With recent and continual legislative changes around recreational marijuana, privatized liquors sales, and vaping products, Washington State is facing a unique set of challenges for youth substance abuse prevention.
In response, Spokane Regional Health District will be hosting 3 free community events centered around the changing landscape of substance abuse. Each event will feature keynote presentations from Jason Kilmer & Shannon Bailie of the University of Washington’s Health and Wellness program.
Alcohol, Marijuana, and Mental Health: What everyone needs to know
Wednesday April 20th from 7:00pm – 8:30PM
Shadle Park Highschool Auditorium
4327 N. Ash St., Spokane, WA 99205
This community forum is especially relevant for parents, and anyone in our community who works with youth. The keynote presentation will break down the “Top 10 Things Everyone Needs to Know” about youth substance use, and then transition to a Q&A session themed around what we can do to support youth in our community. As this is a community forum, your participation is greatly needed. Please spread the word!
Building a Healthy YOUth: The Changing Landscape of Substance Use Symposium
Thursday, April 21, 2016 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
South Eastern Washington University Campus (SEWC)
(Riverpoint Campus), Room 122
Spokane, WA 99201
This full day symposium targets community members who work with youth in a substance use prevention or intervention capacity. It will focus heavily on discussing the current landscape of state policy, giving exposure to new research and methods to reduce youth substance use, and establishing a greater network of collaboration between partners in the Better Health Together region. There will be two keynote speakers in the morning, and an afternoon of breakout session. Event is free, but please register here.
An Introduction to Brief Intervention Strategies & Motivational Interviewing for School Professionals
Friday, April 22, 2016 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Spokane Regional Health District
1101 W. College Ave., Room 122, Spokane, WA 99201
Targeting school professionals and anyone who works with youth in an intervention capacity, this workshop will share tools for how to have a non-judgmental, non-confrontational conversation with young people about substance use. Space is limited, register here.
Thank you to SRHD for hosting these important conversations. If you have any questions please contact Paige McGowan.
