The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration just released a working definition of "recovery" from substance abuse and mental health disorders. This term is used in many places and until now its meaning, even in academic literature, has been unclear. Now we have this definition from SAMHSA--

Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

We are in need of another Community Advocate. Set your own schedule and work from home and around town! This contract position is based on 3/4 FTE. Must be personally committed to the rights of people to breathe clean (tobacco free) air. Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills required. Must be self-motivated. Call Eve for info 575-642-4825. Position begins 01 Jan. 2012. EOE.

Think our community could use some prayer to help prevent drugs? Join with others who agree: Our 8th Annual Community Prayer Gathering is Sat., Oct. 22nd, 7:00 p.m., courthouse lawn. All are welcome. This special time will take less than an hour, and no one will be put on the spot to pray aloud. For more info, contact Alison at 706-4132 or coalition.bryant@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Coalition's Faith-Based Action Group.

Drop off those unused, unwanted or expired medications this Sat. at Lake Carlsbad Beach. From 8 AM to 2 PM that day, Coalition personnel and Carlsbad Police & Fire will be on hand to ensure safe, legal disposal of meds. Drive up to the bright red trailer.

Clean out that garage too! Our friends, Keep Carlsbad Beautiful and the City of Carlsbad, will also be there to receive household hazardous waste---old oil, fuel, paint, batteries, computer equipment, TVs, etc.

(re-posted from Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free)

Fine, don't read the article. Just go find yourself or your friends in the pictures. There are FOUR links from this page (oh yeah, when Desert Photos does photography, they don't miss much)!
http://desertphotos.net/home/node/135

Carlsbad and surrounding Eddy County residents showed their fun, neighborly spirit again this year for National Night Out (NNO). The 35 registered block parties plus several others sent a message on August 02 that neighbors look out for each other and criminal activity is not welcome. Block parties were held by volunteer hosts all over town. Some were small, with as few as 11 attendees, and some were big. Blodgett Street Baptist Church scored a new record with 150 party-goers. Congratulations and thanks to ALL party hosts and all those who showed up at a block party.

Block party signups are now open for National Night Out (NNO) 2011. Tues. Aug. 2nd, host your own block party or help out your neighborhood party's host. If you sign up with us to host (deadline 25 July), we'll give you a FREE goodie bag full of party supplies!

Sign up by calling Alison at 575-706-4132, or emailing jump.clear@plateautel.net. We need to know the location of your party by street address, the number of preprinted invitations you need, and all the information that goes on an invitation (time of party, what will be offered, what should folks bring, etc.).

A study involving controlled laboratory conditions and new diagnostic technology has confirmed that marijuana smoke damages DNA. Damaged DNA translates into increased cancer risk.

Prescription drug abuse is one of the biggest substance abuse issues in our town and nation. Did you know that most youth who abuse "pills" and cough syrups get the medication from the medicine cabinets of relatives and friends? You can help solve this problem by dropping your unused medication off for safe disposal on Sat., April 30, 10 AM to 2 PM at Carlsbad Police Department, corner of Guadalupe and Mermod Streets.

This service is free, easy and anonymous. Drive up. Drop off. That's it!