OCTOBER 2021 - BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

With the recent legalization of marijuana in the State of Virginia, concerns have emerged that teenage individuals will use this legislation as their “pass” to utilize this dangerous substance. While the adolescent brain is not fully mature until the age of 25, the introduction of marijuana into the growing and developing brain can cause an impact with neurological development. More specifically, early marijuana use can create disruption in the brain’s connections, leading to issues with an adolescent’s cognitive function; as well as structural changes in the brain’s gray matter, resulting in neuropsychological deficits. The short-term effects of marijuana use in adolescents include issues with memory, attention, learning, and decision-making. There are also possible long-term effects of marijuana which include poor school performance, higher school dropout rates, and greater unemployment rates. Research shows an increase in the risk of early onset psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. Marijuana is still widely viewed as a Gateway Drug, leading to increased research on the use of other dangerous substances, such as opioids. In 2017, the Arlington Addiction Recovery (AARI) taskforce was created in response to the rising concerns regarding opioids within the Arlington County community. The primary goal at that time was to work to prevent individuals from developing a substance use disorder, increase access and awareness of available treatment resources in our community, and decrease access to opioids; however, as time has passed, the need to expand and focus on other substances has become more evident. Recently, a new sub-committee was created, which placed a specific focus on marijuana and the recent state legalization. The goal of the Marijuana Prevention Committee is to promote awareness and education around marijuana legislation and the effects marijuana has on the brain. The committee’s focus will be to disseminate information to the Arlington community about the impact of marijuana on the brain, legalization laws, and the effects it has on the brain.  Our committee consists of members of the community (students and parents), APS, DHS, the courts, and professionals from the Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative. We will meet twice a month to discuss substance abuse related content and our goal is to be non-judgmental in our message to the community. On October 19, 2021, at 12pm and 6pm, we will have our first virtual presentation titled, “Marijuana is Legal, So What Now?”. We hope that this will compel community members to attend and obtain some useful information on the current laws in VA, safe storage, and the effects of marijuana. 

To learn more about the youth and Teen Network Board, check out the website and click here for their newsletter. To learn more and to get involved, email Siobhan Grayson at sgrayson@arlingtonva.us. To attend this presentation click here.  

Domestic violence awareness month was created not only to bring more awareness to others but to connect and unify the millions of affected victims that had been battered due to domestic violence. Its hope is to break the chains of violence that currently have such a strong grip on our nation. Every year, right around 10 million people become victims of domestic violence, which equates to just about 20 people every minute.  It affects not only women, but men and children, of all different races, status, religions, and culture. No one is immune to it. We would like to highlight Project Peace and their dedication to ending abuse.  

Arlington County’s Project PEACE (Partnering to End Abuse in the Community for Everyone), is a coordinated community response dedicated to advancing the most effective and efficient array of education, prevention, protection, and support services to end domestic and sexual violence in the community.