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The newsletter that takes a Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child approach. The Friday Beat is a free publication of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). It is edited and compiled by the School Health Program.
Children’s Mental Health Month
May is Children’s Mental Health Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has helpful information that highlights the importance of children’s mental health and promotes positive youth development.
National Adolescent Health Month
Each May, the Office of Population Affairs celebrates National Adolescent Health Month (NAHM). This year, NAHM focuses on Take Action for Adolescents – A Call to Action for Adolescent Health and Well-Being. This initiative envisions that all adolescents in the United States have the safety, support, and resources to thrive, be healthy, and realize their full potential.
2025 Impact of Asthma in Texas Report
The Texas Department of State Health Services produced the Impact of Asthma in Texas Report, 2025. Asthma stakeholders can use data in the report to identify asthma trends as well as disparities among socio-economic groups, demographic groups, geographic areas, and target priority populations. The report includes prevalence, hospital and emergency department, Medicaid, and tobacco data over the past five years. It uses graphs and maps to show trends in data over time as well as differences across Texas.
School Health Professional Development Webinar Series
Action for Healthy Kids is hosting free webinars on various school health topics. Below is the schedule:
Each webinar is from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (CST). Click on the link next to each of the times to register.
Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Toolkit
The Texas School Safety Center offers a Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Toolkit to support schools, parents, youth, and adults in addressing fentanyl use. The toolkit includes information on Texas laws, educational programs, awareness campaigns, tools for educators and parents, free naloxone access, and other resources. You can find the Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Toolkit and other TxSSC toolkits on the TxSSC toolkit page.
Diabetes Camps Inspire Health and Confidence in Kids Living with Diabetes
The Diabetes Education & Camping Association (DECA) works to raise awareness about diabetes camps and their value to kids and families. School nurses and staff are uniquely positioned to share information about the camps, and DECA offers resources to help spread the word. Share DECA's Find a Camp Tool to help families locate a camp or use it to find volunteer opportunities at a summer camp near you!
Tips for Managing Diabetes in the Heat
People with diabetes are potentially at a greater risk of being affected by the summer heat due to certain diabetes complications. Factors include increased risk of dehydration and changes in how the body uses insulin at high temperatures. The CDC published tips for managing diabetes as temperatures outside rise. Share these resources with families before and during the summer.
Balancing Food and Play
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Family and Community Health program has a school enrichment program for kids in grades 3-5. This program helps children develop lifelong healthy habits through nutrition, physical activity, and family engagement. The curriculum includes four newsletters and recipe cards that kids can take home to share with their families, promoting engagement outside of the classroom. For more information, visit their curriculum website.
Naloxone Texas
UT Health San Antonio’s naloxone program, Naloxone Texas, is a statewide initiative working to end the state’s overdose epidemic through medication distribution, public awareness, and workforce empowerment. Free naloxone is available through the naloxone request webpage. Access virtual, on demand training in evidence-based strategies for overdose reversal and prevention. Share these resources with parents, teachers, and school staff.
Mental Health Awareness Toolkit
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) developed the Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in maintaining our wellbeing. It is designed to promote acceptance and support for people living with mental illness. The toolkit includes social media content, resources, and best practices for engaging in healthy discussions about mental health. It also includes promotional materials that can be used beyond May. Share with parents, school staff, and community members.
Summer Activities for Texas Youth
The Texas Youth Action Network offers a list of summer activities for youth. The resource includes at-home activities that youth can do on their own and organized activities happening in different regions of Texas. Share this resource with parents and families to help keep kids active over the summer.
“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” – William Arthur Ward
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The articles and hyperlinks to external websites appearing in Friday Beat are intended to be informational and do not represent an endorsement by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Other websites may not be accessible to people with disabilities. External email addresses may also be provided as a courtesy. If you choose to correspond, please be advised that DSHS policies may not apply. For information about any of the programs listed, contact the sponsoring organization directly. For comments or questions about Friday Beat, email the School Health Program at schoolhealth@dshs.texas.gov or call (512) 776-7279.
Public Domain. Permission granted to forward or make copies as needed.
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