Pursuant to its authority to monitor evolving and emerging drug threats, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has identified cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid, as a dangerous substance with the potential to spread across the Nation. Key Information: Cychlorphine (N-Propionitrile Chlorphine) has been identified in the illicit drug supply in states covering all four U.S. Census regions, with the greatest prevalence

Have you heard of Johnny’s Ambassadors? It is a youth THC prevention organization that educates teens, parents, and communities about the dangers of today’s high-potency cannabis products (marijuana, dabs, vapes, edibles) on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicidality. The site has resources like webinars, videos, documentaries, research, etc. for FREE. Take a look!

As part of this campaign, Clay Counts invites all members and the public to come to a "Rally Against Child Abuse", which will take place Friday, May 1st, at the intersection of Hwys 15 and 24. Pinwheels will be provided! You can read more about this initiative in the April 13 story from KCLY.com.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach launched a statewide public awareness campaign to address the growing fentanyl crisis that is taking a devastating toll on our communities. Read more from the March 14, 2026 Salina Journal HERE:

A new study is raising concerns about how young people are using tobacco and nicotine products across the country. The study, published in Preventive Medicine Reports , showed a sharp increase in the use of oral nicotine pouches. These small pouches are placed in the mouth and do not contain tobacco, but they still deliver nicotine. Between July 2023 and September 2024, the number of young people using both e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches increased by nearly 15%. At the sam

A new study by researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine finds that regular family dinners may help prevent substance use for a majority of U.S. adolescents, but suggests that the strategy is not effective for youth who have experienced significant childhood adversity. The findings provide important insights for practitioners looking to help families prevent substance use, as well as for researchers aiming to develop interventions that better account for adolescents'

New research following US adolescents aged 11–12 shows that problematic use of mobile phones, social media, and video games was associated with higher risks of mental health problems, sleep disturbance, and suicidal behaviors one year later. The study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine , reveals that the links between problematic screen use and mental health are stronger than those previously reported for overall screen time and highlights the risks of addictive u

By: Mollie Mayfield Mango. Banana Taffy Freeze. Cool Mint. Berry Watermelon. Strawberry Cream. These sound like candy flavors you’d find in a checkout aisle, but they’re not. They’re nicotine products, sitting on shelves in convenience stores across the country. From disposable e-cigarettes to oral nicotine pouches, today’s tobacco and nicotine products are intentionally designed to appeal to youth. Read more about this on the CADCA blog page.

Newswise — Children with co-occurring persistent pain and mental health symptoms face higher risk for early substance use, but the strongest predictors of whether a child starts using alcohol, tobacco or cannabis by age 14 are family environment and peer influence, a new University of Michigan study found. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and National Institute on Drug Abuse, analyzed five years of data from the federally funded Adolescent Brain and Cogn

The Clay County Health Department is excited to announce that we are now accepting registrations to claim one of 12 raised garden beds located at the Clay County Community Garden , 820 Spellman Circle, Clay Center, KS. This space was designed to bring neighbors together, promote healthy living, and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, this initiative is open to everyone— no experience required . The

The Clay Counts Coalition, in partnership with USD 379, will host a free community screening of Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition on Tuesday, March 10, from 6:00–7:15 p.m. at Garfield Elementary . This documentary features the latest research, expert insights, and practical advice tailored specifically for elementary school students, parents, and educators. The film explores how families can help children thrive in the digital age while navigating challenges related

FREE WEBINAR | 📅 Tuesday, February 24 🕕 6PM ET | 📍 Zoom | 🎥 Recording available to all registrants Nicotine products are changing fast — and their impact on kids’ mental health is often overlooked. From increased anxiety and mood changes to a higher risk of addiction, nicotine can quietly affect developing brains in ways many parents don’t expect. Join Parents Against Vaping for a focused conversation led by Jonathan Avery, M.D., a nationally recognized expert in addictio

Community members are invited to attend a COMET Community Training focused on recognizing and responding to concerns about mental and emotional well-being. The free training, hosted by the Clay Counts Coalition, will take place Wednesday, February 11, from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Clay Center Zoo Welcome Center . COMET—which stands for Changing Our Mental & Emotional Trajectory —teaches participants a practical, conversational approach to supporting friends, neighbors, or a

Shae Rohrer, the Director of School & Community Advocacy at the Cook Center for Human Connection, spoke to the Clay Counts members about their FREE resources. Clay Counts is pleased to offer a free and confidential website for families, ParentGuidance.org . This site was developed by licensed therapists. It provides trusted and specialized courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents to learn how to support their child. Parents can also get answers to menta

Curious about the substances that kids and teens might be encountering today? Products like high‑potency THC , hemp -derived items, kratom , and “magic mushrooms” (psilocybin) are more common than ever, and it can be hard to know what’s safe and what’s not. On January 13 , join Julie Dreifaldt from One Chance to Grow Up, who has seen firsthand in Colorado how these substances are impacting young people. She will walk us through what’s out there, what effects these products

By: Kate Larson, CCCHS YLinK Reporter On November 4, the Clay Center YLinK Chapter hosted the state-wide YLinK Conference at the Midwest Dream Car Collection. A record 200 students and 30 adults attended, making this YLinK conference the biggest ever held. From our own Clay Center chapter, we had nine students, Billie Beaver, Alessia Carrales, Caydence Jensen, Kate Larson, Braylee and Brynlee Langvardt, Mariela Lopez, Lillia Matheney, and Haven Turner, and our two adults,

Screenagersmovie.com is a website that provides practical ideas on how to help our kids manage their cell phones and social media. Hint: It usually starts with the adults! This is a good article that also includes a link to their weekly podcast and Youtube channel. https://www.screenagersmovie.com/blog/helping-our-kids-starts-with-our-own-phone-habits?utm_source=TTT+and+Movie&utm_campaign=f66e610c68-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_TTT526_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e0518a1e9b-161980

National Drug Take Back DayIn conjunction with the Clay County Health Fair Saturday, October 25, 2025 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Clay County...

Clay Counts is proud to host our next "Courageous Conversation" event! This powerful documentary investigates how social media platforms,...