Southwest Council

10/15/2025

"You've always had the power, my dear." – Glinda the Good Witch

After 30 magical years, Alexis Regenelli has clicked her heels and officially followed the yellow brick road into retirement! 🌈✨

Starting as an Administrative Assistant and rising to become our Director of Operations, Alexis helped shape the Southwest Council into the vibrant organization it is today: with heart, brains, and plenty of courage. As Alexis skips off over the rainbow, we’re left with big ruby slippers to fill, and a few flying monkeys to wrangle! Her kind smile, great sense of style, and legendary love for The Wizard of Oz is something we won’t soon forget.

Thank you, Alexis, for your years of dedicated service and for bringing a little magic to everything you did. Your impact will be felt for years to come.

Read the blog post here: https://www.southwestcouncil.org/blog

10/06/2025

🧡💊 Today is Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day 💊🧡

Opioid addiction continues to impact families and communities across the country — but awareness saves lives. Today, we stand together to:

🥊 Educate about the risks of prescription opioids
🥊 Promote safe alternatives for pain management
🥊 Break the stigma around addiction
🥊 Support prevention, treatment, and recovery

Let’s for good. 💪
📚 Learn more & get involved: Join our coalitions, reach out to have free evidence based programming in your schools, and have presentations on current trends to help combat opioid misuse.

10/03/2025

Join us for our tri-county meeting on October 17th discussing the reality of underage drinking.

Join us for networking, lunch, and education on 10/17/25!

10/01/2025

🎗️ October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎗️

Breast cancer affects millions of lives every year — including our colleagues, families, and communities. This month, we stand in solidarity with those impacted and emphasize the importance of education, early detection, and support.

🔹 Early detection is critical. Encourage regular screenings and self-exams.
🔹 Awareness matters. Share resources and information.
🔹 Support saves lives. Stand with survivors, patients, and caregivers.

Together, we can help create a future without breast cancer.

09/23/2025

Thursday is Save A Life Day — Let’s Talk Overdose Awareness 💜

Every life lost to overdose is one too many. Thursday, we stand together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and take action.

✅ Learn the signs of overdose
✅ Carry Naloxone (Narcan)
✅ Offer compassion, not judgment
✅ Support harm reduction efforts

You can save a life—through knowledge, kindness, and preparedness. Many pharmacies now carry naloxone that you can ask for- for free! You can find us in front of the Salem Public Library handing out Narcan, general information, some small free kits.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and is ready to start their recovery journey or is in need of resources, please reach out to our Peer Recovery Specialists at (856) 794-1011 x 209 or 212

09/02/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Month.

In 2023 there were over 49,000 people who completed su***de, which is 1 every 11 minutes. Men make up 80% of su***de deaths, and Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Natives make up the highest population. Older adults make up the highest regarding ages, and it is the second leading cause of death among 10-34 year olds.

So where do we go from here? Being aware of what limited access people have to healthcare, community support, and fighting against stigma that is related to mental health is important making a meaningful difference. Being aware of what the actual statistics are will be beneficial as well. While there is data available, there are many who do not report. Reporting also allows individuals to receive help they need.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

YOU MATTER.

**The above statistics and information was captured by the CDC.

08/29/2025

We will be closed on Monday, September 1st and reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!

08/29/2025

Join us for our Senior Wellness Summit!

08/28/2025

Thank you!

08/28/2025

Is the Curse Over? The Golden Suns Shine Bright in a Historic Color Wars Victory

For years, the yellow team has fought hard, battled fiercely, and come heartbreakingly close—but victory always seemed just out of reach. This year, the question was louder than ever: Could the Golden Suns finally break the streak?

The answer: a resounding YES!

In one of the most electrifying Color Wars to date, the Golden Suns blazed their way to the top, capturing the championship title and bringing home the gold. Energy was high from start to finish, and the Suns didn’t just play the game—they owned it.

Guiding this golden moment were two dynamic leaders: the unstoppable 3X Color Wars leader Alan Kagan who has proven time and time again that experience and heart win battles, and the fearless newcomer Dajanae Myrick, stepping into her role as a first-time Team leader with undeniable fire. Together, they ignited a team spirit that could not be contained.

From chants that shook the campground to victories in event after event, the Suns’ determination and unity were on full display. By the end, there was no question: the “curse” is over.

This win wasn’t just about breaking a streak—it was about resilience, teamwork, and the belief that when you bring the energy, anything is possible. The Golden Suns didn’t just shine—they lit up the whole camp.

Will the yellow team repeat next year keeping their winning streak going? We will have to wait in anticipation until Camp YEY 2026!

08/28/2025

The Green Gators Bite Back to Win Week 2 of Color Wars

The Green Gators proved that resilience and teamwork always pay off, as they battled their way to victory in Week 2 of Color Wars. The competition was fierce, with teams trading places throughout the week. At one point, the Gators were soaring in first place, only to tumble down to last place by the final day. But just when it seemed like they were out of the running, the Gators showed their true bite.

Scoring perfect marks on both their poster and their cheer, the Green Gators clawed their way back into the top spot, reclaiming first place when it mattered most. Their comeback not only stunned the competition but also energized the crowd, proving that you can never count the Gators out.

This thrilling victory was led by two-time Color Wars champion Drew Mesiano and first-time champion Holly Falvey, who inspired their team to fight until the very end. Their leadership and determination carried the Gators to glory, marking another unforgettable chapter in the history of Color Wars.

One thing is for sure: stay clear of the Green Gators—or they’ll get you!

08/28/2025

Have you checked out our blogs written by our fabulous Prevention Specialists? Click the link below!

Southwest Council Blog Prevention in Print. Check back to this page for information, opinions, and blog posts written by members of our Prevention Team regarding substance misuse and related topics. Bethany Vega 8/28/25 Bethany Vega 8/28/25 Mindfully Cure Overthinking By: Holy Falvey In today’s wo...