Clay Counts Coalition

03/06/2026

Want to learn more about the Screenagers documentary? Check out the Clay Counts Connection podcast, where we interview the CEO and producer of the movie, Lisa Tabb!

WHERE: Garfield Elementary
WHEN: Tuesday, March 10th 6 pm
WHO: All parents, elementary students, and community members are invited
FOOD: Soup, pizza, and desserts will be served!

In this episode, we interview Lisa Tabb, the CEO of the Screenagers Film documentaries. USD 379 and Clay Counts will be hosting a viewing of the documentary ...

03/03/2026

Just because you’ve done it once, doesn’t mean you’ll be safe again. Using pills that aren’t prescribed to you is dangerous. Get tips to protect yourself and your friends at cdc.gov/FreeMind.

03/02/2026

Spring is almost here, so here is a spring-themed Dad Joke/Mental Health Tip of the Week!

🤣 Dad Joke:
Why did the tree feel confident in March?
It was ready to branch out. 🌳

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Spring is a great time to try something new — a hobby, a routine change, or reconnecting with someone. Growth doesn’t have to be dramatic; small steps build confidence.

📞 Resource:
Explore community activities and volunteer opportunities by calling 211 Kansas or checking local listings to stay connected and engaged. 211 connects you to the best resources and services in your community to meet your needs.

02/27/2026

Thanks to a collaboration between Clay County Schools ~ USD 379 and Clay Counts, Frances Witt from PAX Tools spent the day with select 379 staff members. PAX Tools is a set of evidence-based, trauma-informed behavioral strategies designed for parents, caregivers, and community members to help children develop self-regulation, improve cooperation, and reduce problem behaviors. These staff members now have more "tools" for their toolbox! Thanks to Fran for making the trip from Ohio to train!

02/25/2026

Big feelings tying you up in knots? You might look to drugs to help you unwind. But how you deal with stress today makes a difference tomorrow. Learn better ways to work out the kinks at cdc.gov/FreeMind.

02/24/2026

It's time for another Dad Joke/Mental Health tip from Clay Counts!

😆 Dad Joke:
Why did the chocolate go to therapy?
It had too many layers to unwrap. 🍫

💚 Mental Health Tip:
We all have layers — experiences, stress, emotions. It’s okay to unpack them slowly. Talking to a counselor or trusted adult can help you process what you’re carrying.

📞 Resource:
Find local counseling and support services by calling 211 Kansas or visiting 211kansas.org.

02/23/2026

The Clay County Health Department is excited to announce that they 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 Community Garden will offer educational programs focused on:
- Companion Planting: Learn how plants work together to thrive.
Harvesting Techniques: Discover the best ways to enjoy your crops.
- Soil Conservation: Understand how to protect and enrich the earth for future generations.
- Planting Schedules: Learn when to plant specific vegetables and herbs for a successful harvest throughout the growing season.

“This garden is more than just a place to grow food—it’s a space to grow community,” said Nikki Burwell, Community Garden Coordinator. “We want to empower residents with knowledge and resources to make sustainable choices.”

Sign-ups for garden plots have begun! Workshops will begin in March.

For more information, call 785-632-3193 or email nburwell@claycountykansas.org.
Join us in cultivating a greener, healthier future—one raised bed at a time!

Special Thanks:
Special thanks goes out to the Clay Counts Coalition, the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, and the Clay County Conservation District for underwriting the costs of the construction of the garden and their continued support.
We also appreciate Dante’s Yard Service, the Washington Headliners 4-H Club, the Clay Center Fire Department, and the Clay Center Scouts for their help in building this community resource.

02/20/2026

What do you do when you hear your teenager say, "I hate you!"? This is a great article with things to consider.

When teens say they hate you, it often feels personal, but it may not truly be about you. Teens sometimes direct their overwhelming feelings toward the safest person in their life. Instead of responding with logic or backing down out of fear, check that your limits are fair, practice self-compassion...

02/20/2026

After the most recent 5th Quarter event was cancelled due to the weather, Clay Center Community High School YLink looked for an alternative way to hand out pancakes and connect with CCCHS Tiger Pride students. They did that today with the Pancakes For Positivity event in the commons area.

02/20/2026

Pawnee Mental Health Services will be holding a Lunch & Learn at the Clay Center Zoo visitor center on March 9th at noon. Please RSVP using the QR code, so their lunch count is correct for this event. Pawnee has been a strong supporter of Clay Counts, and we invite everyone to attend!

02/17/2026

FREE WEBINAR | 📅 Tuesday, February 24 🕕 6PM ET | 📍 Zoom | 🎥 Recording available to all registrants

Ni****ne 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, ni****ne can quietly affect developing brains in ways many parents don’t expect.

Join Parents Against Va**ng for a focused conversation led by Jonathan Avery, M.D., a nationally recognized expert in addiction psychiatry, as we explore how ni****ne intersects with adolescent mental health, why youth are especially vulnerable, and how parents can recognize warning signs and offer support.

In 2025, Parents Against Va**ng is thrilled to continue Clear the V***r Conversations, an exciting year-long series inspired by our successful Clear the V***r conference! Our 2025 series drew over 10,000 registrants and thousands of live attendees.