April 2025 Student Support Newsletter

April 2025 | Student Support Newsletter

Explore Mental Health America's 2025 Mental Health Month Action Guide at mhanational.org/may

Get Ready for Mental Health Awareness Month!

As we gear up for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it’s important to start preparing for how we can spread awareness and create meaningful conversations around mental health. Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being, and by supporting each other, we can reduce stigma, promote mental wellness, and build a more supportive community.

If you’re looking for ideas to promote mental health awareness in May, Mental Health America (MHA) has released a 2025 Planning Guide that includes outreach ideas, communication templates, activity examples, and partnership opportunities.

Resources for
Mental Health Support:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat online to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support with a mental health crisis, substance use concerns, thoughts of suicide, or any other type of emotional distress.
Mental Health America (MHA) offers a range of free resources, from self-help tools to educational materials.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides resources, support groups, and advocacy efforts to address mental health issues.
Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens connects patients and families with evidence-supported outpatient mental health services in their community. The Mental Health Referral Service will provide thorough mental health referrals for children and teens 17 and younger across Washington. Families can call 833-303-5437 or submit an online request form.

Simple Practices for
Mental Well-Being:

Mindfulness: Take a moment each day to practice mindfulness—whether through deep breathing exercises, meditation, or simply being present in the moment.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Even a short walk each day can make a difference.
Stay Connected: Reaching out to friends, family, or coworkers can improve feelings of connectedness and support.
Self-Care: Take time for activities that nourish your mind and body—whether that's reading, practicing a hobby, or getting enough sleep.

National Drug Take Back Day - April 26

The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 26, 2025, and the Kennewick Police Department will once again be hosting the event in partnership with the ESD 123 and KEY Connection coalition. The event will be held at the Kennewick Police Department from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. KEY Connection will be distributing free locking medication bags in an effort to keep our community safer and healthier. These bags can prevent misuse, potential addiction and even overdose deaths by keeping the medication out of the wrong hands.

This is a nation-wide effort, so our neighboring communities will also be participating in this effort. There will be three other local take back events from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Tri-City area:

Walmart on Road 68 (Pasco Prevention Network Coalition in partnership with the Pasco Police Department)
Kiona-Benton City High School (Coalition for a Healthy Benton City in partnership with the Benton County Sherrif’s Office)
Prosser Chamber of Commerce (Prosser Thrive Coalition in Partnership with the Prosser Police Department)

It should also be noted that you do not have to wait for a take back day to get rid of your unused or expired prescriptions. There are disposal sites at various locations, including:

Pasco
- Franklin County Fire District #3 (7809 N Road 36)
- Rite Aid (1308 N 20th Ave.)
- Tri-Cities Community Health (515 W Court St.)
Kennewick
- Rite Aid
  - 101 N Ely St.
  - 1901 N Steptoe St.
- Tri-Cities Community Health (721 S Auburn St.)
- Miramar Health Center (6351 W Rio Grande Ave.)
- Benton Franklin Health District (7102 W Okanogan Pl.)
West Richland
- West Richland Police Department (7920 W Van Giesen St.)
Benton City
- Logar Pharmacy (516 9th St., Ste. B)
Richland
- Richland Police Department (871 George Washington Way)
- Rite Aid
  - 1549 George Washington Way
  - 1329 Lee Blvd.
- Tri-Cities Community Health (915 Goethals Dr.)
Prosser
- Prosser Pharmacy (354 Chardonnay Ave.)
Sunnyside
- Astria Sunnyside Hospital (1016 Tacoma Ave.)
- Sunnyside Police Department (401 Homer St.)
- Rite Aid (2010 Yakima Valley Hwy., Ste. C1)
- Yakima Neighborhood Health (617 Scoon Rd.)
Dayton
- Dayton Memorial Library (111 S Third St.)
Connell
- Connell Police Department (104 E Adams St.)
Othello
- CBHA (1515 Columbia St.)
Walla Walla
- Family Medical Center Pharmacy (1120 W Rose St.)
- Providence St. Mary Medical Center Pharmacy (401 W Poplar St.)

FREE Trainings from ESD 123:

Gang Education and Drug Trends

May 7 | 11 AM - 2 PM | at ESD 123

For all school and district staff, including school security officers, school resource officers, bus drivers, and maintenance staff.

Find more information and register here for Gang Education and Drug Trends.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

May 20 | 8 AM - 3:30 PM | at ESD 123

7 Clock Hours

In collaboration with Kadlec Community Health.

Find more information and register here for YMHFA.

The ESD 123 Student Support Department is here to provide you with assistance and additional resources as needed. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or needs.

Dana Camarena

Student Support Director

PH: 509.544.5762 | dcamarena@esd123.org

Educational Service District 123

3924 W Court St, Pasco, WA

Phone: 509.547.8441 | www.esd123.org

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3924 W. Court St. | Pasco, WA 99301 US

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