Flagler Cares

10/13/2026

There's a big difference between:

"What's wrong with you?"

and

"I've noticed you seem a little different lately. How are you doing?"

Both may come from the same place of concern, but they probably won't lead to the same conversation.

When you're worried, start with what you've actually noticed rather than what you think might be happening. Ask a question, give them time to answer, and listen before jumping in with advice.

You don't need the perfect opening line. You just need one that leaves room for an honest answer.

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day and this year's theme is "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change."

This year, World Mental Health Day is highlighting the importance of listening to the experiences of people living with mental health conditions and ensuring their voices help shape policies, support services, and workplace practices.

Building a community where people feel heard, supported, and connected is a shared responsibility. It starts with making space for real stories.

10/07/2026

Save the date! National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday, October 24 from 10 AM - 2 PM.

We will be at Walmart (174 Cypress Point Pkwy) for Take Back Day and we'd love for you to join us! Bring your unwanted or expired prescription medications for safe disposal.

You can also find a collection site near you: www.DEATakeBack.com

Mark your calendar, share this post, and tell a friend or neighbor!

10/06/2026

A change in behavior can be a sign that something is going on, but it doesn't necessarily tell you what.

Maybe your teen has been sleeping more, their grades have changed, they're spending time with different friends, or they just haven't seemed like themselves lately.

There could be a lot behind those changes, from stress and relationships to school, mental health, or substance use.

Rather than trying to figure it out on your own, check in.

Try something simple like, "I've noticed you seem a little different lately. How are you doing?"

Then give them a chance to answer. You may learn more by listening than you would by guessing.

10/02/2026

Florida's new substance laws are now in effect. Learn what's changed and use this opportunity to start an open conversation with the young people in your life.

Florida’s substance laws changed this week. Here’s what to know.

Beginning October 1, 2026, provisions of SB 432:

• Prohibit licensed to***co and ni****ne retailers from possessing, selling, or distributing nitrous oxide on or from their licensed premises. This includes convenience businesses, with exceptions for grocery stores, supermarkets, and finished food products that use nitrous oxide solely as a propellant.

• Establish new criminal penalties for certain xylazine offenses, including trafficking.

The nitrous oxide provision is known as “Meg’s Law.”

For parents, caregivers, and community partners, this is an opportunity to stay informed and start a conversation. Ask what young people have heard about these substances, listen without judgment, and look for reliable information together.

Read the law: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/432

10/01/2026

Have you ever noticed that your child just seems a little different?

Maybe they're quieter than usual, spending time with different friends, struggling at school, or losing interest in something they used to enjoy.

Those changes are worth paying attention to, but they don't always tell you what's going on.

This month, we're talking about what comes next when you notice a change. Pay attention, ask questions, listen to what they have to say, and try not to assume you already know the reason.

You don't have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to start the conversation.

Notice. Listen. Connect.

09/25/2026

We had such a great time today at the Flagler Schools College & Career Fair, presented by the Flagler County Education Foundation!

Our team had the opportunity to connect with students from Matanzas High School, Flagler Palm Coast High School, and iFlagler, sharing information, answering questions, and having meaningful conversations about their futures.

Thank you to Flagler Schools and the Flagler County Education Foundation for bringing students and community partners together for such a wonderful event!

09/25/2026

🧠 The Facts Matter

As teens become more independent, friends and social experiences can play an important role in the choices they make. That can include decisions about alcohol, ni****ne, ma*****na, opioids, and other substances.

That’s why prevention conversations matter before a young person is faced with pressure to make a decision.

💬 Try This:
Ask your teen: “What would you do if someone offered you a substance?”

Listen to their answer without immediately correcting or judging. Use the conversation as an opportunity to share accurate information, talk through different situations, and help them feel prepared to make healthy choices.

The goal isn't to make every decision for them. It's to help them think through the choices before they're in the moment.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

09/22/2026

Let's be honest. Most of us weren't experts at decision-making when we were teenagers.

That's why understanding today's teens matters.

Young people are navigating experiences, relationships, social pressure, and choices while their brains are still developing.

Instead of asking only:
"Why would they do that?"

Try asking:
"What might be influencing this decision?"

Understanding doesn't mean excusing risky behavior.

It gives us a better starting point for prevention.

👇 Which answer sounds most like your teenage years?

09/18/2026

Flagler Cares is excited to announce several exciting developments with our Board of Directors.

Shirley Olson, 7th Judicial Circuit Court Administration Chief Deputy Court Administrator, is the new Executive Committee Treasurer.

We welcome Jillian Lewandowski, Chief Probation Officer for Circuit 7, to the Executive Committee as she takes on the At Large role.

Thank you to all of our amazing board members and our new newest appointments!