Enrich Your Life, Empower Our Community!
"ITAC CommUnity Chatter" is a platform dedicated to providing the latest information and updates on critical public health issues affecting our community. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, staying informed is crucial. Knowledge is power, and being aware empowers us to make informed choices for ourselves and our loved ones.
April Trends
All resources below were mentioned in our Chatter Newsletter. Click on any PDF's to enlarge. For mobile devices, click on the "here" located below the title to download the file for viewing.
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Increased Numbers of Children Poisoned by Fentanyl
In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged: an alarming rise in the number of children affected by fentanyl exposure. This sobering reality underscores the urgent need for awareness and prevention strategies. What factors are contributing to this crisis, and how can parents and communities better protect the youngest and most vulnerable among us? Dive into this critical discussion to uncover the shocking statistics and essential insights surrounding this growing public health concern. Read more: HERE.
Evidence Mounting Connecting Cannabis to Youth Depression & Suicide
Experts speaking at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s annual meeting indicate that growing evidence suggests that cannabis use among young people is linked to rising rates of depression and suicide in this demographic. "The broad range of cannabis products, their increasing potency, and the expansion of legalization laws at the state and local levels are exposing young individuals to unprecedented levels of cannabis during a crucial phase of brain development," explained Dr. Jesse D. Hinckley, M.D., Ph.D., an associate clinical professor of psychiatry and co-founder of the addiction biology laboratory at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Read more: HERE.
Collegiate Drinking Tied to Perceptions of Maternal Permissiveness
A recent study published in *Addictive Behaviors* reveals that college students' perceptions of their mothers' approval of alcohol consumption can significantly influence their own drinking habits. "College students represent a high-risk group for alcohol use," notes Dr. Bradley Trager, a researcher at the Heads UP Lab at Loyola Marymount University. The study highlights that heavy and high-risk drinking is prevalent in this demographic, with parental permissiveness playing a crucial role in shaping students' drinking behaviors. What does this mean for the future of alcohol consumption among young adults? Read on to discover the implications of these findings. Read more: HERE.
US Supreme Court Largely Backs FDA's Denial of Flavored Vape Product Applications
In a significant victory for the FDA, the U.S. Supreme Court has reversed a lower court decision that challenged the agency’s authority to deny flavored vape products. This ruling solidifies the FDA’s role in regulating vaping products and upholds the commitment to public health. Read more about the implications of this landmark decision on the vaping industry and consumer safety: HERE.
Webinars & Trainings
Operation Parent: Free Parenting Webinars
(All registrants will receive a recording! All live attendees will receive a certificate of attendance!)
1. Launch, Don’t Crash: Tips to Help them Fly the Nest
with Dr. Jill Grimes, the College Doc
Tuesday, April 8 at 1:00 PM EST
Preparing your child for life after high school starts long before graduation. Building independence and confidence in managing their own health and wellness is a process that should begin early—even before high school. Join Dr. Jill Grimes, The College Doc, for a must-watch webinar on how to help your child take charge of their healthcare so they feel ready for life’s next steps. From managing anxiety and homesickness to improving sleep, brain health, and understanding the risks of drugs and alcohol, this session will provide parents with practical strategies to start now—so when the time comes to fly the nest, they’re prepared to soar.
Register: HERE.
2. Parenting in an Addictive World: When to Step In & How to Help
with Kriya Lendzion
Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00 PM EST
Parenting in today’s world means navigating a minefield of addictive temptations—social media, pornography, and substances can pull kids in before they even realize what’s happening. So how do you know when to step in, and how can you help without pushing them away? Join Kriya Lendzion, a counselor and prevention expert with over 30 years of experience, as she shares real-world strategies to help you guide your child through these challenges with warmth, structure, and impact. Drawing from her own journey through teen addiction, Kriya offers insight into what’s really going on beneath risky behaviors and how you can intervene in ways that build trust and lasting change.
Register: HERE.
