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In this holiday season, many of us use the time to look back and reflect on what we have accomplished throughout the year and we begin to look forward to what we would like to strive to achieve in the next. Take time over the holidays to think about what is important to you, talk to your family members, and set meaningful goals. Be ready to step into 2024 the moment the clock strikes midnight on December 31!

One of the hardest things to do after setting a resolution for the new year is holding yourself accountable to reach your goal. It can help to set goals and work alongside someone else to encourage each other. For this New Year, help to improve yourself and your relationship with your family by setting goals together and working together to reach them. Below are some resolution ideas to help get you started.

Adolescent Resolutions

• Get between 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.
• Seek more advice and feedback from trusted adults.
• Find your hobby and practice ways to handle stress such as reading, meditation, playing music, arts and crafts, or other interests.
• Take care of yourself both physically and mentally through exercise, good nutrition, and self-care
• Challenge yourself educationally – want to raise your grade? Apply to college? Learn a new subject?
• Volunteer in your community or become part of a community group to help others.
  • Teens: Think about joining the Teen Advisory Board in the fall or attend a Teen Leadership Summit.
• Commit to staying alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free in 2024!
  • Teens: Take our pledge to be alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free.
  • Adults: Take our pledge to practice prevention in your home.

Adult/Parent Resolutions

• Schedule regular time with your teen and do a family activity together, such as volunteering in the community, having a movie night once a week, or a weekly game night.
• Take time every day to practice active listening. Communicate and listen to your teen and find out what they really think about their friends, school, current events, and their future.
• Find ways to encourage your teens to be more independent and to not be afraid to make mistakes. This can help them both learn and grow as an individual.
  • Adults: Take a free parent education class or talk to our parent educator to learn more about supporting your teen’s independence.
• Cook family meals all together to share your culture and traditions, encourage good nutrition, and create memories.
• Schedule all your family’s preventative medical, dental, and vision visits and talk about the importance of healthcare with your teen.
• Model positive behaviors such as good nutrition and exercise, and responsibility around alcohol for your teen.

No matter what resolution(s) you choose for the New Year, it is all about being the best versions of yourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Focus on positive goals, like home-cooked meals and running longer distances, rather than counting calories or hours at the gym. Make them achievable and enjoy the process! Working together as a family can help strengthen your relationships and cultivate positive household habits – even if there are some bumps along the way!

Use this time over the holiday season to talk with your teen about what you each hope to achieve in the New Year and how you both can work together towards these goals.

Remember – we’re here to help!

As the winter holidays approach, our thoughts turn to festive gatherings, twinkling lights, and the joy of spending quality time with loved ones. It’s a time of celebration and connection, but as parents, caregivers, and mentors, it’s crucial to address the challenges our teens may face, especially when it comes to substance use risk.

WHY Discuss Substance Prevention During the Holidays?

The Holiday season, with all of its social events and increased independence for teens, can present unique challenges. While we want our young people to enjoy the festivities, it’s essential to equip them with the knowledge and tools to make healthy choices. Substance prevention conversations are not about dampening the holiday spirit but about fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment.

Initiate Open and Honest Conversations

Approaching the topic of substance prevention may seem daunting, but open communication is key.  Ask open-ended questions about the news, events, or celebrities that they know about.  Be informed and explore your community’s data on teen substance use and risk (check out the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey).  Create a safe space for dialogue by actively listening to your teen’s thoughts and concerns and seek out new information together.

Set Clear Expectations and Consequences

During the holiday season, when routines may be more relaxed, it’s essential to maintain clear expectations regarding behavior. Reinforce the importance of responsible decision-making and establish consequences for violations. Ensure your teens understand the potential risks associated with substance use, both short-term and long-term.  Share your expectations, but also encourage them to express their own preferences, values, and boundaries.  Make sure everyone is in agreement with the expectations and consequences.

