Clay Counts Coalition

11/18/2025

"Alexa, are you safe for kids?"

A reader recently sent me a great question: “Should I be worried about my kid using Alexa or Google Home?” It’s a great question, and one I’ve been thinking about more myself lately, especially as these devices become more conversational and, honestly, more human-sounding every day. In today...

11/17/2025

It's time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

😂 Dad Joke:
What do you call a fish wearing a bowtie?
Sofishticated! 🎣

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Confidence grows when we care for ourselves — inside and out. Whether it’s dressing up, journaling, or setting boundaries, doing something kind for yourself builds self-respect.

📞 Resource:
Find free self-esteem and confidence tools through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many supports, services and treatment options that may help. A change in behavior or mood may be the early warning signs of a mental health condition and should never be ignored.

11/17/2025

Parents Against Va**ng is proud to present the next 2025 Clear the V***r Conversations event, and everyone can attend via Zoom for FREE!

Join Parents Against Va**ng and Dr. Shivani Mathur Gaiha, Scientist at Boston Children’s Hospital, for an evidence-based discussion on how ni****ne pouches are changing the ni****ne landscape—and what parents can do to protect their kids.

In 2025, Parents Against Va**ng is thrilled to continue Clear the V***r Conversations, an exciting year-long series inspired by our successful Clear the V***r conference! Our 2024 series drew nearly 10,000 registrants and thousands of live attendees.

11/14/2025

We are proud of Clay Center Community High School YLink member Alessia Carrales for being selected for the 2025-2026 Kansas Youth Prevention Action Council!

CADCA represents over 5,000 community coalitions that involve individuals from key sectors including schools, law enforcement, youth, parents, healthcare, media, tribal communities and others

11/13/2025

You can view the minutes from November's Clay Counts Coalition meeting below. Thank you to everyone who attended!

11/10/2025

It's once again time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

🤣 Dad Joke:
Why don’t eggs tell jokes?
They’d crack each other up! 🥚

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Laughter isn’t just fun — it releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones, and strengthens social bonds. Watch something funny or share a laugh with someone today.

📞 Resource:
For stress management resources, visit cdc.gov/Stress
from the CDC’s mental wellness page.

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11/07/2025

Please share!

11/05/2025

What a fabulous day at the Midwest Dream Car Collection! The Clay Center Community High School YLink chapter hosted the annual State Youth Leaders in Kansas (YlinK) convention. Almost 200 students traveled from Garden City to Kansas City to learn about mental health and leadership initiatives. Clay Counts sponsors the Wakefield HS, CCCMS, and CCCHS YLinK programs. The future is bright for these kids!

11/03/2025

It's time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

😆 Dad Joke:
"My computer caught a cold this weekend. It had too many Windows open."💻

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Your brain needs breaks just like your computer! Screen fatigue and constant alerts can drain energy. Try a “20-20-20 rule”: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

📞 Resource:
Need help balancing digital life? Visit ScreenStrong.org
for practical family tech balance tips.

10/29/2025

Screenagersmovie.com is a website that provides practical ideas on how to help our kids manage their cell phones and social media. Hint: It usually starts with the adults! This is a good article that also includes a link to their weekly podcast and Youtube channel.

https://www.screenagersmovie.com/blog/helping-our-kids-starts-with-our-own-phone-habits?utm_source=TTT+and+Movie&utm_campaign=f66e610c68-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_TTT526_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e0518a1e9b-161980250&mc_cid=f66e610c68&mc_eid=5184808504

I hear from so many parents who feel conflicted about their own phone habits when it comes to modeling healthy use for their kids. They’ll say, “I tell my kids to get off their screens, but then I’m on mine all the time.” Today I introduce two moms who are taking on my One Small Change Chall...

10/27/2025

It's time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

😂 Dad Joke:
Did you hear about the claustrophobic astronaut?
He just needed a little space. 🚀

💚 Mental Health Tip:
We all need space sometimes — and that’s healthy. Taking breaks helps your brain recharge, improves focus, and reduces stress. Step outside, take deep breaths, or sit quietly for a few minutes each day.

📞 Resource:
Learn simple relaxation and mindfulness exercises at Headspace, which offers free educator and teen access: headspace.com

10/22/2025

It's time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

🤣 Dad Joke:
I only know 25 letters of the alphabet… I don’t know Y.

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Curiosity is a great tool for mental wellness! Asking “why” helps us pause before reacting and can turn frustration into understanding. When something feels hard, ask yourself “Why am I feeling this way?” before judging yourself.

📞 Resource:
For national data on mental health, check out Mental Health America’s "Quick Facts" page →

Find general information about mental health conditions, prevalence, information for specific populations, and more in these easily shareable facts.