In this episode of Just Say Something's podcast, we tackle the phenomenon of Blue Monday - dubbed the most challenging day of the year for mental wellness, falling on January 20th.

This episode explores practical strategies to combat the January blues and post-holiday slump.

Recommendations:

-Choosing active over passive activities

-Incorporating regular exercise

-Practicing mindful techniques like smiling and meditation, and

-Maintaining gratitude practices through journaling and photo documentation.

The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing when winter blues may require professional intervention, particularly if feelings persist beyond a week or impact daily functioning. Call the 988 crisis line for local support, along with the reminder that many free treatment options are available within the community.

If you have any questions, please call Just Say Something at 864-467-4099

#podcast #justsaysomething #bluemonday #988 #mentalhealth #greenvillescmentalhealth

In this episode of Just Say Something, CEO Phillip Clark discusses No Name Calling Week, observed from January 20th-25th. This initiative, established in 2004, aims to educate students, teachers, and the public about the harmful effects of bullying and name-calling. The episode explores alarming statistics, including that 75% of elementary students report experiencing name-calling, and over 150,000 teens skip school due to bullying.

Inspired by James Howe's 2001 novel "The Misfits," No Name Calling Week addresses various forms of verbal harassment targeting weight, height, appearance, intelligence, and sexual orientation. The episode outlines ways to observe the week, including joining anti-bullying programs and creating awareness campaigns. Philip Clark encourages listeners to follow Just Say Something on social media (Facebook and Instagram) for updates and resources, and welcomes contact through their phone line at 864-467-4099.

The episode emphasizes the broader impact of this initiative in reducing harmful behavior, empowering victims, and addressing multiple forms of bullying through educational programs. This marks a new phase for Just Say Something, with more awareness episodes planned for future podcasts.

JustSaySomethingSC.org

#podcast #antibulling #nonnamecallingweek #justsaysomething #greenvillescmentalhealth #988

This week on the Just Say Something podcast, Phillip Clark talks with Maureen and Stacey on staff about their vaping prevention program.

They discuss:

• Common misconceptions among students about vaping being "safer" than cigarettes
• Discussion of tobacco companies' marketing tactics targeting youth through flavored vapes
• A story shared of a student hospitalized after excessive vape use
• Factors influencing teen vaping: peer pressure, family influence, and social media
• Advice for parents on how to have conversations with kids about vaping
• Emphasis on building strong parent-child relationships early!

Maureen and Stacey visit schools in Greenville County, South Carolina. If you are interested in them speaking to your school, parents or staff, contact Just Say Something at 864-467-4099.

#vapingprevention #vapingeducation #justsaysomething #greenvillecountyschools #parentteenrelationship

In this episode, host Philip Clark interviews Sergeant Natalie Hill, a 25-year veteran of law enforcement who currently works in the Community Services Division of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. The conversation focuses on community safety, opioid prevention, and the Power Collective's efforts to address substance use disorder.

• 28 years in law enforcement
• Joined Greenville County Sheriff's Office in June 2001
• Transitioned from uniform patrol to Community Services Division after 6-7 years
• Currently oversees the opioid prevention program

• Provides church safety workshops
• Addresses increasing active shooter risks in religious settings
• Conducts safety assessments for churches
• Trains safety teams on protecting congregations
• Emphasizes proactive safety measures and self-protection

• Works with Just Say Something and the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund
• Focuses on substance use disorder prevention
• Highlights that substance use does not discriminate (affects all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups)
• Provides Narcan training and distribution
• Hosts awareness events, including:
  • Red Ribbon Week (October)
  • Annual Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Night
  • Invites families affected by substance use to share experiences

• Available for community events and educational programs
• Upcoming events include:
  • April: Alcohol Prevention Month
  • August: N...

In this episode of the Just Say Something podcast, CEO and host Philip Clark sits down with Dr. Edward Anderson, Executive Director of Ontrack Greenville, to discuss the critical work of supporting students in high-poverty schools. On Track Greenville was founded eight years ago as a collaborative effort between Greenville County Schools and United Way to address student dropout rates, focusing on interventions that begin as early as middle school. The program tracks students' academic progress through Academics, Behavior, and Attendance - identifying potential challenges early and providing targeted support.

Dr. Anderson shares his powerful personal story of resilience, growing up in poverty with a mother who had him at 14 and facing numerous health challenges. His journey from a child with significant obstacles to becoming an educator and community leader highlights the transformative power of support systems and community engagement. The conversation emphasizes the critical importance of family involvement in education, with Dr. Anderson noting that there's a direct correlation between family engagement and student success, regardless of socioeconomic status.