Promote Healthy Alternatives

Encourage your teens to engage in positive and fulfilling activities during the holidays. Whether it’s volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or spending quality time with family and friends, these alternatives divert teens from substance use opportunities, and also contribute to personal growth and well-being.

Seek Support and Community Resources

If you find that your teen is struggling or if you need additional guidance, don’t hesitate to seek support.

Teen Health Connection’s behavioral health triage clinicians at (704) 381-8336 can provide information on community services and resources as well as our own behavioral health care and prevention programs.

For more specialized substance use assessment and treatment services:

The Dilworth Center

Youth Substance Use Assessment and Prevention Programs
(704) 372-6969

Anuvia
Youth Substance Use Prevention and Intervention Programs
(704) 376-7447

As we navigate the holiday season, let’s prioritize the well-being of our teens by fostering open communication, staying informed, and promoting responsible choices. By approaching the topic of substance use with care and understanding, we can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable holiday experience for our teens, families, and communities.

At Teen Health Connection, we are always looking for new methods to help adolescents be the best version of themselves. One method of treatment that is on the rise is Brainspotting. Brainspotting is an adaptation of the well-known evidenced-based EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) treatment method. This brain-based treatment model harnesses the power of eye positioning to bypass the “thinking” part of your brain and access the deeper parts of your brain involved in emotional regulation. Overall, it has been found to be an effective form of therapy for a variety of mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, physical pain, and other negative emotions. One of the main principles of Brainspotting is “where you look affects how you feel.”

Brainspotting can be a rapid, and effective type of therapy. Our brains are incredible processing
machines that digest and organize everything we encounter. Sometimes, traumatic experiences or strong emotions can overwhelm the brain, leaving behind unprocessed memories or emotions. Brainspotting attempts to reprocess negative emotions by focusing on your body-based sensations, rather than your thoughts. Ultimately, Brainspotting empowers patients to believe their body and brain have the ability to heal, and each patient is the expert in this healing journey.

At Teen Health Connection, we now have 5 certified Brainspotting therapists, and 4 more therapists beginning the process for certification. We have been able to immediately begin meeting the needs of our teens by using this new modality. Many of our patients have expressed experiencing a deeper processing of emotions and/or trauma by using the Brainspotting method. There are several long-term patients who were originally treated with a different trauma modality that have experienced resolution in their residual trauma-related symptoms by using Brainspotting.

Brainspotting has been a great addition to our toolkits as clinicians and has allowed us to better meet the needs of our patients. It has allowed them to feel empowered as we help them understand and believe that their brains know how to heal themselves and that we sometimes just need to get out of the way of our own thoughts. In doing this, they can become the experts on themselves, and therapists are the guides throughout the process.

At Teen Health Connection, we’re on a mission to empower and support the health and well-being of adolescents in our community. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we continue to make a significant impact on the lives of teens and their families. In this edition of our newsletter, we’ll explore various ways you can contribute to our mission, ensuring a brighter future for the youth we serve.

1. Legacy / Planned Giving
Legacy or planned giving is a powerful way to leave a lasting impact on Teen Health Connection. By including us in your will or estate plan, you can create a legacy of support that will benefit teens for generations to come. Whether you choose to make a bequest, establish a charitable remainder trust, or designate us as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy, your thoughtful planning will help us provide essential services for years to come. If you are interested in this option, please email Giving@TeenHealthConnection.org.

2. IRA Distributions
If you’re 70½ years old or older, you have the opportunity to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA. This method can offer tax advantages while supporting our mission. QCDs are not included in your taxable income, making it a tax-efficient way to support Teen Health Connection. Consult your financial advisor to learn more about the benefits of this giving option. If you are interested in this option, please email Giving@TeenHealthConnection.org.

3. Stock Donations
Donating appreciated stock can be a tax-smart way to support Teen Health Connection. By contributing to our organization through a gift of appreciated stock, you can potentially avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction up to the fair market value of the stock. Consult your financial advisor for guidance on how to make such contributions. If you are interested in this option, please email Giving@TeenHealthConnection.org.

