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.
March 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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Connection Between Parental Alcohol Consumption and Heightened Cancer Risk in Children
New research reveals a startling link between parental alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk in children. As family health behaviors come under scrutiny, this article uncovers the implications of parental drinking on the long-term health of the next generation. Discover the critical findings that could change how we view alcohol use in the family setting! Read more: HERE.
Black Balloon Day
Erie County will host its annual Black Balloon Day at the Buffalo History Museum on March 9 from 1-4 p.m. This solemn event supports families in remembering loved ones lost to opioid overdoses.
If you have lost a loved one to an opioid overdose and would like to include them in the Black Balloon Day memorial, you can submit a photo through the ECDOH website by March 6. Photos received will be featured at the memorial event on March 9. Visit this link to: SUBMIT A PHOTO.
If you have any questions, you can call (716) 858-7695 or email [email protected].
If you have lost a loved one to an opioid overdose and would like to include them in the Black Balloon Day memorial, you can submit a photo through the ECDOH website by March 6. Photos received will be featured at the memorial event on March 9. Visit this link to: SUBMIT A PHOTO.
If you have any questions, you can call (716) 858-7695 or email [email protected].
Reassessing Cannabis Use: Important Insights
As cannabis use becomes more prevalent among youth, emerging research raises critical questions about its potential risks. Dive into the latest findings that urge a reassessment of how marijuana impacts young minds and behaviors. Discover what every parent and educator should know to navigate the shifting landscape of youth cannabis consumption! More information about the studies can be found: HERE.
If you’d like help discussing marijuana with your children, Talk it Over has scripts, resources and conversation starters, HERE.
If you’d like help discussing marijuana with your children, Talk it Over has scripts, resources and conversation starters, HERE.
Vaping and gum health: How does it compare to smoking?
Curious about how vaping stacks up against traditional smoking when it comes to gum health? Discover the surprising effects both habits have on oral health, the unique risks posed by e-cigarettes, and why it's essential to stay informed. Learn more about the implications for your dental hygiene in this article, Vaping and Gum Health.
Are you ready to quit smoking or vaping??? Text DITCHVAPE to 88709. The CDC also offers resources for quitting and managing your symptoms. Visit: How to Quit Smoking.
For future reference, ITAC also has a resource page on our website: HERE. If your organization can provide support to our community members and is not listed, please email us to let us know!
Are you ready to quit smoking or vaping??? Text DITCHVAPE to 88709. The CDC also offers resources for quitting and managing your symptoms. Visit: How to Quit Smoking.
For future reference, ITAC also has a resource page on our website: HERE. If your organization can provide support to our community members and is not listed, please email us to let us know!
Webinars & Trainings
“Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body: Tips From the Latest Research”
Presenter: Amanda Nobrega, LMSW, Vice President of Programs, Upstate New York, Alzheimer's Association
The Erie County Department of Mental Health is delighted to host monthly online trainings to support agencies and staff involved in the Systems of Care serving the residents of Erie County.
ERIE COUNTY TRAINING COLLABORATIVE
Tuesday, March 18, 2025: 12pm-1pm
At any age, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain or even potentially improve our health. These habits may also help to keep our brains healthy as we age and possibly prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition and exercise, as well as other exciting highlights around diagnosing, treating and preventing dementia from the 2024 Alzheimer's Association International Research Conference.
Register: HERE.
Operation Parent: Free Parenting Webinars
(All registrants will receive a recording! All live attendees will receive a certificate of attendance!)
1. Unpacking the Risks of Modern Marijuana
with Laura Stack, Johnny's Ambassadors
Tuesday, March 4 at 1:00 PM EST
Today’s marijuana is stronger and more dangerous than ever, with products like dabbing concentrates and delta-8 THC posing serious risks to adolescent brain development and mental health. Laura Stack, founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors, shares her powerful personal story of loss and sheds light on how high-THC marijuana can lead to addiction, anxiety, psychosis, and even suicide. Backed by science and her own experience, Laura’s heartfelt presentation will empower parents to understand the risks and start essential conversations with their kids.
Register: HERE.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Presenter: Amanda Nobrega, LMSW, Vice President of Programs, Upstate New York, Alzheimer's Association
The Erie County Department of Mental Health is delighted to host monthly online trainings to support agencies and staff involved in the Systems of Care serving the residents of Erie County.
ERIE COUNTY TRAINING COLLABORATIVE
Tuesday, March 18, 2025: 12pm-1pm
At any age, there are lifestyle habits we can adopt to help maintain or even potentially improve our health. These habits may also help to keep our brains healthy as we age and possibly prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition and exercise, as well as other exciting highlights around diagnosing, treating and preventing dementia from the 2024 Alzheimer's Association International Research Conference.
Register: HERE.
Operation Parent: Free Parenting Webinars
(All registrants will receive a recording! All live attendees will receive a certificate of attendance!)
1. Unpacking the Risks of Modern Marijuana
with Laura Stack, Johnny's Ambassadors
Tuesday, March 4 at 1:00 PM EST
Today’s marijuana is stronger and more dangerous than ever, with products like dabbing concentrates and delta-8 THC posing serious risks to adolescent brain development and mental health. Laura Stack, founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors, shares her powerful personal story of loss and sheds light on how high-THC marijuana can lead to addiction, anxiety, psychosis, and even suicide. Backed by science and her own experience, Laura’s heartfelt presentation will empower parents to understand the risks and start essential conversations with their kids.
Register: HERE.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Other Worthy Reads
Save the Date
ITAC is hosting our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 18th, at 6 PM! Please join us at Iroquois Central High School in Room 129. During the meeting, we will present our finance report and share our Year 8 action plan, including the budget/expenses for approval. We hope to see you there! Further communication will follow as we approach the date.