This week we were uplifted by stories of hope, positivity, and life!

• This week on America’s Got Talent, San Diego’s Voices of Our City Choir, made up of persons experiencing homelessness, wowed audiences and received a Golden Buzzer taking them to the finale. Watch their performance and learn their story here.
• As the typically vibrant Gaslamp District went silent, artists turned the boarded-up storefronts into colorful paintings and positive messages. Messages read “Things will be okay,” and included messages of love, hope, and strength. Read about the transformation here.  
• The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park have been staying busy! This week the Zoo took 300 high school students on a virtual tour through the elephant exhibit, followed by a stop at the giraffes encounter. Read about it here. At the Safari Park, two rhino calves explored the savanna for the first time. Read about the calves here.

This study provides the first general population evidence suggesting that the use of high-potency cannabis is associated with mental health and addiction. Limiting the availability of high-potency cannabis may be associated with a reduction in the number of individuals who develop cannabis use disorders, the prevention of cannabis use from escalating to a regular behavior, and a reduction in the risk of mental health disorders.

To view JAMA study click here.

CCR will be presenting virtually at the 2020 Substance Use Disorder Statewide Conference in August! This conference is an opportunity to network and learn about the important issues and trends affecting SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery. The conference program balances valuable workshops and sessions for county leaders, SUD treatment providers, counselors, prevention groups, SUD researchers and academics, SUD policymakers and advocates, community organizations, and those in recovery.

We are very excited to be discussing What We’ve Learned Since Marijuana was Legalized.

During our Pacific Southwest Listening Sessions for Prevention Practitioners on doing prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic, a concern that was frequently raised was about local and state marijuana policies and regulations shifting to accommodate businesses during COVID-19 restrictions without public health considerations. Some of the questions raised during these sessions included concerns about the increased availability of marijuana in the COVID-19 environment. Others expressed concern about marijuana dispensaries being deemed essential businesses by state leaders. Many were concerned that these new practices will contribute to increased substance misuse and continue beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

To respond to these concerns, we are holding this important discussion session with experts in this area. If you share these concerns, please join us to learn how YOU can be a champion for prevention!

For details click here.

This week, people from around the county have continued their good, positive work. Some highlights include:

• The “Restaurants for the People” initiative is helping restaurants by paying them to feed people struggling during the COVID-19 crisis - Read about it here.

• A 10-year-old from Connecticut has given away 1,500 art kits to kids in foster care and homeless shelters during quarantine - Learn about it here.

• An organization called Love Beyond Walls brings portable sinks to people experiencing homelessness to help curb coronavirus - Watch the story here.

• The newest episode of Some Good News was released - Watch the episode here.

More good news can be found at the Good News Network, Upworthy, and Good News from Today.