Last Tuesday (October 24) volunteers hosted a Community Talk event on marijuana in the Winona Senior High School Auditorium. 40 individuals attended to hear from a panel of local experts on what they observe around marijuana in Winona County and how they view legalization of recreational marijuana impacting their field.

Read the cover story in the Winona Post

 

The panel consisted of:

• Rebecca Church, Winona County Attorney’s Office
• Arianna Saykally-McAdams, Person in recovery
• Dr. Beguin, Winona Health
• Kenneth Solek, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency
• Josh Mueller, Counseling Associates
• Nick Walch, Winona County Sheriff’s Office

A student from Winona Senior High School who attended the event wrote a brief report of the event, included below.

On Tuesday, October 24th, there was a meeting ASAP put on that specifically talked about marijuana use in Winona. I learned a lot from that meeting. I found out that marijuana use is not the norm for students at Winona Senior High and regular use of marijuana has many negative effects to a person’s life.

Students at WSHS seem to think that most people try using marijuana at some point during high school. This is completely untrue. In fact, a survey was done of students at WSHS and 9 out of 10 said they had never used marijuana. Another 7 in 10 went on to say that their friends would disapprove of them using marijuana.

Marijuana has many different negative effects on student’s lives. On average, students who use marijuana get lower grades, are less likely to graduate high school, and are less likely to go to college than students who do not use marijuana. It is hard for students and adults to get jobs if they are marijuana users because many employers require drug tests. Marijuana use can cause permanent structural damage to teenagers’ brains, which might provide an explanation to the link between schizophrenia and marijuana use.

Going to this meeting taught me a lot about marijuana use and the prevalence of it. It further affirmed my decision to not use marijuana and taught me that most people will approve of this decision.

-Emmalena Williamson

You can contact the Program Coordinator with any questions or comments by emailing [email protected] or calling 507-474-2727.

Tuesday, October 24 from
6:30 – 7:30 pm in the Winona Senior High School Auditorium.

There will be a panel presentation from local experts, including a medical doctor, attorney, and person in recovery, followed by open dialogue with the audience. Light snacks and beverages provided. A free exhibit titled, “Hidden in Plain Sight,” will also be onsite from 5:30 – 6:30 pm and 7:30-8:30 pm. This experience will guide parents and guardians through a mock teen bedroom to raise awareness about household items that may indicate substance use.

See the event on Facebook

Questions? Email the Program Coordinator at [email protected] or call 507-474-2727 (ASAP).

What are ACE’s? And not the playing card.

Experiences shape our brain development. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) are stressful or traumatic events that occurred in a persons life that become a significant risk factor for substance use. We would like to see communities able to recognize ACE’s, and respond with prevention efforts to diminish substance abuse.

If you or your organization would like to learn more from a certified ACE Trainer, please email [email protected] or call 507-474-2727 for more details.

“Substance-abuse doc says: Stop chasing the drug! Focus on ACEs” This is a great interview style article to read through and learn more about the connection between ACE’s and substance use.

A group exists, called the Winona ACES Initiative that meets monthly to talk about addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences in Winona County. Please email [email protected] or call 507-474-2727 for any meeting details.

What do you do with old prescription medications?

Expired or unused medications are a great risk to local communities. If not disposed of properly, they can harm the environment (river/wildlife from being flushed) or become misused by youth to sell, get high, or self-medicate. You can help reduce the access and misuse of medications by taking items to:

1. Drop box (prescription drugs only)
2. Collection center (over-the-counter medicines only)
3. Take-Back event (click or tap to learn more)

Click or tap below to enlarge and learn more about our permanent locations.