May 2022 FCS News

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May-Mental Health Month

988 Coming Soon: New Number to Call for People Facing Mental Health Crises 

Everyone deserves access to the support they need, when they need it – and that includes mental health support. That’s why this year, starting on July 16, 2022, anyone facing a mental health crisis can call 988 and get connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (also called the Lifeline). The line will be staffed with trained crisis counselors who know what callers are going through and know what local resources might make a difference. The phone line is staffed 24/7, and is free and confidential. When someone is facing a mental health concern or living with a mental health condition, it’s really common to feel like no one understands what you’re going through. It may be difficult to imagine that someone who picks up the phone could totally understand what you’re feeling, and even harder to imagine that recovery is possible. The current way of doing things isn’t working. Calling 911, the de facto response in our country, is not serving people in a mental health crisis well. A police response can inflict additional trauma on someone in crisis, or worse, attempt to criminalize the person. Unlike 911, counselors will be at the other end of the Lifeline when you dial 988. They are trained to understand exactly how you’re feeling and to pair you with resources that are specifically tailored to helping you meet the moment you’re in. Having concerns about your mental health is a common experience. It’s time to make this kind of support just as common. This is why 988 is an easy, three-digit phone number to remember. This resource was created for everyone, including you: if you’re ever feeling like you need help with a mental health or substance use crisis, but not sure if you should call, starting in July, you can just dial 988. It is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible support. It’s never too early – or too late – to seek help. In the U.S., the average amount of time between the onset of symptoms of a mental health condition or challenge and a diagnosis is 11 years. It’s never too early to get support: If you’re facing a mental health crisis for the first time, reaching out can help. Mental health challenges and crises are widespread. This is why resources and support for people facing mental health and substance use crisis must be just as widespread. Starting July 16, 2022, it will become even easier for people living with these challenges to get the help they need. If you or someone you know needs to be connected to someone who will understand what you’re going through and how to help, they can soon call 988 to be directly connected with a trained crisis counselor at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Note: 988 will not be available to everyone until July 16, 2022. In the meantime, if you or someone you know is in crisis, please continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

cellphone advertisement for mentl helth America mental health test

Learn more at Mental Health America


May-National Strawberry Month

Hands full of strawberries

Strawberries: The bright red fruit with an oh-so sweet taste. Strawberries are a very versatile fruit, as they can be used as a topping for a salad, in smoothies, made into baked goods, eaten alone as well as so many other wonderful ways. If you enjoy the refreshing flavor of strawberries, for a family activity, be sure to take your family out to pick fresh strawberries and then come home and use those strawberries in a delicious recipe, or enjoy them alone, which is never a bad choice.

Check out this recipe for Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bark:

Ingredients:

3 cups plain Greek yogurt

¼ cup maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups sliced strawberries

Directions:

  1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, stir yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet and place strawberries on top.
  4. Freeze until very firm for at least 3 hours.
  5. Serve, break or cut into pieces and enjoy.

Looking to try other ways to enjoy your fresh-picked strawberries all year round?

 Freezer Jam Instructions

Canning Sweet Spreads page 1 info sheetCanning Sweet Spreads page 2 info sheet

Canning Sweet Spreads Flyer


May-National Mediterranean Month

Fresh fish, fruits and vegetables 

Coming in at first place (for the third year in a row), with an overall score of 4.2/5 the Mediterranean Diet is a consistent contender for top diet of the year. Much like the other top diets, this plan is not overly restrictive, and emphasizes whole foods and variety with a focus on olive oil, seafood, fruits, vegetable, whole grains and legumes. Red meat and added sugar are limited, while eggs, poultry and dairy are encouraged in moderation. Wine is also allowed in moderation, aligning with the Mediterranean lifestyle. A day on a Mediterranean diet might look like avocado toast on whole grain bread for breakfast, a hummus platter with whole wheat pita and crudite for lunch and salmon, couscous and salad with olive oil based dressing for dinner. Snacks would include yogurt, nuts and fresh fruit. Check out the easy to make oven-roasted vegetables mediterranean recipe

Reference: foodnetwork website.


Preparing for a Hurricane

National Hurricane Preparedness Week is a week-long nationwide effort in the first or second week of May. Hurricanes – called cyclones or typhoons in the Pacific – are dangerous and can cause major damage from storm surge, wind damage, rip currents, flooding and more. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans.

Evaluate what you need to do to protect your home and family NOW, before the first storm of the season even forms. To raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies, HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) joins the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to offer information and resources for the public and stakeholders.

Emergencies and disasters can affect indoor environments by worsening existing indoor air quality issues and introducing new ones. Since we spend most of our time indoors, don’t forget to consider your indoor air quality when making your preparedness plans.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane Preparedness

EPA’s Hurricanes webpage 

Hurrican Preparedness Strengthen Your Home

Safeplates Preparing for Hurricane food safety tips flyer

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Check Your Inbox for an Email About a Refund from OnPoint Global >>

Did you use one of OnPoint’s bogus websites — like DMV.com or floridadriverslicense — to get driver’s license or vehicle registration services? Now you can apply to get back the money you lost. Learn more at FTC’s website OnPointDMV

Don’t wait, the deadline to apply for a refund is July 5, 2022.

Read More>


Freezer Meals Classes

You Don’t Want to Miss this Great Workshop!

Freezer Meals 101 informational flyer

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