4. Donor Advised Funds
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) offer a convenient and flexible way to support charitable organizations, including Teen Health Connection. You can establish a DAF with your preferred financial institution, contribute assets to it, and then recommend grants to us over time. This allows you to streamline your giving and maximize your impact. If you are interested in this option, please email Giving@TeenHealthConnection.org.

5. Online Gifts
Making online gifts is quick, easy, and secure. You can visit our website at: www.TeenHealthConnection.org/give-now and make a one-time donation or set up a recurring gift. Your online contributions directly support our programs, services, and outreach efforts. Plus, you’ll receive a receipt for your tax records, simplifying the process come tax season.
Your contributions, regardless of the method you choose, play a crucial role in our ability to provide essential healthcare, counseling, and education to teens facing various challenges. We are deeply grateful for your support, which enables us to make a positive difference in the lives of adolescents in our community.

If you have any questions about these giving options or would like to discuss your philanthropic goals further, please don’t hesitate to contact our development team at Giving@TeenHealthConnection.org. Together, we can continue to be a lifeline for the youth who rely on Teen Health Connection.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of Charlotte teenagers.

It is no secret or shock to many that the past few years have changed each of our lives to some capacity. Social distancing, school shutdowns, mask mandates, and the list goes on. As we returned to what we may see as “normalcy,” we have started to see a rise in homelessness in not only Charlotte, but also throughout the country, especially amongst adolescents and their families. This raises the question of how homelessness is defined, what are some of the major factors that contribute to adolescent homelessness, what are some of the statistics we are seeing in Charlotte, and available resources. Our Chief Psychologist, Dr. Jennifer Thomas, helps to answer these important questions.

How is homelessness defined?

Definitions of homelessness vary, often depending on various agencies and funding sources used to support programs and resources. The definition of homelessness generally includes emergency shelters, transitional housing, or unsheltered locations. For those youth who are unaccompanied by families or caregivers, the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act defines youth homelessness as “young people who cannot live in a safe environment with a relative and who have no other safe living arrangement.” Other federal definitions of homelessness include “lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” Youth homelessness may also include living “doubled up” with other families; couch surfing or staying with friends or relatives; living in hotels or motels; being abandoned in hospitals; awaiting foster care placement; or sleeping in an unsheltered location (e.g., cars, parks, campgrounds, temporary trailers, or abandoned buildings). Notably, many homeless shelters do not accept unaccompanied minors.

Is homelessness on the rise, lowering, or remaining the same for adolescents in Charlotte?

According to the 2022 Charlotte-Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability & Homelessness Report, there were 3,260 people in Mecklenburg County experiencing homelessness (in shelters and unsheltered locations) in October 2022, reflecting an overall 3% increase in homelessness in the past year. This count of individuals experiencing homelessness included 364 families and 127 unaccompanied youth (ages 18-24) but is likely an underestimate given the challenges of identifying all unsheltered locations where individuals may live. Issues with the availability of affordable housing is identified as a significant factor contributing to the increase in homelessness. Notably, minor children ages 0-17 accounted for nearly 25% of the overall number of individuals experiencing homelessness.
During the 2021-2022 school year, 40% more students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) were identified as eligible for McKinney-Vento than in 2020-2021, with a total of 4,206 living in doubled up situations in 2021-2022. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (MVA) provides school access and support for academic success for students experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

What are some of the major factors that contribute to adolescent homelessness?

According to a national survey on unaccompanied youth homelessness in America, results show that one in 10 young adults ages 18-25 (an estimated 3.5 million) and at least one in 30 adolescents ages 13-17 (an estimated 700,000) experience homelessness unaccompanied by a parent or guardian over the course of a year (Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America, National Estimates, 2017). Poverty is a contributing factor to homelessness, and youth with lower household incomes were more likely to experience homelessness. Young parents had three times the risk of experiencing homelessness when compared to non-parenting peers. Young adults without a high school diploma or GED had 4.5 times the risk of experiencing homelessness compared to peers who completed high school. Youth of color and youth who identify as LGBTQ disproportionately experience homelessness and housing instability at higher rates. According to the 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 28% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing homelessness or housing instability during their lifetime with many reporting being mistreated or kicked out due to their identity. Family conflict is often indicated as a reason youth give for their homelessness or running away.

