Healthy Connections: A podcast for Union County and Marysville Teens

Join your host, Prevention Education Specialist, Trent Hoge and our guests, Mike Garey, OCPC with PASS, Julia Nelson, OCPSA with PASS and the National Guard, and Lauren Putz, Health Educator with the Union County Health Dept. as we discuss alcohol, binge drinking, low risk drinking guidelines, and how to stay safe as holidays and events commonly associated with drinking are right around the corner.  If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or substance use issues, please contact our 24/7 hotline: 800-731-5577 or text 4help to 85511. FACEBOOK LINKS: Union Co. Drug-Free Coalition: https://www.facebook.com/UCDFC?mibextid=ZbWKwL COALITION LINKS: ucdrugfree.org Uc-talks.com LAUREN PUTZ'S EMAIL (PROM Promise Info): laruen.putz@uchd.net

Join us this month for a special Valentine’s Day episode of Healthy Connections! What role does prevention play in relationships? How does social media affect our relationships? How do teens have tough conversations with their communities about healthy relationships? Join us as Trent and Nancy try to find answers to these questions and more. Our guests this month include Gigi Bix - a soon-to-be OSU student and community organizer, and Robin McNeal and Doryan Miller - Teen Advocates with Turning Point, a domestic violence shelter and resource hub.  If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or substance use issues, please contact our 24/7 hotline: 800-731-5577 or text 4help to 85511. FACEBOOK LINKS: Union Co. Drug-Free Coalition: https://www.facebook.com/UCDFC?mibextid=ZbWKwL Turning Point: https://www.facebook.com/TurningPoint1979 COALITION LINKS: ucdrugfree.org Uc-talks.com TURNING POINT LINKS: loveisrespect.org https://www.turningpoint6.org/ TURNING POINT CRISIS LINE:  800-232-6505

Welcome to the official relaunch of the Union County Ohio Drug-Free Coalition Podcast! This is Healthy Connections, hosted by Trent Hoge - a prevention education specialist working for PASS Marysville - and guest-starring Nancy Beals - The Union County Drug-Free Coalition Coordinator. On this episode, we discuss the coalition, Teen Prevention Leadership Academy, the state of substance use in Union County, and upcoming events like the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day! There is even a giveaway that starts during this episode. Listen to find out more! Here are the contest rules: 1. like and follow the Avalon Theatre and the Union COunty Drug-Free Coalition on Facebook, and tag someone you'd take with you! 2. For a bonus entry share this post to your stories and tag both pages in it! 3. Two possible entries for both pages and tagging someone, and the bonus entry for sharing it to your story means you can enter a maximum of three times per person! The show is playing February 17th & 18th at 7pm. The winner can choose which night they want. FACEBOOK LINKS: Union Co. Drug-Free Coalition: https://www.facebook.com/UCDFC?mibextid=ZbWKwL Union Co. Teen Prevention Leadership Academy: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089335570900&mibextid=ZbWKwL The Avalon Theatre: https://www.facebook.com/theavalontheatre/?mibextid=ZbWKwL INSTAGRAM: Union Co. Teen Prevention Leadership Academy: https://www.instagram.com/p/CnNcwEQL6-f/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= SURVEYS Super Bowl Survey: https://forms.gle/qjRMMSYQFTeKzdBE6 TPLA Student Survey: https://forms.gle/eqHbM1QDbLj7HBfHA COALITION LINKS: ucdrugfree.org uc-talks.com

On Spotify, check out this video version of our interviews recorded from the Richwood Independent Fair.  Here, the many ways teens are positively engaged in the community. Interviews with Fair Manager Cody Johnson, 4-H Coordinator Christy Lee, 2021 Richwood Fair Queen Kaylee Brestle, North Union FFA Officer Chloe Hall, plus Buckeye Guy drops by!

Check out these interviews recorded from the Richwood Independent Fair.  Here, the many ways teens are positively engaged in the community. Interviews with Fair Manager Cody Johnson, 4-H Coordinator Christy Lee, 2021 Richwood Fair Queen Kaylee Brestle, North Union FFA Officer Chloe Hall, plus Buckeye Guy drops by!

