Verde Valley News – MATFORCE, a primary prevention organization focused on stopping youth drug use before it starts, has many events open to the community this February and March.
MATFORCE Messages
The next presentation in the MATFORCE Messages virtual learning series is titled, “The State of the Union of Illicit Substances in the US.” Doug Dolan, Chief Operating Officer for Recovery in the Pines, and nationally renowned speaker will offer a deep dive into the factors contributing to the prevalence of illicit substances in the US. Discover what is fueling this issue and gain insight into the complex nature of the problem. Learn actionable strategies for intervention and proactive steps community members can take towards building healthier communities. The presentation is scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The final presentation for the first quarter’s series will be, “Exploring Initial Insights: Unveiling Preliminary Findings from the Overdose Fatality Review Board,” presented by Merilee Fowler, Executive Director of MATFORCE, on Thursday, March 28, 2024. This presentation provides an early glimpse into critical data collected on 2023 overdose deaths in Yavapai County. With initial insights on trends, risk factors, and potential interventions as a foundational platform for further analysis and strategic responses for reducing overdose fatalities in our community.
Vaping: What Parents Should Know & Do
Even in today’s regulated market, there tends to be a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding e-cigarettes and vaping. MATFORCE has partnered with Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District and Cottonwood Community School to bring to our community a free presentation that will help clarify this harmful trend attracting our youth.
Presenter Nikki Rosson will cover the history of the e-cigarette market, health concerns for both nicotine and marijuana vaping, what youth are being exposed to through vape culture and youth use trends, and simple ways to talk to youth about the harms of vaping and resources to help them quit.
The presentation will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Cottonwood Community School, located at 500 E. Mingus Ave., Cottonwood. No registration is required. Light refreshments will be served.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training to learn how to help those struggling with a mental health crisis. Learn how to connect and interact with those in crisis; recognize common signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use; and learn to listen non-judgmentally.
Both virtual and in person classes are scheduled in March. Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm is the virtual class. Registration for this class ends February 21st. Please note that 2 hours of pre-work is required to be completed by Wednesday, February 28th, to participate in this virtual course.
Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm is the in-person class. Class will be held at the Prescott Valley Police Department Training Room located at 7601 E. Skoog Blvd., Prescott Valley. Registration is free for both classes.
Yavapai Reentry Project, a project of MATFORCE, is excited to offer community members 2 events focused on volunteer opportunities and a chance to understand the barriers that a person returning from incarceration might encounter.
Below is a list of classes. For more information about any of these events please visit YavapaiReentryProject.org.
From Inmate to Citizen
Do you have a loved one who is incarcerated or want to learn more about the barriers people face returning to the community after being incarcerated? Attend the From Inmate to Citizen class to help understand the excitement, fear, and challenges when transitioning from prison into the community. Visit YavapaiReentryProject.org/events-news to learn more about the topics discussed during this virtual class.
The next class is Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Registration is required and is free. Visit YavapaiReentryProject.org/events-news to register today.
Become a Community Coach
Are you interested in serving as a volunteer guide or mentor for someone reentering to the community after incarceration? Consider becoming a Community Coach.
Receive free training to learn needed skills for working one-on-one in helping provide referrals, emotional support and resources for community members returning from incarceration. No experience, prior qualifications, or education is needed. All that is needed is the desire to help!
The next class is Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the MATFORCE office located at 8056 E. Valley Road, Suite B, Prescott Valley. Visit YavapaiReentryProject.org/events-news to register for free today to learn how you can become a Community Coach and become a partner in hope.
All classes require registration to attend unless otherwise noted. Registration is free and open to the community. Visit matforce.org/events to register. Contact MATFORCE at (928) 708-0100 or info@matforceaz.org for more information.