October Content
- YMCA Launches Statewide Mental Health Advisory Council of Teens
- Funding Opportunity: PREPare for Success Program (Due 10/30)
- Did You Know: Junk Food Can Scramble Memory in Just 4 Days
- New Online Course Helps Professionals Address Youth Gambling, Gaming, and Digital Media Risks
- Beyond the Check-In: Empowering Parent-Student Dialogues About Health
- Free Virtual Trauma & Resilience 101 Trainings
- Colgate's Virtual Van is Rolling into Classrooms
- SHAC Learning Collaborative
- October / November Health Observances
YMCA LAUNCHES STATEWIDE MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL OF TEENS
On October 11-12, teens from across North Carolina came together at YMCA of Greensboro Camp Weaver to launch the YMCA’s inaugural NC State Teen Mental Health Advisory Council (TMAC).
The council is comprised of 31 high school students with a clear mission: to foster a supportive community where teens thrive mentally, emotionally and socially. Through collaboration, advocacy and education, they aim to build a foundation that promotes mental wellbeing, resilience and inclusivity for all teens in North Carolina.
Eric Graves, Association Teen Director for the YMCA of Greensboro, developed the plans for the council in partnership with Carrie Watkins, MSW, LCSWA, a counselor at Family Solutions, as part of North Carolina YMCAs’ work to improve teens’ mental well-being. In 2023, the NC Alliance of YMCAs was awarded funds from the state legislature for YMCAs to launch or expand teen programs that incorporate resilience-building skills and strategies to support teens’ well-being and to normalize conversations around mental health.
Learn more HERE.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: PREPare for Success Program (Due 10/30)
The Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) is designed to educate adolescents on both abstinence and contraception to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and adulthood preparation subjects. With reproductive health education programs, youth development, and parent involvement, adolescents will have the information and skills needed to make healthy decisions about reproductive health. PREP is administered by Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiatives (TPPI) of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Women, Infant, and Community Wellness Section, Reproductive Health Branch.
Eligibility: Public or private non-profit agencies (e.g., schools, colleges/universities, local health departments, non-profit community-based organizations) may receive funding to replicate at least one (1) evidence-based program model through this Request for Applications (RFA). For-profit agencies need not apply. If the applicant agency currently receives Primary Prevention funding for teen pregnancy prevention through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the agency may not apply to implement an additional primary pregnancy prevention program in the same county they currently serve but may propose a new program in a different county.
Applications will only be accepted from counties ranking in the top 50 for birth rates among females aged 15 to 19 based on a five-year average between 2019-2023. The counties are as follows: Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Burke, Caldwell, Caswell, Cherokee, Chowan, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Edgecombe, Graham, Greene, Halifax, Hoke, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Macon, Martin, McDowell, Mitchell, Nash, Northampton, Onslow, Perquimans, Person, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Surry, Swain, Vance, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilkes, Wilson, Yadkin, and Yancey.
A complete list of requirements and submission forms and instructions can be found here.
Deadline for Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically no later than 5:00pm on October 30, 2025 to https://teenpregnancy.dph.ncdhhs.gov/funding.htm.
How to Obtain Further Information: https://teenpregnancy.dph.ncdhhs.gov/funding.htm
Direct inquiries concerning this RFA to all of the following:
Nancy Warren, nancy.warren@dhhs.nc.gov
Deja Garlin, deja.garlin@dhhs.nc.gov
Kylia Ahuna, kylia.ahuna@dhhs.nc.gov
Did You Know: Junk Food Can Scramble Memory in Just 4 Days
ScienceDaily A new study from UNC School of Medicine researchers, published in Neuron, reveals a unique look at how junk food rewires the brain's memory hub — leading to risk of cognitive dysfunction.
This new research opens the door to early interventions that can prevent even long-term memory loss associated with obesity. Read More
New Online Course Helps Professionals Address Youth Gambling, Gaming, and Digital Media Risks
The Adolescent Gambling and Gaming Series is a new online course designed to help behavioral health professionals and youth-serving organizations respond to the growing risks of adolescent gambling, gaming, and digital media use.
