Upper Merion Area Community Alliance for a Safer Tomorrow

06/05/2026

Boredom isn’t harmless. It can lead to risky choices.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), studies link unstructured, unsupervised time with higher chances of teen substance use.

Teens should try this instead:
☀️ Get outside
🎨 Start something creative
👯 Make plans with friends
🎧 Dive into music or content creation

Boredom doesn’t have to be risky.

06/01/2026

Summer break = more freedom, more time with friends, and more choices.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), research shows that teens are more likely to experiment with substances during periods of unstructured time, like summer.

Staying substance-free helps protect your brain, mental health, and future.

Make this a summer you remember—for the right reasons. ☀️

05/31/2026

Did you know, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), that 40 million adolescents aged 13-15 use to***co worldwide?

To***co and ni****ne industries design their products to get young people stuck in a cycle of addiction. But it's possible to break their grip on our youth.

Want to quit or help someone you love quit to***co, va**ng, or smoking? Get tips, tricks, and tools from the WHO here: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-to***co-day/2021/quitting-toolkit
***coExposed ***coDay ***co

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

Supporting your mental health doesn’t have to mean making big changes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), small, everyday actions, like getting enough sleep, taking breaks, avoiding substances, and reaching out for support, can make a meaningful difference over time.

Focusing on simple, consistent steps can help build healthy routines that support your well-being now and into the future.

05/27/2026

🎨 Did you know? Creative activities like coloring, drawing, and crafting can do more than spark imagination. They can also reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional well-being for both youth and adults.

According to the American Psychological Association, making time for creativity is a simple, accessible way to relax and reset.

Looking for an easy way to get started? Visit the Montgomery County Alliance for Prevention (MAP) website to explore Keep It Safe coloring pages, designed to support positive coping and overall wellness.

🔗 https://www.montcoallianceforprevention.org/keep-it-safe"

05/23/2026

Being there for someone through a difficult moment can include helping them connect to support.

988 is available 24/7. Call or text anytime, anywhere in the U.S. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Learn more: 988lifeline.org

At the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns…

05/21/2026

Healthy coping skills play an important role in supporting mental well-being.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), activities like creative expression, physical movement, connecting with others, practicing relaxation, and healthy routines can help manage stress and improve emotional regulation over time.

Learning and using healthy coping strategies early helps build resilience that supports long-term mental health.

05/20/2026

Parents of 8th Graders, please discuss this wonderful opportunity with your child!

05/18/2026

Everyone experiences stress, pressure, or emotional challenges at times.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), taking time to check in with yourself, as well as reaching out to others, can help reduce isolation and encourage support when it’s needed most.

Open conversations about mental health help create safer, more supportive communities where people feel comfortable asking for help.