White House School Town Hall
December 3, 2024
Owlbert made a visit to White House Elementary School as part of our community partnership and common goal of increasing positive mental health and resiliency among our youth. We had so much fun working on our bucket filling traits as part of their wonderful Character Education Program. Owlbert now has a great friendship with his buddy Cubby the Bear. We even had a special gift for each of them reminding everyone to Make Wise Choices. After dancing and getting energy out with the kids, Owlbert and Cubby engaged in breathing exercises to calm our minds and bodies. Thanks to White House Elementary School and Flemington 3D Lab for the awesome collaboration in helping to make our vision come true!
Naloxone Education - Virtual Reality
One Voice has partnered with CADCA and Walmart to utilize Virtual Reality headsets in order to provide naloxone education in our community. Thank you to White House School for taking part in our pilot program. During the month of December the Naloxone VR Headsets were set up in the staff lounge where faculty were able to experience simulated opioid overdoses through several different scenarios. The program simulates the use of Naloxone to revive each subject; thus, teaching the faculty how to use Naloxone as well.
We are grateful to White House School for their support of prevention efforts to reduce overdose deaths.
One Voice Coalition Receives National Award
In September, One Voice was honored as one of 12 coalitions nationwide to receive Blue-Ribbon Status from CADCA and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) for demonstrating evidence-based success in reducing the availability of Rx drugs prone to diversion and misuse. Based on our Blue-Ribbon status, One Voice was invited to apply for one of the prestigious Blue Ribbon Coalition Outcomes Awards.
The results are in, and we are extremely proud to announce that One Voice has received the Blue-Ribbon COALITION IN FOCUS AWARD which recognizes one coalition each year for delivering positive and sustainable short-term outcomes. The success of One Voice is a result of a collaborative community coalition, and we are grateful to all our partners in prevention, specifically the Hunterdon County prosecutor’s office, Faith Partners and the Partnership for Health, and its members. This recognition highlights our commitment to achieving measurable and meaningful outcomes that create a healthier, safer environment in Hunterdon County. One Voice will receive award recognition at CADCA’s National Leadership Forum held in Washington DC in February and will be given an opportunity to share our work and outcomes with other coalitions.
World Kindness Day
November 13, 2024 - World Kindness Day
The theme of Make Wise Choices was carried into World Kindness Day where stickers and coloring pages were distributed to all of the Hunterdon County libraries, reminding kids to Be a Buddy, Not a Bully.
Dr. Loew and Patel Patient Appreciation Day/World Kindness Day
November 12, 2024 - Dr. Loew and Patel Patient Appreciation Day/World Kindness Day
Owlbert was on hand at Branchburg's Sports Complex as part of Loew and Patel Orthodontic's Patient Appreciation Day to remind everyone to Make Wise Choices! Owlbert and One Voice Outreach Coordinator Carolanne Sherwood, handed out stickers and coloring pages with the message Be a Buddy, Not a Bully to over 180 kids, thank you Dr. Patel for the invitation!
Cub Scout Meeting
November 9, 2024 - Cub Scout Meeting
Youth Outreach Coordinator Amy Torres worked with Cub Scouts to teach yoga and mindfulness in order to fulfill the Physically Strong and Mentally Awake part of their BEAR STRONG personal fitness adventure requirement. Beginning with conversations around heart rate, muscles, relaxing activities, coping strategies and personal space, Amy introduced music and mood, and then led a 30-minute yoga routine with the boys. Parents were also present and participated in a group discussion about discreet ways to do mindfulness in the classroom. Thank you Melissa Conte for coordinating this event with us!
Norwescap PAC
November 8, 2024 - Norwescap PAC (use attached picture of Amy and group - can you blur the face of the one little girl?)
On Friday November 8, One Voice Youth Outreach Coordinator Amy Torres led a Yoga Ed program with breathwork and prevention education with parents and kids at Flemington Presbyterian Church, partnering with Norwescap as part of the Parent Association Committee (PAC). Utilizing tools such as pinwheels, bubbles and balloons, Amy taught parents techniques to calm children during a tantrum. In addition, Amy reviewed coping strategies and information on safe medicine disposal, marijuana legalization, 911 Lifeline Legislation and the 988 Crisis Hotline. All 13 parents received a Parent Toolkit.
One Voice Steering Committee Meeting
November 18, 2024 - One Voice Steering Committee Meeting
The One Voice Coalition Steering Committee Meeting was held on Monday 11/18. Thanks to our steering committee for engaging in conversation about ways to educate parents on securing alcohol, marijuana and Rx drugs in the home. If we reduce access, then we reduce youth substance use. If you are interested in joining the One Voice Coalition Steering Committee Meeting, please contact Peggy Dowd at peggy@onevoicehc.com. We meet bi-monthly.
One Voice Weekend
During the weekend of October 25-27, 2024, One Voice Weekend, we encouraged our Hunterdon County faith leaders to partner in prevention and share information about the 911 Lifeline Legislation and 988 Suicide Crisis Hotline with their congregations. The power of outreach through our faith leaders, trusted voices in our community, is to reach thousands of people in one weekend as we speak with 'one voice' to reduce the stigma of substance use disorder and mental illness and provide resources to families.
Saturday was also National DEA Takeback Day - a perfect opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinets and dispose of unused or expired medicine. Visit our website for Rx drop box locations. www.onevoicehc.com.
Whitehouse Elementary School - Red Ribbon Week
October 25, 2024
Whitehouse Elementary School - Red Ribbon Week: Owlbert visited the kids at Whitehouse Elementary Schoo as part of Red Ribbon Week Activities and assembly. "Be a Buddy Not a Bully" and "Making Wise Choices" was part of the theme of the day!
