It’s that time of year! Activities and events in full swing! 

Spring is here. We are out and about enjoying each other’s company and our youth are out socializing. They are playing sports, going to afterschool activities, and attending personal and community events. It’s a beautiful time of the year and as parents we also know now is the time, we have the “talk” with our youth about how to stay safe at all these activities and events. One of those talks might be about substance use, right? So, where and how do we have this conversation with our youth? 

Southern Ute Native Connections will now offer “Parents’ Night Out” educational sessions. 

Over 80 percent of young people ages 10 to 18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision about whether or not to drink alcohol. Yet many parents do not have these important conversations. As part of our commitment to supporting local youth, the Southern Ute Native Connections Program is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign and the new “Parents’ Night Out” educational sessions for parents and caregivers.  

Working together, parents and caregivers will now have access to campaign materials and support aimed at equipping them with information, skills, and confidence to talk with youth about the risks of underage drinking and substance use. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, alcohol continues to be the most widely misused substance among our nation’s young people. However, in recent years, other drugs, such as marijuana and prescription pain medication, have become increasingly prevalent among youth.  

Our community is no different. The Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division and Native Connections Program has been keeping track of data collected in our region to monitor changes in youth substance use. The “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign will help to address these alarming statistics by enhancing our local efforts to educate citizens on the risks and consequences of substance misuse. The information and materials available through the campaign will augment parents’ and caregivers’ commitment to talk with children about the risks of alcohol and other drugs.” SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign is a national media campaign with a host of useful resources for parents, including fact sheets, brochures, infographics, and public service announcements.  

Historically, the campaign has equipped parents with the knowledge and skills to increase actions that reduce and prevent underage drinking. Recently, it has expanded its messaging to include other substances, such as marijuana and prescription drugs. The campaign now offers resources to assist parents in talking with young children about those other drugs. For more information about “Talk. They Hear You.” and how parents and caregivers can help prevent underage drinking and other drug use, visit www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov. 

How can you take sign up for the “Parents’ Night Out” Education Sessions? 

The Southern Ute Native Connections Program plans on starting the “Parents’ Night Out” program which consists of three 1-hour long sessions in June. Light snacks and prizes will be available for all those in attendance. More details and event flyer will be coming out soon! For more information you can call the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division at 970.563.5700.  

If you need to talk to someone, please reach out. 

It’s okay not to feel okay. If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division or the Native Connections Program at 970.563.5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist.  

References 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website (2022). Planning, Promotional, & Media Tools. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/partner-resources/media-promotional-tools   

Local Resources 

• Southern Ute Health Center, Behavioral Health Division: 4101 CR 222 Durango, Co 970-563-5700. For local Native Americans. We are here to support mental health, substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. Please call to schedule an appointment to talk to someone.   
• Southern Ute Division of Social Services: 116 Capote Drive, Ignacio, CO 970-563-2331 or dss@southernute-nsn.gov for local Native Americans needing assistance with child welfare needs and family support.  
• Southern Ute Police Department: Anonymous Tip Hotline Do you have information about a crime? Please call 970-563-4999. This “Tip Line” was designed to allow you the ability to provide law enforcement with information, anonymously, if need be, regarding criminal, drug, or suspicious activity. The “Tip Line” is monitored around the clock by SUPD Investigators, but it DOES NOT replace 9-1-1 or the non-emergency police number (970) 563-4401. 

• St Ignatius Catholic Church: Pastor Cesar Arras, 14826 CO-172, Ignacio, CO 970-563-4241. 
• Ignacio Community Church: Pastor Randall Haynes 405 Browning Ave, Ignacio, CO 970-759-3633  
• Second Wind Fund of the Four Corners: Believes that every child and youth at risk of suicide should have access to the mental health treatment they need. We match children and youth at risk for suicide with licensed therapists in their communities, 720-962-0706. 
• Women’s Resource Center: Creates personal, social, and professional growth opportunities for all women in La Plata County, 970-247-1242. 

 24/7 State or National Resources 

• Colorado Crisis Line: 844-493-8255 or Text “TALK” to 38255. You’ll immediately be put in contact with a trained counselor, ready to text with you about anything. 
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Has both an online chat and a 24/7 phone line at 1-800-273-8255 if you are thinking of suicide or need help for a loved one. 
• The Trevor Project: Which seeks to serve LGBT youth, has a 24/7 suicide prevention line at 866-488-7386.  
• 24/7 Axis Crisis Line: SW Colorado 970-247-5245 or Text 741741