The Opioid Crisis has been a problem for a while. What efforts are happening in Union County to decrease drug overdoses? In this episode, we discuss overdoses, Fentanyl, what to do in an emergency, and local resources. Plus, what is Delta 8 THC? The Guests: Tori Smith, Maryhaven Community Navigator Lindsay Fetherolf, Drug Overdose Prevention Coordinator with the Union County Health Department Nancy Beals, Coordinator of the Union County Drug Free Coalition RESOURCE LINKS: https://uc-talks.com/ https://maryhaven.com/ Contact Nancy: nancy@mhrbuc.org Contact Tori: vsmith@maryhaven.com Tori’s work phone: 380-201-8566 Contact Lindsay: lindsay.fetherolf@uchd.net

The school year has ended, so the question is: what kind of things can students do this summer? Today’s guests have some answers. Find out what kind of activities are available for the summer and beyond, from leadership to theater to exercise. The Guests: Ali Parthemore, Community Engagement Manager with the Marysville Public Library Susan Bunsold Wilson, Board Member and part of the Youth Program Committee at the Avalon Theatre Rachael Baxter, Youth Development Director with the Union County Family YMCA LINKS: Maryville Library facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MarysvillePublicLibrary The Avalon Theatre website: https://www.theavalontheatre.org/ Union County Family YMCA facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/unioncountyfamilyymca/

Host Pete Emmons talks with Megan and Mackenzie about teen mental health at the end of the school year, plus programs that help teenagers who are dealing with mental health issues.  The Guests: Megan Rufty, RA, Prevention Educator for The Prevention Awareness Support Services Program (PASS) Mackenzie Marquis, LSW, School Navigator with the Maryhaven Program RESOURCES: -Prevention Awareness Support Services website: https://www.passaah.org/ -Maryhaven website: https://maryhaven.com/ -The Mosaic Project/Mobile Crisis Team Helpline: 833-667-2428. The Mosaic Project website: https://www.mosaicu.org/  -National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 -On Our Sleeves website: https://www.onoursleeves.org/

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, so on this episode we wanted to discuss teenage drinking. Pete Emmons and this month's guests talk about what underage drinking has looked like during the pandemic, the risks involved, plus resources and advice for parents and teens.  The Guests: -via Zoom, Dr. Ashley Ebersole, Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus -Janae Mulvaine, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Qualified Mental Health Specialist, and Navigator with Marysville Schools -Nancy Beals, Union County Drug Free Coalition Coordinator -Megan Rufty, Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS)

Teen Gambling has been made more appealing in recent years. Video games, sports betting, and more are discussed in this episode. Host Pete Emmons interviews our expert panel about the problem and possible solutions.  Our Expert Panel, all joining us via Zoom: -Derek Longmeyier, Executive Director of The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio -Milan Karna, Problem Gambling Project Director with the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services -Scott Anderson, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor LCDC II, Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services

What are the signs of an unhealthy teen dating relationship? How is technology being used to abuse? What tips are there for teens in relationships? These questions and more are discussed in this episode, where Pete Emmons interviews a panel of experts. The Expert Panel:  -Barb Patterson, Social Worker and Ruling Our Experiences (ROX) Facilitator at North Union High School -Amanda Mariucci, Middle School Guidance Counselor and ROX Facilitator at North Union Middle School -Robin McNeal, Turning Point Teen Advocate -Sydney Cook, also a Turning Point Teen Advocate

In this first episode of the Teen Prevention Leadership Academy podcast, host Gigi Bix talks with fellow students about the many dangers of drugs and alcohol, as well as the personal reasons the TPLA is taking a stand against drug use.  TPLA members featured include:  -Emily Williams, Junior at Marysville High School -Emmalee Willis, Junior at Marysville High School -Jared Lariuz, Junior at Marysville Early College High School -Jillian Smith, Senior at Marysville Early College High School

How can teens and kids maintain a healthy lifestyle balance of cooking and exercise in 2022? In this episode, we try to answer this question, and also talk about how to connect through groups, programs, and food.   Today's Panel:  -Rachel Baxter, Youth Development Director at The Union County Family YMCA -Chef Jim Kibby, from the podcasts “Cooking is Connecting” and "Cooking with Kibby" -Cassie Branan, Registered Applicant Prevention Facilitator from Prevention Awareness Support Services

As vaping continues to be a big health issue for teens, we present another episode on the topic. Pete Emmons speaks with guests about vaping perception, addiction, and drug-free programs.  The Guests: -via Zoom, Dr. Ashley Ebersole, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Adolescent Medicine Division at Nationwide Children's Hospital -Nevin Digney, Junior at Marysville STEM Early College High School -Megan Rufty, Prevention Facilitator with The Prevention Awareness Support Services program (P.A.S.S.)

