Hi, CV! An estimated 20 million people worldwide are addicted to heroin and related opiates. Their addiction, and frequent use of contaminated syringes, put them at risk of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C (VOA.com). California hospitals treated more than 11,500 patients suffering an opioid or heroin overdose in 2013, roughly one every 45 minutes (sacbee.com). Los […]
Hi, CV! You probably read about the passing of Kyle Dubin in last week’s issue. As was mentioned, Kyle and another teen were the reason behind the founding of this organization. Go to our website and read our origin story submitted by his mom, Susan Dubin, a founding member. I knew Kyle when Julia Rabago […]
Hi, CV! Marilyn Gunnell passed away last week. For those of you who didn’t know her, and for those who did, Marilyn was an activist, volunteer and leader. She carried her weight. She refused to use email. She could be crusty but I learned that layer protected her big heart. She didn’t suffer fools. She […]
Hi, CV! This week is Yellow Ribbon Week at GUSD schools, a week dedicated to kindness. Please talk about the importance of being kind every day with your family. Kindness prevents sadness, loneliness, humiliation, alienation. Kindness prevents underage alcohol and drug use, self-harm, bullying, suicide. Make sure you are ethical in your acts of kindness. […]
Hi, CV! A USC doctor told us he sees approximately one to two people from CV in the ER weekly. When I asked if those people were 18 and younger, he said no. Although there were people 18 and younger being seen, they were not the majority of cases. With a sigh of relief, this […]
Hi, CV! The war on drugs in general, and legal marijuana in particular, are on the ballot in 2016. First, background courtesy of PBS Frontline “30 years of America’s Drug War: A Chronology.” 1970: The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is founded to decriminalize marijuana. Congress’ Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and […]
Happy 2016, CV! Heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to our allies from CV Alliance for making 2015 memorable! To the expert who spoke to parents at our weekly parent sessions; parents and teens at monthly teen trials and tribulations; parents at our Walk & Talks; and/or our partners at our quarterly strategic partners meetings. To […]
Holiday Joy from Glendale Unified Healthy Start This year the annual toy drive of the Glendale Unified Healthy Start Office spread holiday joy to 47 foster youth, 44 homeless youth, and another 381 students in need within the Glendale Unified School District. Donations came from Glendale PTA, Glendale Management team (GMSA), Sandy Russell, Joanne Brown […]
Hi, CV! I think I shared the story of ordering my first beer in Bloomington and being denied because, unlike Florida, Indiana was a 21 state, not 18. “Near beer” (3.2% alcohol) was allowed and was also watery and tasteless. It was shocking to me to lose a legal right and, like many living under […]
Happy Thanksgiving, CV! Ahead with Horses provides therapy, education and recreation through horses and related experiences to disabled, disadvantaged, at-risk and special-needs children. Through vaulting (gymnastics on a moving horse), even severely disabled children may learn to lead more independent and productive lives. At November’s Healthy Start Collaborative meeting, we found out that teens in […]