Dear Friend,
As COVID-19 continues to unfold, we are all learning, adjusting and growing—hour by hour and day by day, at times minute by minute. We are cancelling events and implementing new strategies, protocols, and procedures to reach people in new ways via high-quality remote outreach, education, and telehealth practices. The landscape is changing so quickly it’s hard to navigate; however, if we stay calm and go slow, I’m confident we’ll reach our destination of health and safety. That said, this new reality isn’t stress free and can be hard on each of us professionally and personally.
Despite social distancing, there are many ways we can care for one another. Getting outside is one of the best things we can do to keep ourselves healthy, physically and mentally. Nature is proven to be therapeutic on many levels and we live in a region that is rich with walking and biking trails, mountains, lakes, and beautiful scenic views. I hope you will take 3 minutes to watch this amazing video that speaks to the value of nature for our children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XDVDyDJ3s0.
With increased online education and virtual meetings, we will soon find ourselves saturated with media. One good way to unplug is with good old-fashioned board games around the kitchen table (be sure to mute iPhones and relocate these addictive devices to another room). One of things we need most is simply the presence of caring people in our lives who are able and willing to listen deeply to our cares and concerns. There are more strategies and resources included in the links of this eNewsletter that we hope you will find helpful.
There’s certainly no roadmap to navigating these challenging times—we all just need to keep doing our best, stay positive, practice self-care, and nurture hope in others. While we observe CDC social distancing guidelines, be sure to get a daily dose of hugs from your loved ones—living life at a slower pace will help us to survive this monumental challenge and build resiliency in ourselves and our children so we may all grow and thrive each and every day.
Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family as we all respond to this monumental challenge. We are so grateful for your support—together, we will get through this pandemic with compassion, caring, and commitment.
Please stay strong, healthy, and hopeful,
Deb Naro
Positivity Campaign- led by CADY Youth Leaders
Parenting Support
How to talk to Your Child About COVID-19
Healthy Parenting Tips in the Time of COVID-19
Caring for Children in a Disaster
COVID-19 Parent Resource Guide
Remote Learning Support (Demonstrated Success)
Remote Learning Support (NH Department of Education)
NH Grades K-12 Back to School Guidance
Mental Health
Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty
Supporting Child and Family Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Emergency
Online Resources for Support in This Uncertain Time
CDC’s Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
Supporting Your Mental Health While Navigating Change
OMH Encourages Healthy Activities at Home for All to Advance Health and Emotional Wellness
Additional Resources:
DEA Launches Secure Your Meds Campaign
Responding to Critical Incidents in Schools Around Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
Building Developmental Relationships During the COVID-19 Crisis
Support Groups and Meetings
Online Resources for Support in This Uncertain Time
Free Online Meetings and Virtual Platforms
Everyday Prevention
Prevention Action Alliance offers practical tips that you can use immediately to support a happy, healthy, safe, and drug-free family, home, and community. When this difficult time is over, we want youth to emerge happy, healthy, and resilient because……. everyone has a role in prevention. Read today’s daily tip
Webinars
Operation Parent Webinar: Helping Teens Cope with Anxiety During COVID-19 (April 2, 2020)
COVID-19 and Mental Health: Caring for the Public and Oursleves (Open until April 24, 2020)