A Positive Approach to Teen Health

11/07/2025

Did you know that when parents and caregivers talk openly and often with their kids about drugs and alcohol, those kids are up to 50% less likely to use substances?

And it’s working — youth substance use rates are already going down across the U.S.
Recent surveys show fewer teens are using alcohol, to***co, and prescription drugs than in previous years. One major reason?
Parents and caregivers are talking more.

When you start honest conversations early — even small, casual ones — you’re helping continue that positive trend.

You don’t have to wait for the “big talk.”

Just keep it simple:
✅ Ask what they’re hearing at school or online.
✅ Share your expectations clearly and calmly.
✅ Listen more than you lecture.
✅ Let them know they can come to you with anything.

Every time you talk, you build trust.
Every conversation lowers risk.
Every family that talks helps move the numbers in the right direction.

Learn more and find resources at WeTalked.org

11/07/2025

Please be advised: There is no school for ALL MCSC students on Monday, November 10, 2025.
There is no school for K-6 students only on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held for K-6 from 12:30pm-7:30pm. Please see the school calendar at www.mvsc.k12.in.us.

11/07/2025

ACEs & Su***de Risk in Youth … so much good info …

11/07/2025

For this Friday’s Fact or Myth edition, we’re asking: Is switching to e-ci******es or va**ng really a safe alternative to smoking?

Share your thoughts below!

According to the CDC, most e-ci******es contain ni****ne, the same highly addictive substance found in regular ci******es. They also expose users to harmful chemicals that can damage the lungs and heart.

The best choice for your health is to live completely to***co-free!

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

11/07/2025

Whatever you're going through, you don't have to face it alone. 💙

Call, text, or chat 988 anytime. Our compassionate counselors are here to listen, offer support, and provide resources. You deserve care, and someone ready to be there for you.

11/06/2025

Sleep Disruption Factor in Youth Mental Health & Su***de Risk

Teenagers who don't get enough sleep on school nights or have interrupted sleep are at greater risk of su***de, new research from the University of Warwick has found.

11/06/2025

Instagram - here's what parents need to know:
Instagram is updating teen safety settings so content follows PG-13 movie standards.
Teens will need a parent’s permission to change these new limits.
Parents can also add extra filters and report content they think is unsafe.

Content served to teens on Instagram will now follow PG-13 movie rating standards.

11/06/2025

Feeling empowered to quit smoking, and need help getting started? Visit:https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/to***co/empowered-to-quit.html for support. 🚭

11/06/2025

💙 Community care, continued.

We wanted to share this opportunity from one of our community partners — a Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway happening right here in Northwest Indiana.

🦃 Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 4–7 PM
📍 Dean & Barbara White Community Center — 6600 Broadway, Merrillville

What to expect:
🧡 750 meal bags + $25 gift cards (first come, first served)
🧡 One meal bag + gift card per family
🧡 Must be 18+ to receive
🧡 Snacks & refreshments provided
🧡 Local community resource vendors on-site

For more information, contact Arianna Hensley at ahensley@lernerandrowe.com
or 708-222-2222 ext. 6325.

We’re grateful for community partners who continue to care for and support families across the Region. 💛

11/05/2025

Help our coalition member, Bailey Martinson of the Salvation Army, provide a wonderful Christmas to families in Porter County. Consider having your organization, department, or family paired with an applicant family today!

11/05/2025

It’s Wellness Wednesday!

Remember, focus starts with fuel.

Nourish your body with whole foods, stay hydrated, and give your brain the energy it needs to stay sharp all day long.