Clay Counts Coalition

01/01/2026

Dry January is an opportunity to take a break from drinking and see how cutting back from alcohol impacts your health and well-being. It’s also a good time to examine the role alcohol plays in your life and reflect on whether your drinking habits are becoming a long-term health issue.

https://www.vcuhealth.org/news/how-to-rethink-your-relationship-with-alcohol-after-dry-january/

12/30/2025

It's time for the last Dad Joke/Mental Health Tip for 2025!

😆 Dad Joke:
Why did the calendar get promoted?
Because it had a lot of dates! 📅

💚 Mental Health Tip:
A new year doesn’t mean you have to reinvent yourself overnight. Focus on progress, not perfection. Small, realistic goals are easier to keep and better for your mental health than big, overwhelming resolutions.

📞 Resource:
Need help setting healthy diet goals? Mental Health America offers free tools for realistic habit-building:

Everything you put into your body has some impact on it and/or your brain, but most people don’t think about how what they are eating and drinking throughout the day might impact their mood or mental health. If you’re in recovery, you might find that you need to adapt your diet.

12/22/2025

It's time for this week's Dad Joke/Mental Health Tip of the Week!

🤣 Dad Joke:
What do you get if you cross a snowman and a vampire?
Frostbite! ☃️

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Not everyone feels cheerful this time of year — and that’s okay. Grief, loneliness, and stress are common during the holidays. Stay connected with people you trust, and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength.

📞 Resource:
For local and confidential support, call 211 Kansas to connect with counseling services, support groups, and community resources in your area.

12/16/2025

It's time for a new Dad Joke/Mental Health Tip of the Week!

😆 Dad Joke:
Why does Santa go down the chimney?
Because it soots him! 🎅

💚 Mental Health Tip:
The holidays can be joyful — and overwhelming. It’s okay if your season doesn’t look like a movie. Give yourself permission to slow down, say no when needed, and focus on what truly brings you peace.

📞 Resource:
If holiday stress feels heavy, support is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 — even during the holidays. You can also visit 988lifeline.org to chat online.

12/11/2025

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 can have on developing brains and mental health, and practical strategies for parents and trusted adults to guide kids safely.

Make sure to register before the holidays so you don’t miss this important session. The webinar will be recorded, and Spanish translations will be available with the recording for those who cannot attend live.
https://rs9fo.share.hsforms.com/2bmb5Oph_TeKgT0dqxAJwxw?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9LYmewApXkNsn6PIBaqFjT6AOmYmv6KhXKQK-AUPAfJ9KjvDBXA23O9Vf_9d26lndaAmCq8SxGoTr0nrIXgrwe_X2cZA&_hsmi=393920002&utm_content=393920002&utm_source=hs_automation

12/11/2025

The December Clay Counts minutes from yesterday's meeting can be viewed below. Starting in January, we are moving our meeting location from the SAC to the Clay Center Zoo Welcome Center. We have grown out of the SAC board room, which is a good problem to have!

Clay Counts is a coalition of individuals and organizations coming together from all sectors of the community to work together toward a common goal: to promote social, physical, and mental well-being for residents of Clay County.

12/10/2025

This is a great blog from Screenagers discussing ways to talk about alcohol consumption with your kids.

I offer 5 ideas today for topics to raise and for how to model alcohol use during holiday festivities, whether you yourself drink or not.

12/08/2025

It's time for a new Dad Joke/Mental Health Tip of the Week!

😂 Dad Joke:
What do you call a bee that can’t make up its mind?
A maybee. 🐝

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Decision fatigue is real! When you feel overwhelmed, take a pause. Break decisions into smaller steps or ask someone you trust for perspective — it’s okay not to know right away.

📞 Resource:
For stress management tools, visit https://adaa.org/
(Anxiety & Depression Association of America).

ADAA is an international nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.

12/05/2025

Clay Counts is proud to sponsor this amazing organization! Good things are happening with Mr. Yenni and his high school leaders!

12/04/2025

It's time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

😆 Dad Joke:
Why did the coffee file a police report?
It got mugged! ☕

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Mornings can be tough — but small routines like a quiet cup of coffee, stretching, or gratitude journaling can set a positive tone for the day. Consistent rituals create calm and reduce anxiety.

📞 Resource:
Explore the Calm app or Insight Timer for free guided meditations to start your day grounded.

11/26/2025

Clay Counts is proud to finance this program that is helping our kids grow and learn about healthy choices!

11/24/2025

It's time for this week's Dad Joke & Mental Health Tip!

🤣 Dad Joke:
I used to hate facial hair… but then it grew on me. 👨

💚 Mental Health Tip:
Personal growth takes time — and sometimes it’s uncomfortable! Be patient with yourself and recognize progress, not perfection.

📞 Resource:
Find goal-setting and self-growth tools through Mental Health America’s various resources:

Whether you’re just starting your exploration or well on your way, you’ll be able to find information to help you on your mental health journey.