3. Beyond ‘Don’t Do It’: Real Talk About Youth Substance Use & Intervention
with Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher
Tuesday, June 3 at 12:30 PM EST
DIFFERENT TIME: 12:30 PM EST Telling kids to “just say no” isn’t enough - but what actually works? Join Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from the Stanford REACH Lab for a real, research-backed conversation about youth substance use. Learn why kids and teens take risks, how scare tactics and punishments often fail, and what parents, schools, and communities can do instead. This webinar will give you practical, science-based strategies to help young people make healthier choices while also addressing their mental health and well-being.
Register: HERE.
Safety First: Comprehensive Drug Education and Intervention
Monday, April 14, 3:30 - 5:00 pm EST - No Registration Required.
Meeting Link: HERE.
Community Talk About Concerns over Youth Cannabis Use
Hosted by Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher
Wednesday, April 16, 6:00-7:30 pm EST- No Registration Required.
Parents, community members, educators, and providers are invited
Meeting Link: HERE.
(All registrants will receive a recording! All live attendees will receive a certificate of attendance!)
1. Launch, Don’t Crash: Tips to Help them Fly the Nest
with Dr. Jill Grimes, the College Doc
Tuesday, April 8 at 1:00 PM EST
Preparing your child for life after high school starts long before graduation. Building independence and confidence in managing their own health and wellness is a process that should begin early—even before high school. Join Dr. Jill Grimes, The College Doc, for a must-watch webinar on how to help your child take charge of their healthcare so they feel ready for life’s next steps. From managing anxiety and homesickness to improving sleep, brain health, and understanding the risks of drugs and alcohol, this session will provide parents with practical strategies to start now—so when the time comes to fly the nest, they’re prepared to soar.
Register: HERE.
2. Parenting in an Addictive World: When to Step In & How to Help
with Kriya Lendzion
Tuesday, May 6 at 1:00 PM EST
Parenting in today’s world means navigating a minefield of addictive temptations—social media, pornography, and substances can pull kids in before they even realize what’s happening. So how do you know when to step in, and how can you help without pushing them away? Join Kriya Lendzion, a counselor and prevention expert with over 30 years of experience, as she shares real-world strategies to help you guide your child through these challenges with warmth, structure, and impact. Drawing from her own journey through teen addiction, Kriya offers insight into what’s really going on beneath risky behaviors and how you can intervene in ways that build trust and lasting change.
Register: HERE.
3. Beyond ‘Don’t Do It’: Real Talk About Youth Substance Use & Intervention
with Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher
Tuesday, June 3 at 12:30 PM EST
DIFFERENT TIME: 12:30 PM EST Telling kids to “just say no” isn’t enough - but what actually works? Join Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from the Stanford REACH Lab for a real, research-backed conversation about youth substance use. Learn why kids and teens take risks, how scare tactics and punishments often fail, and what parents, schools, and communities can do instead. This webinar will give you practical, science-based strategies to help young people make healthier choices while also addressing their mental health and well-being.
Register: HERE.
Safety First: Comprehensive Drug Education and Intervention
Monday, April 14, 3:30 - 5:00 pm EST - No Registration Required.
Meeting Link: HERE.
Community Talk About Concerns over Youth Cannabis Use
Hosted by Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher
Wednesday, April 16, 6:00-7:30 pm EST- No Registration Required.
Parents, community members, educators, and providers are invited
Meeting Link: HERE.
Local Businesses Support Youth Safety
ITAC would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following businesses for their commitment to our mission and community: Aurora Liquor, Delta Sonic Car Wash, Elma Wine & Liquor, Niagara Produce and Reed's Liquor Store.
By prominently displaying "Under 21: No Alcohol Purchase" stickers on their doors, they are making a significant contribution to keeping our youth healthy and safe. If you would like FREE stickers for your establishment, please email [email protected]. We extend our gratitude to Chaffee Chick Design Print & Promo for their outstanding work in printing our stickers.
By prominently displaying "Under 21: No Alcohol Purchase" stickers on their doors, they are making a significant contribution to keeping our youth healthy and safe. If you would like FREE stickers for your establishment, please email [email protected]. We extend our gratitude to Chaffee Chick Design Print & Promo for their outstanding work in printing our stickers.