Tests. Community Service. Athletics. There’s a lot of things to consider when preparing for college. In this episode, Pete Emmons talks with guests about how students can get ready. The Guests: -Ken Chaffin, Director of Leadership and Collaboration with The Marysville Exempted Village School District. -Teen Members of The Union County Drug Free Coalition Teen Prevention Leaders Group:    -Nevin Digby, Junior at Marysville High School Early College STEM School    -Emmalee Willis, Junior at Marysville High School -Plus Christina Kesterson, Coordinator for the Teen Prevention Leadership Academy

October is Substance Abuse Awareness Month, so in this episode, Pete and the guests discuss upcoming local events and organizations that help reduce substance abuse. Drug Take-Back Day Oct. 23 from 10 am-2 pm.  The Guests:  -Megan Rufty, Registered Applicant, Prevention Specialist with Prevention Awareness Support Service (PASS) -Lieutenant Matt Warden, Union County Sherriff's Office -Nancy Beals, Coordinator of the Union County Drug-Free Coalition 

In this episode, Pete Emmons talks to members of law enforcement about the Crisis Intervention Team. Topics include training, collaboration, de-escalation, and more.  The Guests: -Morgan Brown, Deputy with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Crisis Intervention Team Member & Critical Incident Stress Management Team Coordinator -Rich Crabtree, Deputy Sheriff with the Union County Sheriff’s Office -Josh Dillahunt, Marysville Police Department Officer and Coordinator of the Comprehensive Intervention Crisis Program Resources: Union County Sheriff’s Office: 937-645-4100  Marysville Police Department: 937-645-7300  Crisis Hotline Through Mary Haven: 1-800-731-5577, or text 4help to 85511 

It can be hard to transition into a new routine, especially since the pandemic. Host Pete Emmons interviews guests about preparing for the upcoming school year.  The Guests: Corie Bix, Director at United Way of Union County for information on programs and services please visit their website.  UnitedwayofUnionCounty.org Rich Baird, Superintendent at North Union Local Schools. For more information on North Union Local Schools visit their website at:  N-union.k.12.oh.us  Donna Cullman, Executive Assistant at the Hope Center in Marysville. Information on the Hope Center can be found at:  Hopecenterohio.org And for more information on preventing teen alcohol or drug usage please visit us at UC-talks.com, or UCdrugfree.org

How do court systems and programs work together to help families dealing with drug addiction? Host Pete Emmons finds out by interviewing 2 guests that have worked together for many years. The Guests: -Charlotte Coleman Eufinger, recently retired Judge of the Union County Probate & Juvenile Court -Dr. Robert Ahern, Ohio State College of Social Work Lecturer, and former Clinical Director & Chief of Staff of the Probate and Juvenile Court.  To make a contribution to the Families Matter Fund contact the Union County Community Foundation. https://www.unioncountyfoundation.org

Pete and our guests discuss the increase in fatal drug overdoses, especially relating to fentanyl. The Guests:    -Union County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Rich Crabtree    -Lindsay Fetherolf, Health Educator with The Union County Health Department    -Lance Emberling, Lead Investigator with The Union County Coroner’s Office LINKS     Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County: https://www.mhrbuc.org/     Union County Drug Free Coalition: http://www.ucdrugfree.org/     Union County Talks: https://uc-talks.com/     Opioid Awareness – Union County Health Department Clinics: https://uchdclinic.org/opioid-awareness/     Union County Coroner contact: https://www.unioncountyohio.gov/coroner-home

