Clay Counts Coalition

02/20/2026

What do you do when you hear your teenager say, "I hate you!"? This is a great article with things to consider.

When teens say they hate you, it often feels personal, but it may not truly be about you. Teens sometimes direct their overwhelming feelings toward the safest person in their life. Instead of responding with logic or backing down out of fear, check that your limits are fair, practice self-compassion...

02/20/2026

After the most recent 5th Quarter event was cancelled due to the weather, Clay Center Community High School YLink looked for an alternative way to hand out pancakes and connect with CCCHS Tiger Pride students. They did that today with the Pancakes For Positivity event in the commons area.

02/20/2026

Pawnee Mental Health Services will be holding a Lunch & Learn at the Clay Center Zoo visitor center on March 9th at noon. Please RSVP using the QR code, so their lunch count is correct for this event. Pawnee has been a strong supporter of Clay Counts, and we invite everyone to attend!

02/17/2026

FREE WEBINAR | 📅 Tuesday, February 24 🕕 6PM ET | 📍 Zoom | 🎥 Recording available to all registrants

Ni****ne products are changing fast — and their impact on kids’ mental health is often overlooked. From increased anxiety and mood changes to a higher risk of addiction, ni****ne can quietly affect developing brains in ways many parents don’t expect.

Join Parents Against Va**ng for a focused conversation led by Jonathan Avery, M.D., a nationally recognized expert in addiction psychiatry, as we explore how ni****ne intersects with adolescent mental health, why youth are especially vulnerable, and how parents can recognize warning signs and offer support.

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 2025 series drew over 10,000 registrants and thousands of live attendees.

02/17/2026

It's time for another Dad Joke/Mental Health tip from Clay Counts!

😂 Dad Joke:
Why did the skeleton skip Valentine’s Day?
He didn’t have the heart for it. ❤️

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Not everyone feels cheerful in February — and that’s okay. Loneliness can feel heavier during holidays focused on relationships. Reach out to someone safe and trusted, even if it’s just to say hello. Small connections make a difference.

📞 Resource:
If you’re feeling isolated or overwhelmed, call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

02/12/2026

Yesterday's Clay Counts Coalition meeting minutes can be found here:

Clay Counts is a coalition of individuals and organizations coming together from all sectors of the community to work together toward a common goal: to promote social, physical, and mental well-being for residents of Clay County.

02/10/2026

Clay Counts is proud to help fund this organization, and we are proud of our kids for letting their voice be heard!

02/10/2026

Drugs and your body have a toxic relationship. They can damage your organs, twist your mental health, and make you feel like a stranger in your own skin. Ditch the drama and learn more about drugs’ toxic behaviors at cdc.gov/FreeMind.

02/10/2026

It's time for another Dad Joke/Mental Health tip!

🤣 Dad Joke:
Why did the chocolate break up with the candy?
It needed something a little less toxic. 🍫

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Not all relationships are good for our mental health. It’s okay to set boundaries or walk away from situations that drain you. Protecting your peace is an act of self-care.

📞 Resource:
If you need help setting boundaries or finding support, visit nami.org/Your-Journey (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for tools and education.

Get mental health support, education, and advocacy from NAMI—the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people affected by mental illness.

02/03/2026

FREE WEBINAR | 📅 Tuesday, February 24 🕕 6PM ET | 📍 Zoom | 🎥 Recording available to all registrants

Ni****ne products are changing fast — and their impact on kids’ mental health is often overlooked. From increased anxiety and mood changes to a higher risk of addiction, ni****ne can quietly affect developing brains in ways many parents don’t expect.

Join Parents Against Va**ng for a focused conversation led by Jonathan Avery, M.D., a nationally recognized expert in addiction psychiatry, as we explore how ni****ne intersects with adolescent mental health, why youth are especially vulnerable, and how parents can recognize warning signs and offer support.

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 2025 series drew over 10,000 registrants and thousands of live attendees.

02/02/2026

It's time for the first Dad Joke/Mental Health tip for February!

😆 Dad Joke:
What did the calculator say to the calendar in February?
“You can count on me.” ❤️

💚 Mental Health Tip:
February can feel long and heavy, especially with winter weather and low energy. Remember: you don’t have to do everything alone. Leaning on others — coworkers, friends, family — is part of staying mentally healthy.

📞 Resource:
Find local support services by calling 211 Kansas or visiting 211kansas.org for counseling, family services, and community resources.

01/29/2026

Please join us on February 11 for COMET training!