Marion County SAPC

06/17/2026

This film is an independent documentary that explores the history of cannabis from prohibition through legalization and what changing cannabis laws can mean for youth health, mental wellbeing, and public health.

The film includes Johnny’s story, as well as powerful personal stories alongside expert perspectives. Through a public health lens, the film explores increased youth exposure, marketing concerns, and the need for policies that protect children while moving beyond criminalization. It ultimately asks: Where do we go from here?

View for free until July 31 (use password protectyouth)

With cannabis now mainstream, young people face rising potency, predatory marketing, and outdated policies. I am pleased to be featured in an important

06/13/2026

Looking for something to do with the fam?
Have you seen the buffalo in Canton?
Check out the Maxwell Wildlife Preserve and take a tram tour to get an up close view.
https://maxwellwildliferefuge.com/

06/03/2026

Did you know that quitting smoking has countless short and long-term health benefits, some of which start to impact the body almost immediately after putting down a cigarette.

Just 20 minutes after quitting, heart and blood pressure begin to drop. After two weeks, circulation and lung functionality improve.

After one year, the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack is reduced.

After 10 years, the risk of dying from lung cancer is 50% less compared to a current smoker.

Quitting smoking has also been associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as improved positive mood and quality of life compared with continuing to smoke.

Click the link to get help and read more...

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/quitting-smoking-vaping/breath-fresh-air-immediate-benefits-quitting-smoking-or

06/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/189JrfKRdK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Did you know Newton has a growing network of free, locally available food sources? 🌳🍐

Through Falling Fruit and the Harvey County Foraging Passport brought about by the Harvey County Food & Farm Council, community members can discover fruit and nut trees throughout Newton and Harvey County, including spots like Washington Park and other public spaces. The project helps reduce food waste, connect people to local food, and celebrate the abundance already growing around us.

Through this initiative and partnership with the Harvey County Food & Farm Council, even more is on the way! The City plans to plant 25 red mulberry trees and 25 pawpaw trees along Sand Creek Trail and Centennial Park in spring 2027, helping expand Newton’s edible landscape for years to come.

Want to explore? Visit FallingFruit.org to find mapped edible plants, add your own trees or bushes, and learn more about local foraging opportunities. Foraging Passports are also available at City Hall as well as at Peace Connections, 209 S. Pine St. in Newton.

If you harvest, remember:
• Only pick what you can confidently identify
• Follow the “20% rule” to help keep it sustainable for everyone 🌱

06/01/2026

We love going to the CADCA forum when we have funds to attend. 🤞🏼
We bring home so much... knowledge, resources, networks, vision, and hope!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/30/2026

The impact of social isolation

Connection is something that people seek to feel well mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. However, social isolation and loneliness are a growing public health concern in the United States.

Social isolation and loneliness do more than just disconnect people from others. Research shows that loneliness can increase your risk of several different mental and physical health conditions, including depression, heart disease, arthritis, and type 2 diabetes.

Did you know pets can ease this social isolation?

People who lack social connections or report frequent feelings of loneliness tend to suffer higher rates of infection, death, depression, and cognitive decline.
Children who are isolated or experience loneliness are more likely to have difficulty adjusting to school and exhibit problematic behaviors like disobeying rules and physical aggression, and an increase in internalized behaviors, such as fearfulness and social withdrawal.

Adults who are more socially connected are healthier and live longer than their more isolated peers.

Human and animal interaction, such as pet ownership or interacting with animals in treatment, is a promising way to help slow the growing loneliness epidemic and improve social connection...
To keep reading go to : https://mhanational.org/resources/how-pets-help-ease-loneliness-and-social-isolation/

05/28/2026

How to make friends as an adult

😎Know yourself:
When you are in touch with yourself, you have a greater capacity to meet people. You also have more to offer others. With age comes more flexibility and adaptability, which helps with relationships. New phases in your life, such as starting a job, going to college, parenthood, etc. can change what you’re looking for in a friend.

Self-love is the start of going out to make new friends. When you are filled up, you have much more to offer others. Reach out to others with your “feel good” energy. You might explore groups that interest you, such as outdoor activities, volunteering, classes, and support groups. Ask yourself what kind of time commitment you want to put into friendships. Decide whether you want deep relationships where you can bear your soul or if you want to keep it casual by enjoying activities together.

😁Be a friend to make a friend:
From past friendships—and friendship break-ups—we learn that good friendships are built on good communication which fosters trust and honesty. Part of good communication is listening. Our friends need to feel safe and comfortable with us and vice versa. Feeling safe enough to be vulnerable will create a genuine emotional connection. Good communication also means showing up for and not “ghosting” our friends. Get on your friends’ calendars! This can look like meeting regularly in person, scheduling phone or video calls, checking in via text, etc.

🧐Identify your needs:
Ask yourself, “What kinds of friendships work best for this time in my life?” How many friends would make me fulfilled and happy? Who are my people? Who is “safe?” “Do I need a ‘ride or die’ kind of friend?” Are work friends included as well as family friends? “Do I embrace the diversity within my circle of friends?” Each friend brings unique gifts and perspectives and that should be celebrated.

To read more go to: https://screening.mhanational.org/content/how-to-make-friends-as-an-adult/

05/26/2026

Half of all adults will struggle with a mental health problem in their lifetime.

Prioritizing your brain health is as important as prioritizing your body health. This worksheet provides a set of questions to help you get started.

https://screening.mhanational.org/content/your-mind-and-your-body/

05/25/2026

Congratulations to the 5th graders at Marion Elementary for completing their course titled Too Good For Drugs! 🙌

We're so proud of you!

This 10 week course teaches:
🏆goal-setting,
📣effective communication,
🧐responsible decision-making,
👭positive peer relationships,
🧩and the ability to resist negative peer pressure —
all while reinforcing the importance of staying drug-free!

05/24/2026

Finding the right way to care for your mental health shouldn’t be hard—but it can be. Mental health care can look different for everyone, and you don’t need to choose just one option.

Research shows that a combination of methods can be extremely helpful, especially when combined with culturally responsive care. Options include therapists, psychiatrists, primary care providers, healers, faith leaders, community members, loved ones, doulas, self-help practices, and more.

Use the prompts from the link provided below to help you find the right combination of mental health care for you.
https://screening.mhanational.org/content/choosing-the-right-mental-health-care-for-you/