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,...

On November 4 th , the CCCHS YLinK chapter will host the organization’s state conference. Youth Leaders in Kansas – YlinK is a...

Please consider donating to Clay Counts at this Thursday's Gather For Good Day!

Clay Counts communications coordinator Matt Weller writes a monthly article for the Clay Center Dispatch and Regional newspapers. In the...

In this episode of the Clay Counts Connection Podcast , we talk to Taylor Johnson, a comedian from Wichita who focuses on mental health....

The Clay Counts Coalition invites community members to its next free Courageous Conversations event titled ‘Strong Feelings About Being...

CCCHS graduate and previous YLinK member Raegann McDonald was recently featured on Vive 18’s "Drug Prevention Power Hour" podcast, with...

THIS GUIDE , provided by getsmartaboutdrugs.gov , offers information that can help you raise children who understand the risks of...

The Clay Counts Coalition invites you to a FREE night of laughter, stories, and being together! In his new show, comedian Taylor Johnson...