May Newsletter
National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA)
Voice for the Children
Loss of a Champion for Children: NACoA Co-Founder Lael Greenleaf
NACoA is sad to announce the passing of one of our co-founders Lael Greenleaf. We are so grateful for the contributions of this unique, bright person with a kind heart. He authored the landmark booklet in the early 1980’s “Co-alcoholic, para-alcoholic: Who’s who and what’s the difference? The Importance of Appropriate Terminology and Etiological Differentiation in … From Families with Alcoholism Syndrome.” We are proud to live this mission and vision, conceived over 40 years ago by our co-founders, to improve the lives of children and families by raising awareness about the impact of addiction, educating communities, and providing materials and programs promoting hope and healing.
Supporting Youth Impacted by Addiction in Rural Communities NACoA’s Director of Programs Mary Beth Collins Panelist Thursday, May 23rd, 2 pm ET?
Director of Programs Mary Beth Collins is among the featured panelists for this one hour virtual event spotlighting an important underserved population: youth impacted by the disease of addiction in rural America. ?Moderated by award-winning Investigative Reporter Amelia Ferrell Knisely, the panel will address pressing needs, barriers and tailored support strategies unique to their rural communities.
Safety First for Children Impacted by Addiction During Memorial Day Festivities?
Memorial Day is often marked by community gatherings, family barbecues, and outdoor events like boating and beach parties. While these celebrations can provide fun and relaxation, they also often involve drinking and, sometimes, recreational drug use. For children growing up in homes where addiction is present, these environments can be complex and triggering. This Memorial Day, and throughout the entire weekend, it’s crucial to recognize the unique needs of these children and ensure they have the support and safety they require.
Read More about how to provide a safe and happy memorial weekend for your family and friends.?
Pediatricians Have Important Role in Talking?About Substance Use, Experts Say?
MedPage – May 17, 2024?
"If we look at the big picture, we are seeing, unfortunately, a rapid increase in the number of overdose deaths in adolescents," Kao-Ping Chua, MD, PhD, a pediatrician and health policy researcher at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, told MedPage Today. "Almost all of those overdose deaths involved fentanyl."?
From July-December 2019 to the same period in 2021, median monthly overdose deaths among kids and adolescents ages 10 to 19 increased 109% CDC researchers reported, while deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyls (IMFs) increased 182%. Approximately 90% of deaths involved opioids, 84% involved IMFs, and counterfeit pills were present in nearly a quarter of deaths.?
"It is becoming increasingly important for primary care pediatricians to provide anticipatory guidance to adolescents at well-child visits, or really any visit, regarding the increasing dangers of using substances now," Chua said, pointing out that people don't know what they're getting.?
NACoA ACOA Online Education and Discussion Group Monthly Meetings Facilitated by NACoA and Colleen Perry?
Join NACoA and host Colleen Perry for monthly meetings ideally suited for adult children who have been impacted by addiction, looking for education and support through an online facilitated group. Each meeting features an expert presenting on important topics facing adults nurturing their own resilience, followed by an opportunity for attendees to speak freely. Meetings are held at 6 pm ET, the second Thursday each month.??
June 13th, 6 pm ET ? ? ? Topic: Fathers and Addiction: Breaking the Cycle? Presenter: Celebrating Families! National Trainer Ron Robinson
领英推荐
NACoA WEBINAR: Successful Groupwork with Teens
Wednesday June 19th at 1:30 pm ET?
Presenter: Peggy McGillicuddy, MEd, CTSS, NACoA Director of Children’s Programs?
Working with teens can be both exhilarating and challenging, and sometimes even at the same time! Understanding this stage of development, the challenges teens uniquely face, and opportunities that group leaders can create to connect with them, educate them, and motivate teen involvement is an important part of this work. Group leaders don’t have to be behavioral experts when implementing educational support programs. Instead, learn helpful strategies to become more confident when working with teens who are struggling to l become healthier, ?content, and more resilient in their daily lives.
Al-Anon : A Community Resource Here for You
Tuesday, June 25 5pm ET?
Al-Anon is a mutual support program for relatives and friends of alcoholics. ?As a professional, you may see people affected by someone else’s drinking, or affected yourself when working with this trauma-impacted population. Learn more during this free, online workshop, hosted by District 21 NYC Upper West Side (NYS Area), Public Outreach Committee. CEUs will be provided by NACoA. Al Anon/Alateen cooperates with professionals by providing speakers and literature for conferences, workshops and meetings.?
NACoA Blog?
Each month NACoA publishes important blogs to help educate about the impact of addiction on children, how to help kids and teens heal, and what adults can do who are still struggling with the impact. Resilience is available for children of all ages, and NACoA provides information, education, and additional resources through these informative and reflective articles.
NACoA Blogs Published During May:
Keep Going 5K Run – Evanston, IL – May 25th?
Calling all Chicago and surrounding area supporters! The Advanced Practice Providers of Endeavor Health - a multispecialty group with more than 60 Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) including Midwives, Advance Practice Registered Nurses, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and Physician Assistants providing collaborative care to Chicago’s north and northwest sides – has set up a group for this area 5K race. Learn more about the race and how to participate here>>