We return to the topic of teen vaping in this episode. Host Pete Emmons talks to our guests about the effects of vaping, signs a teenager might be vaping, and resources to use to quit vaping and stay connected to others.  The Guests: -Shawn Sech, Director of Health Promotion & Planning at the Union County Health Department -Ken Chaffin, Principal of the Marysville STEM Early College High School -Nicole, Social Worker and Parent of a teen who has vaped

Pete Emmons speaks with guests about college student alcohol use, the problems it causes, and what can be done to reduce it. The Guests: Sergeant Tom Gerber of the State Highway Patrol Nancy Beals, Union County Drug-Free Coalition Coordinator And via Zoom, Julianna Fellows, Community Prevention Manager with Prevention Action Alliance

Pete Emmons interviews guests about the scope of teen dating violence, the warning signs to watch out for, and local help for victims.  The Guests: -Robin McNeal, Teen Advocate for Turning Point in Marysville -From the Marysville Police Department: Detective Dennis Flanagan and Officer Amy Findley -Catherine Weeks, TRIAD Coordinator and Victim of Crime Advocate

The Mosaic Project is a program that improves access to mental health care and provides support for parents. As the Mosaic Project prepares to expand, host Pete Emmons interviews two guests working on the program.  The Guests: -Randi Bargo-Smith, Youth Systems of Care Director for the Union County Mental Health & Recovery Board -Wren Hawkins, Lead Family Coordinator for the Union County Mental Health & Recovery Board

The pandemic has made it challenging for youth to safely engage in activities with their peers. In this episode, host Pete Emmons talks with leaders from the Union County YMCA about what’s available at the Y for youth and teens. The Guests: -Rachael Baxter, Youth Development Director -Brandi Hibbs, Membership Director -Mary Ann Coachman, Wellness Director

This episode focuses on the School Navigator Program in Union County and how it can improve the mental health of students when they need help.  The Guests: -Mackenzie Marquis, Navigator Case Manager with Maryhaven -Dale Jennings, Counselor at Navin and Mill Valley Elementary Schools in Marysville -and joining us via Zoom, Missy Usher, Navigator Case Manager with Maryhaven

In this episode, we focus on teen leaders and related organizations that are enhancing community mental and emotional wellness. The panelists are:  -Christina Kesterson, Union County Drug-Free Coalition and Leader of the Teen Prevention Leadership Academy -Megan Vollrath, Senior at Marysville High School and Member of the Global Scholar Program -Katie Krueger, Senior at Marysville High School, Global Scholar Program Participant, and Member of the Teen Prevention Leadership Academy -Julia Nelson, from the Union County Prevention Awareness Support Services

In this episode, Pete and our guests share practical, positive tips and resources that can help brighten up the Christmas Season this year.  The Guests: -via Zoom, Beth Sanders, Founder and CEO of LifeBio -Shawnna Sue Jordan, Communications Specialist with the Union Co. Health Department and Owner of Crooked Door Studio -Katie Krueger, High School Student and Drug Free Coalition Member -via Zoom, Sidney Seagraves, High School Student and Drug Free Coalition Member

What can be done to decrease teen vaping? Host Pete Emmons discusses this topic with Shawn Sech, Director of Health Promotion and Planning with the Union County Health Department; Heidi LoParo, Assistant Principal of Bunsold Middle School; and Rich Crabtree, Assistant Deputy Sheriff of Union County.   

Host Pete Emmons talks with a panel of experts about underage drinking, both in general and specifically this year during the pandemic. Those experts are Seargent Don McGlenn of the Marysville Ohio Police Department; Janae Mulvanie, School Navigator, Youth Case Manager, and AOD Counselor at Maryhaven; and Holly Zweizig, Associate Director of the Union County Mental Health and Recovery Board. 

On this episode, we focus on the misuse of medication. Host Pete Emmons talks with Co-owner of Dave's Pharmacy and Pharmacist Donna Burke, Marysville Fire Chief Jay Riley, and Deputy Sheriff Rich Crabtree about being careful with prescription drugs, the upcoming Drug Take Back Day, and more!

This is the first episode of the Empowering Teens to Live Healthy Drug-Free Lives podcast! Host Pete Emmons talks with Dr. Phil Atkins, Adham Schirg, Christina Kesterson, and Rachael Baxter about the difficulties facing teens during the COVID-19 crisis.