Josephine County Prevention

Northwestern University head football coach David Braun is the most recent prominent sports figure to spotlight the failure of legalizing commercialized sports gambling across the country: "I’m telling you what, I got 11-year-old and 9-year-old boys at home and I am terrified of how addictive gambling is... It’s predatory. It’s messed up what’s going on. You look at 18-25 year old young men out there right now and the predatory nature of this stuff—it’s really scary."

🧠 Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down the function of the brain. Alcohol affects people differently at different stages of life—for children and adolescents, alcohol can interfere with normal brain development. 👉 Check out this alcohol talk kit if you need some guidance on how to approach this conversation with the youth in your care: buff.ly/46zJc9a 👉 Get more facts at buff.ly/45UhS4S #standupaj #prevention #drugawareness #drugfreeyouth #addiction #recovery #mentalhealth #apachejunction #talkearlytalkoften #talktheyhearyou

Thinking about quitting nicotine and/or cannabis? 🌿 Quitting can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. This Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week, make a plan, identify your triggers, and build healthy coping strategies. This can make all the difference. Remember: ✔️ Know your "why" ✔️ Set a quit date ✔️ Remove cannabis and/or nicotine products and related supplies ✔️ Find healthy ways to manage cravings and stress ✔️ Reach out for support when you need it Withdrawal symptoms are common, and progress isn't always linear. Every quit attempt is an opportunity to learn and move closer to your goal. Check out the resources in this graphic to help you take the next step. You've got this. 💚 🔗tinyurl.com/QuittingTipsNico… 🔗tinyurl.com/QuittingTipsCann… #StanfordREACHLab #preventionmonth #redribbonweek #HealthyHabits #MentalHealth #WellnessJourney #PublicHealth #StanfordMedicine

Cancer prevention isn’t about chance—it’s about systems. Cancer risks drop when you regulate tobacco, prevent infections, breathe clean air, eat healthy and nutritious food, and choose vaccines. Did you know? Nearly 40% of cancers are preventable. Of that 40%, there are three cancers that account for nearly half of all preventable cancers. 🔗 bit.ly/3NUjszT

Red Ribbon Week starts today. 🔴 From Oct. 23-31, communities nationwide will promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles and raise awareness about the power of prevention. Learn more: redribbon.org/about #RedRibbonWeek #PreventionWorks

Think Vaping Is Safer Than Smoking? Think Again! 🚭 While vaping might seem like a "safer" alternative to cigarettes, the reality isn’t so clear. Here’s why: 💨 Nicotine Danger: Most e-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine, which can harm brain development in teens and lead to long-term addiction. 💨 Chemical Exposure: Vapes contain chemicals like formaldehyde and diacetyl, which are linked to lung damage. Even if it smells fruity, it’s not harmless! Don’t let the sleek designs and flashy flavors fool you—vaping is not a risk-free habit. Protect your lungs, your brain, and your future. 💪✨ LEARN MORE: learnmoreaz.org/vaping/ #VapingRisks #HealthOverHype #ProtectYourLungs #standupaj #prevention #drugawareness #drugfreeyouth #addiction #recovery #mentalhealth #apachejunction #talkearlytalkoften #talktheyhearyou

This Prevention Month, The REACH Lab makes it easier than ever to launch a FREE, flexible 5-day tobacco awareness campaign! 🚭🌱 Choose from two campaign kits: 🌿 Tobacco/ Nicotine Campaign Kit: Explore the impacts of commercial tobacco/ nicotine products on people and the environment. 🔗View now: tinyurl.com/TobaccoCampaignK… 🌎 Tobacco & the Environment Campaign Kit: Raise awareness about the environmental impacts of commercial tobacco—from production to disposal, indoors and outdoors. 🔗 View now: tinyurl.com/EnvironmentalCam… Both kits include: ✅ Printable stickers, flyers & infographics ✅ Ready-to-use daily social media posts & captions ✅ Daily announcements & PSA scripts ✅ Additional outreach tools and resources Ready to get started? Launch the full 5-day campaign or adapt the materials into a shorter awareness effort to fit your needs. #stanford #stanforduniversity #stanfordsom #stanfordmedicine #PreventionMonth #TobaccoPrevention #TobaccoFree #nicotine