What are the common struggles of adolescents who are identified as being homeless?

Youth experiencing unstable housing face higher risks for poor physical and behavioral health outcomes (McKinnon, et al., 2023). Periods of unstable housing might serve as barriers to accessing consistent, comprehensive physical and behavioral health care and may contribute to health challenges resulting from inadequate nutrition and food insecurity. Homelessness also can impact education, sense of safety, and overall development (American Psychological Association, 2022). Students experiencing homelessness are more than twice as likely to be chronically absent, more likely to change schools multiple times, to be suspended, have lower test scores, and have increased risk for dropping out than their peers experiencing housing stability. They also may have limited support systems, be more likely to experience adverse childhood events (ACEs), family rejection, and family instability.
National results from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicated that 2.7% of US high school students experienced unstable housing (McKinnon, et al., 2023). Students experiencing unstable housing were more likely to engage in sexual risks behaviors, substance use, suicidal ideation and attempts, and to experience violence and victimization (McKinnon, et al., 2023; Smith-Grant et al., 2022). Alcohol and other substance use are 2-3 times more prevalent, and the prevalence of depressive symptoms is significantly higher among youth experiencing homelessness.

What are some resources that adolescents can use if they are experiencing homelessness?

The following programs focus on providing education, awareness, and support for local and national
initiatives that provide resources and work towards ending youth homelessness:
For information on McKinney-Vento Program services for CMS students, visit https://www.cmsk12.org/Page/9726.

The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) funds the National Runaway Safeline which includes a crisis hotline (1-800-RUNAWAY) and online services 24/7.
Locally, youth can contact The Relatives youth crisis center at 704-377-0602 for help with finding shelter and support.

Youth homelessness is a very complex issue impacting the lives of an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults in the United States every year.

The complexity of the issue makes the problem seem insurmountable, but there are things we can do within our own community that will have a positive impact on the youth experiencing homelessness here in Mecklenburg County. The Chinese proverb, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” applies here. Yes, the goal of ending youth homelessness is a massive goal, but it can only be achieved by starting. Below are some suggestions on things parents and teens can do together to raise awareness and to make a positive impact on the lives of homeless teens.

Easy Ways to Raise Awareness:
1. The official color of National Runaway Prevention Month is green. Put a green lightbulb in your porch light or use green holiday lights around your windows to show support for Runaway and Homeless Youth this month.

2. Use your voice on social media to raise awareness. Add the “Shine a Light” filter to your Facebook profile picture or post with the Instagram and TikTok filters to show your support of runaway and homeless youth for the month of November.

3. Wear green or post a video of yourself wearing green. Make sure people understand the reason why you support Runaway and Homeless youth (RHY) and ending youth homelessness.

4. Give money to agencies that support RHY.

Other Creative Ways to Help:
5. Join an interactive poverty simulation. There are several organizations in Charlotte that offer opportunities designed to increase awareness, promote empathy and understanding, and inspire advocacy.

6. Watch a documentary about youth homelessness.

Below are some suggestions:
–Shelter: This film explores the stories of youth living in an emergency shelter.
–American Street Kid: Follow several youths who share how they ended up homeless and discuss their constant struggle to survive on the streets of Los Angeles.
–The Homestretch: Follows 3 homeless teens as they battle to stay in school, graduate, and change the trajectory of their lives for the better.
–Lost in America: This film uses the voices of celebrities and politicians who have experienced homelessness themselves to take a very large-scale issue and make it a very personal experience.
–Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange County: This film follows the stories of multiple youth and their families living in motels in one of the richest counties in the country.

7. Organize a donation drive for food and clothing.

Food:
–Loaves and Fishes (704) 523-4333
–Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (704) 376-1785
–Dilworth Soup Kitchen (704) 334-3771

Clothing:
–Charlotte Rescue Mission (704) 333-4673)
–Crisis Assistance Ministry (704) 371-3001 ext. 282
–Helping Hands of Charlotte, NC (704) 288-3660)

By committing to raising awareness of Runaway and Homeless Youth you are joining the movement to end homelessness, not only among youth in and around Charlotte, but in the United States as a whole.

National Substance Use Prevention Month is an observance to highlight the vital role of substance use prevention for both individual and community health. Millions of Americans suffer from a substance use disorder, including underage drinking, alcohol dependency, non-medical use of prescription drugs, misuse of over-the-counter medications, and illicit drug use. Our Teen Advisory Board Coordinator, Bain Brown, shares some of the statistics of substance use amongst adolescents and ways to combat these issues.

What trends are we seeing in the US?
The CDC’s 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) reports that about 30% of high school students reported substance use in the past 30 days. A significant portion, about 35%, of those students used multiple substances. Although there is still progress to be made, youth substance use in the U.S. has seen a decline over the past decade, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this decrease, substance use remains prevalent among high school students nationally. The reduction in substance use might be attributed to pandemic-related factors such as reduced peer contact and increased parental oversight. Given the evolving markets for alcohol and drugs, it is essential to continuously monitor these trends. Evidence-based prevention programs, such as the Teen Advisory Board at Teen health Connection, that target the factors contributing to youth substance use could help sustain and amplify this decline.

How does NC compare to the rates of the US as a whole?
North Carolina teens report similar rates of substance use as their peers across the nation. The 2021 YRBS reports that there is no significant difference between national and state rates of underage drinking and marijuana use among high school students in NC. However, North Carolina teens are more likely to use electronic vapor products, or e-cigarettes, with current use rates 5.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, the number of high school youth in NC who report taking a prescription medication (such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, or Percocet) without a doctor’s prescription is 3.6% higher than the national average. These higher rates of prescription drug misuse are alarming given the national increase in accidental overdoses due to Fentanyl poisoning.

What substances are most often used by adolescents?
In 2021, about 30% of U.S. high school students reported using substances like alcohol, marijuana, or misusing prescription opioids. Among these, alcohol (22.7%) and marijuana (15.8%) were the most used substances by these students.
What are some types of resources teens can use to help if they are struggling with substance abuse?
If you, or someone you know, needs help with a substance use disorder, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U).

When looking at the statistics, we can see the importance of having prevention-based programs for adolescents in place as well as substance use education for both adolescents and parents. Here at Teen Health Connection, we offer different programs to help in these areas.

For adolescents, we have our Teen Advisory Board, who together work to promote the prevention of underage drinking and prescription drug misuse in Charlotte, North Carolina while also serving as the youth sector representatives on the Teen Health Connection Youth Drug-Free Coalition. If you would like to learn more or even join, visit our website using the link here or contact our Teen Advisory Board Coordinator, Bain Brown, at Bain.Brown@TeenHealthConnection.org.

For parents and guardians, we offer parenting classes on different topics surrounding different topics that are affecting teens today. If you are interested in learning more or would like to sign-up for one of our upcoming classes, you can see our schedule here or reach out to our parenting facilitator, Kris Hawkins, at Kris.Hawkins@TeenHealthConnection.org. You can also read Kris Hawkin’s latest topic for Substance Use Prevention month, Parental Monitoring: A Protective Factor Against Adolescent Substance Use to learn about the different ways parents can effectively monitor their teen(s).

Spotlight on Success: Jewel Wood – A Year After the Johnston Ziegler Youth Leadership Scholarship

Spotlight on Success: Jewel Wood

It is with great pleasure that we share an inspiring update on our outstanding scholarship recipient for the graduating class of 2023. Jewel Wood, the recipient of the Johnston Ziegler Youth Leadership Scholarship, has continued to shine brightly in her journey toward personal and academic success.

“Winning the JZ Scholarship has impacted my personal and academic journey significantly,” Jewel stated about winning the JZ Scholarship. “Without this scholarship, the financial burden on my family and I would’ve been overwhelmingly difficult. In fact, there was a period of time where I had to deeply consider attending other universities due to financial costs. However, once I heard that I won the JZ Scholarship, it stirred a sense of hope that attending my dream school, Howard University, could be a real possibility.”

We could not be prouder of the positive impact Jewel is making in the lives of those around her. She is a testament to the power of youth leadership and the potential for change when young individuals are given the support and resources they need. Thank you for your continued support, which allows us to nurture the potential of remarkable young leaders like Jewel Wood. We look forward to sharing more success stories and updates with you in the future!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Johnston Ziegler Youth Leadership Scholarship, click here.

Parental Monitoring describes the extent to which a parent supervises the activities of their adolescent and the level of concern and awareness they demonstrate to their adolescent regarding those activities.
And yes, research shows that adolescents whose parents practice effective monitoring strategies are, not only, less likely to use substances, they are less likely to choose risky behaviors in general.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has compiled a list of suggestions for parents to use to monitor their adolescent and help protect them from risky behaviors and experiences:

• Talk with your teen about your rules and expectations and explain the consequences for breaking the rules.
• Talk and listen to your teen often about how they feel and what they are thinking.
• Know who your teen’s friends are.
• Talk with your teen about the plans they have with friends, what they are doing after school, and where they will be going.
• Set expectations for when your teen will come home and expect a call if they are going to be late.
• Ask whether an adult will be present when your teen is visiting a friend’s home.
• Get to know your teen’s boyfriend or girlfriend.
• Get to know the parents of your teen’s friends.
• Talk with your relatives, your neighbors, your teen’s teachers, and other adults who know your teen. Ask them to share what they observe about your teen’s behaviors, moods, or friends.
• Watch how your teen spends money.
• Keep track of how your teen spends time online and talk about using the Internet safely.
• Pay attention to your teen’s mood and behavior at home and discuss any concerns you might have.
• If your teen does break a rule, enforce the consequences fairly and consistently.
• Make sure your teen knows how to contact you at all times

Passionate. Dedicated. Selfless. These are just a few words to describe our late founding Medical Director, Dr. John G. Johnston, lovingly known as “Dr. J.” The light he brought to the practice and to those in his presence is one that many will never forget. During his life, he inspired teens, their parents, and medical students to be the best version of themselves.

After leaving Charlotte Pediatric Clinic, where he served the community for 18 years, Dr. J came to serve as Teen Health Connection’s first Medical Director in 1992.  While serving as the Medical Director, he always wanted to make sure each patient left feeling positive and that he would always be a listening ear. He was loved by all and would never shy away from spending as much time as needed with each patient. He loved to hear about their experiences and wanted them to know that Teen Health Connection would always be there.

Even after his retirement in 2005, his love and passion for Teen Health Connection continued and is still felt today.  To have this legacy of Dr. J felt by all and to invest in the future of teens, Teen Health Connection’s Board of Directors created the Johnston Ziegler Youth Leadership Scholarship.  The Johnston Ziegler Youth Leadership Award is a merit-based scholarship that recognizes a local high-school senior who, like Dr. Johnston and Barbara Ziegler, has demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, or service for adolescents. The selected youth will receive a $2,500 educational scholarship to the college or university of his or her choice.

Though Dr. J may no longer be with us, his vision, passion, and dedication live on with each of us here at Teen Health Connection and within those who knew Dr. J. As we mourn his loss, let us remember the smiles he brought to everyone when he entered a room and the passion he brought to helping the Charlotte community.