Developed by UNC Behavioral Health Springboard (UNC-BHS) in collaboration with Alison Wood of the NC Problem Gambling Program and subject matter experts, the course offers a practical, evidence-based approach to prevention, screening, and treatment.
Research shows:
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15–20% of youth gamble regularly
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2–8% show signs of problematic gambling
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Online gambling and sports betting are rapidly expanding
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Gamified and Gamblified platforms reinforce risky behaviors through dopamine-triggering mechanics
These trends are linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, family instability, and suicide ideation among youth.
This is the first course to connect gambling, gaming, and digital media use as overlapping high-risk behaviors. It’s interactive, engaging, and accessible to professionals in schools, juvenile justice, and community organizations.
Register for the course: Adolescent Gambling and Gaming Series | Behavioral Health Springboard
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Beyond the Check-In: Empowering Parent-Student Dialogues About Health
Grant Application Due November 7th
As a health and physical education professional, you understand the critical role families play in supporting student well-being. While teachers lay the foundation, parents and caregivers help reinforce these essential skills at home.
Your district’s PTAs/PTOs (or other school-based parent/caregiver groups) have the opportunity to receive up to a $7,000 mini grant to support students as they navigate school, friendships, family, and hobbies in this digital age.
Grantees will receive a series of videos and resources for parents, families and educators — created by SHAPE America, Cairn Guidance, the National Association of Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), and Pinnacle Partnerships — around the topics of mental, social, and personal health.
These tools are designed to help families feel more confident talking with kids about important and sometimes tough topics.
Please forward this opportunity to school-based parent groups in your district and encourage them to apply before the November 7 deadline.
Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) Framework Training we’re hosting on November 13th from 9:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Upcoming Virtual Training: HOPE Framework – November 13th, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Join Positive Childhood Alliance NC for the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) Framework Training! Learn how positive experiences shape child and family well-being and how to apply the HOPE framework in your work.
Cost: $25 (includes virtual materials) | Optional CEUs: $25 Apply: PCANC Training & Events Calendar - Scroll to November 13th.
Free Virtual Trauma & Resilience 101 Trainings
Rural Opportunity Institute is hosting free virtual Trauma &Resilience 101 Trainings. Please see the linked flyer for additional information and registration link.
Sessions are scheduled for November 12, 2025, and January 14, 2026 (Pick 1 date). Each session is 90 minutes and scheduled for 1-2:30 pm.
These sessions are now open to any Public School Unit and/or community agency/organizations that would like to attend.
Although continuing education units (CEUs) are not offered, participants will receive a certificate of attendance if requested.
For additional information, please contact La'Shanda Person la'shanda@ruralopportunity.org
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 Colgate's Virtual Van is Rolling into Classrooms
Help your students build healthy habits with a free, fun, and educational oral health workshop from Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures!
- 20–30 minute live virtual session
- No cost for classrooms and afterschool programs
- Students learn about brushing, nutrition, and handwashing
- Each child receives a free Oral Care Kit for participating
Schedule your virtual visit from Colgate's dental van today. Request a free visit
Learn more about: Oral Health Education BSBF | Colgate®
 SHAC Learning Collaborative
NC Healthy Schools hosts monthly opportunities for a SHAC Learning Collaborative. These monthly meetings are the last Monday of each month at 3:00pm (unless scheduled otherwise, due to holidays, etc.) and are open to all SHAC representatives (or those considering joining a SHAC) to come learn more about what other PSUs are doing, hear about various resources, and share about your activities.
These meetings will primarily focus on SHACs and the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model. There will be opportunities to discuss general questions, e.g., building the team, partnerships, use of data, action planning, and questions relevant to your WSCC efforts.
Email Susanne.Schmal@dpi.nc.gov to receive the calendar invitation.
October / November Health Observances Include:
- October is Bullying Prevention Month
- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- October is Health Literacy Month
- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- October is American Diabetes Month
- October is National Farm to School Month
- October is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
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- November is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
- November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
- November is National Diabetes Month
- November is Healthy Skin Month
- November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
- November 20th is the Great American Smokeout
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