Nationally, alcohol is the most abused substance among teens, and the same holds true for teens in Homewood. Did you know that alcohol addiction is considered a pediatrically acquired disorder? In fact, 90% of adults that struggle with addiction began using before the age of 18. 
 
This is the biggest reason we need to maintain a firm, consistent message of no alcohol use until 21 with our teens. Clearly communicate this expectation early and often. Click here for facts that you can share with your child in having those conversations and strategies that you can use to prevent underage drinking.

Did you know that addiction is considered a childhood-onset disease? Research shows that up to 90% of adults who are addicted to substances started using a substance (whether alcohol, nicotine, marijuana or other drugs) before the age of 18. These numbers may seem daunting, but they also point to an amazing opportunity for parents. By delaying substance use, you can help your child grow up safe and healthy.

October 23-31 is Red Ribbon Week, a national drug abuse prevention campaign. We will be sharing information with students during the week of October 24, and we encourage you to take the opportunity to start a dialogue with your child about substance use. We have tips and resources below to help. You can use your positive influence to send the message that you want your child to stay drug free!

For more information and tips for raising drug-free kiddos, please click here. Thank you to the Safe & Healthy Homewood Collaborative for compiling and sharing these resources!

Parents/guardians have more influence over their child's decisions about substance use than anyone else, including their peers. Discussing the risks of youth substance use can help your child make safe and healthy choices, but getting a conversation going can sometimes be the hardest part. Click here for some common communication traps and how to more effectively communicate the risks of youth substance use with your child.

The Safe and Healthy Homewood Collaborative was excited to offer educational programs throughout the 2021-2022 school year addressing topics relevant to parents of children of all ages. If you were unable to join them, they now have all program recordings available online. Please click here to access the recordings.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, the Safe & Healthy Homewood Collaborative is hosting a Suicide Prevention & Awareness program, including Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR) Training. The program will be held in-person and via Google Meet. 

For more information, please click here.

September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. The Safe & Healthy Homewood Collaborative has compiled a message of HOPE along with resources that can be accessed here.

Together, we have HOPE that we can prevent youth suicide.

As we enter into the last weeks of our school year, many of our teens may feel overwhelmed by final exams, end-of-year activities, and preparing for the summer. Encourage your teen to try relaxation techniques that help them calm down when they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

For more information on relaxation techniques for teens, please click here. Thank you to the Safe & Healthy Homewood Collaborative for compiling these tips!

Congratulations to the 2022-2023 HMS Peer Helpers!

7th Grade

Julia Anderson

Maggie Bailey

Graham Corscadden

Asa Duncan

Iris Gibson

Luke Gillis

Reid Goldstein

Katie Goodwin

Nora Green

Mary Lee Guice

Annie Holmes

Nolan Isley

Eva Jeffries

Micah Jones

Eli Malki

Miles McElheny

Roan Peck

Kathryn Peterson

Jane Serotsky

Jane Siegel

Margot Smith

Charles Stone

Molly Tate

Raylee Tate

Van Taylor

Addison Tew

Cannon Vail

Harper Warren

Emma Claire Wells

Lois Anne Winslett

 

8th Grade

Caeten Armstead

Josiah Batson

Caroline Boney

Margaret Cherry

Emma Cronin

Anna Denson

Mary McRae Farrell

Lauren Glover

Evie Harrison

Mary Holley

Leila Jarvis-Dabila

Miyelani Mathebula

Edwin McBride

Graham Morrow

Milly Myers

Bennett Nix

Anna Peterson

Ellie Pope

Harshini Ramesh

Cameron Samford

Allie Stuman

Anna Blakely Thompson

Charlee Kate Wilson

Anna Bayless Ydel

Whether your family stays home or travels this Spring Break, making it a safe and fun time is important for all. For some great tips from the Safe and Healthy Homewood Collaborative on having a safe break, please click here.

On January 13th, the Safe & Healthy Homewood Collaborative hosted a virtual program to equip our parents with the tools necessary to prevent teen vaping. If you were unable to join the program, the recording is available below. Watch the recording to learn more about the different types of vaping devices; health harms; communication and monitoring strategies; cessation resources for teens; and ways to support healthy choices. To access the video, click here.