MBMS is proud to partner with South Bay Families Connected to bring pro-surfer Alex Gray back to our students for a return visit. Our shared hope is to inspire our students to be their authentic selves, to honor their mental health, and to make healthy choices that will allow them to thrive. The SBFC video you see below will be screened for all students on November 4th. Students will have the opportunity to send questions for Alex, which he will answer during a virtual visit.  This Q&A will be shared with students during SEL on November 18th. SBFC will add this video of the Q & A to this website as well in the hope of sparking positive conversations throughout our community. The Q & A session with Alex is made possible through the funds our families generously donate to our MBMS PTA. We encourage you all to check out the resources curated for us by our partner, SBFC, which you will find as you scroll down the page.

For more information about the SBFC Vaping Prevention tour that kicked-off at MBMS in October 2019, please visit the SBFC blog, Red Ribbon Week 2020. SBFC is making the available to all schools as a free screening intended to educate, reduce stigma, and spark the conversation around underage drug and alcohol prevention.

We recommend the following Families Connected resource pages to spark family discussion

We recommend the following resource for support during distance learning

Additional Families Connected Substance Use Prevention Resources

Opioid Awareness Project

The South Bay Families Connected Opioid Awareness project aims to reduce the stigma that surrounds opioid addiction by increasing community-wide awareness that opioid abuse and addiction can happen even in the most supportive families, and to the most loved and inspiring youth. The project also aims to empower families with education and resources that will help them prevent opioid abuse.

SBFC expert, parent, and youth blogs

National Resources Alcohol and Drug Prevention

Clicking on the logos, images, and links below will take you out of the Families Connected website and to the online resource indicated. Families Connected Is not affiliated with these organizations, nor have these organizations paid to have their resources shared here. Please note that, unlike the Families Connected website, some of the websites/articles included here may display pop-up ads. Please read the terms of use agreement on this and all websites visited. Families Connected will remain open in your browser.

Help is available

• Substance Abuse Service Helpline (SASH): call 1-844-804-7500

  • By calling SASH, residents of Los Angeles County can find out about free treatment that is available with Medi-Cal, My Health LA, and other county-funded programs.. The helpline is toll-free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Translation services are available.
    

• U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration -SAMHSA : Call 800-662-4357

  • provides a toll-free, confidential 24/7 hotline (English & Spanish) for individuals and family members facing substance abuse and mental health issues.
    

•  DrugFree.org: 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373)

  • call provides a toll-free hotline/support service for parents/other primary caregivers of children who want to talk about their child’s drug use and drinking. Call

Talk early and often - here’s how

Current research tells us that families and communities hold the key to substance abuse prevention. We know that families matter, and that families that talk early and often about drugs and alcohol have better outcomes and can reduce the likelihood that their kids will engage in risky behaviors. Partnership to End Addiction, formerly Partnership for Drug Free Kids. We recommend How to Talk with your Teen and Brain Development and Behavior. It’s never too early to talk.

The teen brain and why illicit substance use prevention is critical

Today's research tells us this: if we want our youth to reach their full potential and avoid alcohol and drug-related harm, the longer we can stave off alcohol and drug use the better. Note: this information does not apply to medically prescribed prescriptions for mental health issues.

Prevention tools and resources

For More Youth Wellness Resources, visit: