News & Events
Much of our work involves measuring the difference others make. Getting involved and making our own difference is also an important part of who we are as individuals and as an organization.
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!
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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.
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In the past few weeks, we have discussed many ways to take care of yourself – including physical health, keeping your brain stimulated, gratitude journaling, and mindfulness. Reinforcing the benefits of mindfulness, we wanted to share some resources from YouTube with you.
A 5 minute meditation you can do anywhere - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inpok4MKVLM
A 10 minute mindfulness meditation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU
A TED talk about how living in the present moment has a transformative power - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzR62JJCMBQ
Another TED talk about how mindfulness changes the emotional life of our brains - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CBfCW67xT8
A cute animation why mindfulness is a superpower - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6T02g5hnT4
We hope resources like these are helping you to stay positive and healthy!
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An explosion and fire at a commercial building in downtown Los Angeles Saturday night has wounded 11 firefighters, the LA Fire Department said in a statement. AP describes the business as a "hash oil manufacturer."
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As we enter summer, we recognize that many summer vacations and family trips are being cancelled. Travel and Leisure has made a list of 100+ things to do at home during quarantine that can try to make up for not being able to go this year. From this list, you can go on virtual tours and go sightseeing around the world with these virtual destinations. Some highlights from the list were tours of Europe’s famous castles, virtual train rides from around the world, visuals of Aruba or Saint Lucia to enjoy island life, and some hotels are even live streaming to make you feel like you’re on vacation. Fortunately, you can also explore museums, art, theater, and culture at home, too! When else can you explore Machu Picchu and then immediately see the inside of the Louvre?
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