NOVACARES Tip of the Week

Have A Safe Spring Break!

Spring Break is around the corner and many students are planning to travel somewhere to relax. Spring Break is fun because you are away from the stress of college and enjoy yourself. However, Spring Break can lead to an unfortunate incident if you aren’t careful.

Here are some ways to avoid trouble and make your Spring Break memorable:

Be careful with drinks: Do not take drinks from strangers who may have intentions of hurting you or the ones around you. Only take drinks from bar tenders or servers. Do not leave your drink unattended. Do not drink and drive.

Protect your belongings: You are an easier target of pickpockets when you are on vacation. Keep track of your card transactions to ensure no one has access to your bank accounts. Only take required cash, bank cards, and IDs with you and leave the rest in your suitcase hotel’s safe.

Look out for each other: You should always plan with your friends about how you will stay in touch with each other. If you feel your friend is uncomfortable around someone or at a party, suggest that it is time to leave and escort your friend to a safe place.

You have the ability to be an active and responsible bystander. Bystander intervention aims to prevent various types of violence including bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault and intimate partner violence. When you see something that you think is not right, say something, do something and/or get others’ attention to help prevent violence.

To learn more about bystander intervention, visit http://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/sas/bystander.html
Contact NOVACares for questions and concerns at novacares@nvcc.edu or visit www.nvcc.edu/novacares/

Tip of the week: Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a serious health issue nationwide that causes immense amount of pain and suffering to individuals and their family members. Several factors that can trigger suicidal thoughts are loss of loved ones, substance abuse, mental illnesses, and violence. Suicide prevention helps find ways to lower the risk factors that can cause suicidal thoughts and increase factors that provide help, support, and prevent individuals from committing suicide.
PRS Crisis Link Hotline is a local hotline that helps with suicide and stress in Northern Virginia. You can call the hotline to talk to an empathic person who cares about you and your loved ones and wants to help you. If you feel you or your loved one is in danger of hurting themselves call 703.527.4077. The professionals provide free & confidential services 24/7. The hotline can also help you find referrals to mental health and other community services
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7 across the United States. Call: 1-800-273-8255
To know more about suicide prevention, visit us online at
http://www.nvcc.edu/novacares/resources.html

“Ask for HELP to fight another day”

Creating Healthy Relationships

Tip of the week: Creating Healthy Relationships

ADD; ½ cup of Fairness, 2 tbsp. of Honesty, 1 quart of Respect, 2 loving spoons full of Trust and Support, a pinch of Economic Partnership, & one hundred percent Non-Threatening behavior. Combine all ingredients in an embrace and heat to 98.6 degrees. Let it rise with patience and time. Serve with a dash of kisses.
NOVA Sexual Assault Services is celebrating Healthy Relationships Week in February. This event highlights all healthy and positive things in any type of relationship. Participants will create greeting cards for someone they like or love. All supplies are provided.
To know more about the events or to find out more about Sexual Assault Services contact SAS directly at nova.sas@nvcc.edu or 703-338-0834.

MEC: February 12 from Noon to 2:00 pm @ 1st Floor

Alexandria: February 13 & 14 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. @ Bisdorf Café

Annandale: February 13 & 14 from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. @ CA 3rd Floor Lounge

 

www.nvcc.edu/novacares/sas