What is problem gambling? Who is at risk for problem gambling? How much money do you have to lose before gambling becomes a problem? Get answers to common questions about problem gambling and its effects at NCPGambling.org/FAQs

Young people can become addicted to nicotine at a time when their brains are still developing. Nicotine can also increase stress levels and negatively affect teens’ mental health. Meanwhile, the tobacco industry continues to market addictive nicotine products to young people. Ahead of #WorldMentalHealthDay, learn more about nicotine, its effects on young people and the industry behind these products. Read the blog: bit.ly/3VOCaNe #ExposeTobacco

Tobacco industry tactics: new products, old strategies. For decades, the #tobacco industry has used misleading claims to downplay the dangers of its products and protect profits. From marketing cigarettes as “light” or “mild” to promoting filters as a way to reduce harm, the industry has repeatedly tried to make harmful products appear less dangerous than they are. Industry new products and claims of technological innovation continue to shape how tobacco and nicotine products are marketed. But new technology does not mean safer products, and tobacco-free does not mean risk-free. All forms of tobacco and #nicotine use are harmful, and nicotine is highly addictive no matter what forms they come in or level of exposure. The industry’s commercial interests are fundamentally incompatible with public health. Public health, for the sake of current and future generations, in Viet Nam and all countries, must come before industry profits. Policies must be guided by scientific evidence from reputable sources, protect people from misleading marketing and prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to all tobacco and nicotine products. #TobaccoExposed

Sober isn't just about what you're giving up. It's about what you're making room for. 🧡 Creativity. Health and Wellness. Real friendships. Who you're becoming. #SoberBeyondOctober #NaturalHigh #soberoctober #SubstanceFreeYouth #FindYourNaturalHigh

Problem Gambling Can Affect More Than the Gambler. 💜 When gambling becomes a problem, the impact can extend to relationships, finances, and the entire family. Problem gambling and domestic violence can intersect in ways that may be difficult to recognize. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, take a moment to learn about the connection between gambling and domestic violence, and discover resources that can help. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. • Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER • Learn more: mdproblemgambling.com/proble… #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth #ProblemGambling #GamblingAwareness #DomesticViolenceAwareness #1800GAMBLER

#alcoholawareness Sept 2026 ~Alcohol is basically a poison, a proven toxic group 1 carcinogen, and leading cause of death's, diseases and injurie's, worldwide! Health risk's increase with any type or amount, including wine, beer or liquor! 'Rethink the drink"

Fall sports are back! 🏈 Athletes work hard to perform their best, and healthy choices off the field matter, too. Learn how alcohol can impact coordination, recovery and athletic performance: bit.ly/3Sci7Dx.

Even short-term exposure to secondhand smoke is detrimental to your health – especially for kids. Just 30 minutes of exposure can lead to lifelong complications. Learn more: bit.ly/3Qkwqpz

Take some time to learn about the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure. No amount of alcohol is safe in pregnancy. If you're pregnant or may become pregnant & find it hard to stop drinking, help is available: samhsa.gov/alcohol

Spending time with your child is one of those experiences that makes parenthood so special. But when engaging in or referring to adult activities around them, like sports betting, it’s important to be aware of the impacts that could have. Learn more about youth gambling prevention and how to have a conversation with your child at Change The Game Ohio, and visit the links to explore more resources and online support groups for parents with children impacted by gambling harms from Parents Standing Together. 🔗Online support for parents: parentsstandingtogether.org/ 🔗Change The Game Ohio resources: ChangeTheGameOhio.org/for-pa… #PreventYouthGambling #ChangeTheGameOhio

Suicide Prevention starts with all of us. Together we can create communities where people feel seen, supported and connected. Learn more: samhsa.gov/mental-health/sui… #SPM2026 #StrongerTogether #SupportMatters

Smoking-induced cardiovascular disease causes around 1 in 4 deaths each year. Is your heart protected?