are as follows:

·         Preventing Prescription and Opioid Drug Misuse

·         Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse

·         Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use

·         Preventing Youth Tobacco Use

·         Preventing Suicide

Everyone can take part in NPW and plan activities at home around one or all of the NPW topics. We all have a role to play in prevention, and a powerful perspective to bring to the table.  This year the Van Buren County Youth Leadership Council encourages our community members to take time to research how to be healthy with substances while we are at home. 

For more information on the Youth Leadership Council please contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-3334 ext. 1017 or at safe.coalition@van-burencsd.org.  For more information on NPW visit www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week to access their resources. Stay connected by subscribing to the Prevention Works email distribution list on the NPW home page (https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week) for resources, news,

and ideas to make substance use prevention happen every day. The Prevention Challenge (https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week/prevention-challenge) provides an opportunity for communities and individuals to participate in NPW promotional efforts through social media.

Your Life Iowa and COVID-19

Everyone needs help sometimes.  That is the tagline for Your Life Iowa (YLI) and now more than ever during this time of uncertainty and isolation from friends and family, it is good to know that YLI is there, with support and helpful information about alcohol, drugs, gambling, mental health and suicidal thoughts.   

YLI is a trusted source of information on alcohol, drugs, gambling, mental health, and suicidal thoughts, and to assist those seeking information on COVID-19 there is a link right on the homepage (yourlifeiowa.org) to Iowa’s information and response to COVID-19 (https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/).

Here are a couple of things to remember that all of us at Your Life Iowa want you to practice.  Stay healthy - prioritize sleep, making a commitment to getting 8 hours nightly.  Get some exercise, whether in your home or outside.  Be sure to practice social distancing. Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate.  Control what you can - wash your hands, practice social distancing, stay home when ill.  While the fear of the unknown can be unsettling, taking control can help you feel empowered and counteract the stress being felt.

When stress, anxiety, and fear are affecting your ability to function in some part of your life, it is time to reach out.  Are you losing sleep or are you fearful of becoming sick?  Reach out to your healthcare provider and discuss your concerns.  If you or a loved one are concerned about what might be going on regarding the use of alcohol or drugs, problem gambling, or concerns about mental health or suicidal thoughts, YLI is a trusted source for help.  24/7, every day, YLI is available via text (855-895-8398), chat (yourlifeiowa.org), or phone (855-581-8111).

Asking for help can be hard, and YLI wants to make it as easy as possible to get the help being sought.   So we created a What to Expect When You Call animation.  The link for the small version is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJJUpYTZ7uA&feature=youtu.be .  The link for the larger version is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNwODg1jse8&feature=youtu.be.   YLI provides everyday life support.  No judgment.  Just helping.

For more information on Your Life Iowa please send inquires to eric.preuss@idph.iowa.gov.