Alliance for Healthy Communities

Bottle caps for benches is happening! Our Teen Voice for Change-South crew has a collection spot outside the front doors of @parkwayschools @patriotpride76 South HS. We know spending time outdoors with friends is in the future! Please drop off your collection and help us create spaces for friends to (safely) gather. #mentalhealthmatters #preventionworks

How do you answer the "WHYs"? "Because I said so!" doesn't always work. Plus, our kids deserve the truth. https://ahc-stl.org/in-the-open-addressing-the-whys/

Is it too harsh or spot on? Catch this story about the Sober Mom Squad and share your thoughts. "You wear a shirt that says "Mommy needs Wine". What does that say to our kids? That we need to numb out to be with them?" https://www.today.com//sober-mom-squad-offers-alternative-

AHC is proud to participate the Drug Epidemic Awareness Walk Across America drive thru event at CrossPoint Church, 5001 Little Rock Rd. 63128

Join us April 7 6:00pm for a virtual conversation about how teens are navigating new norms and how YOU can support them. See the article below for a few tips and find the link to register for the town hall in the comments. https://raisinghealthyteens.org//teenage-connection-the-1/

Our March Madness goal? Giving kids a fair shot at a healthy future. DM us for how to get involved or to make a donation. #taxseason #teenhealth #donorschoose #preventioniskey

#MentalHealthMonday Pandemic coping skills: according to the article below, many are drinking more alcohol to cope with stress, and were not getting an appropriate amount of sleep. Visit our website for help.

When cleaning out a cabinet could save a life! Do it!

Check out these alternatives to "just say no". MOST teens make healthy choices. Support their resiliency by sharing these strategies. https://www.justthinktwice.gov/article/just-say

Don't. Wait. We encourage parents to talk to kids about drugs and alcohol (cuts risk of misuse in half, an awesome first step in prevention). Are you prepared for their questions? Check out this resource for help. ... https://www.addictionisreal.org/dont-wait#download

Being grateful does not mean that everything is necessarily good, but we believe our latest blog post, "Part 5: In The Open, The Gratitude Jar" is very GOOD. We are definitely grateful for Parkway Schools parent perspective from Stephanie Pericich. Show your gratitude for our work by Liking and Sharing! Share the good! https://ahc-stl.org/in-the-open-the-gratitude-jar/

We have been spending a lot of virtual time working with youth to plan activities to provide healthy opportunities for fun. These conversations have been amazing and the resilience of these kids, inspiring. Therefore, when a student sends you a video and says, "this was meaningful and struck a chord with me", we want to share it. *Warning: if you are feeling a bit emotional today, this is a tough watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LnMhy8kDiQ

Thank you to these Parkway Schools teachers for living (& wearing) the Red Ribbon motto. Happy! Brave! Drug-free!

What is your HAPPY? Based on research, DOGS help owners live longer, happier lives. People often turn to drugs because they feel that something is missing from their lives; dogs can provide that missing link. Drop a pic of your pet in our comments so we can enjoy your HAPPY! (Red Ribbon Mask not required, but we will send one your way, DM for more info)