The episode concludes with a passionate call to action for community involvement. Dr. Anderson stresses that supporting students is not just the responsibility of schools and teachers, but of the entire community. He encourages listeners to get involved through mentoring, volunteering, or supporting teachers, and invites everyone to learn more about On Track Greenville's mission at ontrackgreenville.org. The podcast underscores the organization's commitment to removing barriers for students in high-poverty schools and helping them achieve college and career success.

Dr. Anderson can be reached via email: responsiveedllc@gmail.com

#podcast #justsaysomething #ontrackgreenville #edwardanderson #studentsuccess #greenvillecounty

This week on the Just Say Something Podcast, they are celebrating its 40th anniversary by highlighting the importance of strengthening family bonds and parenting skills. Just Say Something offers programs for families with children from birth through college graduation, available in both English and Spanish.

A powerful example of JSS' impact is shared through a story of a single father whose daughter transformed from failing grades to becoming an honor roll student after participating in their classes. JSS emphasizes that small parental interventions can instill resilience and pride in children.

As part of their Giving Tuesday campaign, Just Say Something is requesting donations of $40 (or multiples thereof) to support their community work. Interested individuals can learn more about their programming by visiting justsaysomethingsc.org, where they can explore the organization's various family support initiatives.

Donations to the campaign can be made here: https://givebutter.com/fTLW7b

#podcast #justsaysomethingsc #parentingclasses #givingtuesday #greenvillescnonprofit #givingtuesdaydonation

This week on the Just Say Something Podcast, CEO Phillip Clark talks with Stacey Ashmore about JSS's sports program, Impact.

Stacey is in the middle of soccer season and shares stories how the kids are making friends, are enjoying learning the game and the parents are happy they are outside and not inside watching TV or on their electronics.

Stacye also shared stories of students who started playing then were able to make high school teams and progress in their playing.

Impact soccer is a 10 week program for students 6-12. It is FREE in Greenville County to sign up.

Contact Just Say Something at 864-467-4099 or on the web: https://www.justsaysomethingsc.org to sign up or to learn more.

Just Say Something Podcast, Episode #36

On this week’s episode, CEO/Philip Clark sits down with Alison Rauch, the Public
Information Coordinator at Greer CPW to discuss the critical community partnership
and initiatives aimed at promoting environmental safety and public health.

For the past eight years, Alison has been instrumental in strengthening community relations and
promoting environmental initiatives in Greer, South Carolina, by managing
communications and community outreach efforts for CPW. With an impressive
background in public relations, her expertise lies in coordinating events like the bi-
annual drug take-back days and advocating for eco-friendly utility practices.
The focus of their conversation is the upcoming bi-annual drug take-back day, a
collaborative effort to prevent drug misuse and protect the environment. Alison shares
with Phil the history of Greer CPW's involvement in the drug take-back program, which
has successfully removed over 1,500 pounds of pills from the streets. She tells Phil,
"These addictions start at home in grandma's medicine cabinets, and then it builds to
something stronger out on the streets."

They delve into the logistics of these events, the importance of proper medication disposal, and how community partnerships enhance these initiatives.

Additionally, Philip introduces a new endeavor by Just Say Something – the distribution
of lockable prescription vials to prevent medication theft. They discuss the
broader impact of these efforts on community health and ecosystem preservation.
Alison illustrates her message by explaining, "We took a bottle that had a 1985 date on
it. It had disintegrated so much we couldn't even get it out."

Key Takeaways:

-Environmental Impact: Understand the detrimental effects of improper
medication disposal on water ecosystems and how community efforts can
mitigate this.
-Community Partnerships: Discover the strength and importance of community
partnerships in enhancing public health initiatives.
-Lockable Prescription Vials: Get introduced to Just Say Something's new
initiative to distribute lockable prescription vials to reduce medication theft and
misuse.
-Engagement and Outreach: Insights on how CPW engages with the community
beyond utility services, highlighting their commitment to public service and
environmental stewardship.

For more information, please visit us at www.justsaysomethingsc.org or give us a call at
(864)467-4099.

Greer City of Public Works can be reached at www.greercpw.com.

#justsaysomethingpodcast #phillipclark #alisonrauch #greercpw #lockablevials
#drugtakebackday #communityengagement #1500pounds