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Every child deserves a strong, supportive relationship with the father figures in their lives. Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS) is excited to announce a new Responsible Fatherhood Initiative for Darke County residents, funded by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth through June 30, 2027. This initiative is designed to help fathers build parenting skills, strengthen family connections, and create lasting memories with their children. The project will serve 50

Something special is coming to our community this September. This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Allen, Auglaize, & Hardin Counties Suicide Prevention Coalition is launching 25 Find Your Anchor Boxes throughout our community. So, what is a Find Your Anchor Box? It's a little blue box filled with reminders of hope, encouragement, resources, and things that can help someone feel a little less alone. The boxes may be placed in libraries, coffee shops, community spaces,

Would you know what to do if a young person in your life was experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge? Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in children and adolescents ages 12–18, respond appropriately in a crisis, and connect youth with the support they need. This training is especially valuable for parents, teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth grou

You Don't Need Perfect Words—You Just Need to Start When you are worried about your child, it can be tempting to wait for the "right" moment or try to figure out exactly what to say first. There is no perfect conversation. What matters most is creating an environment where your child feels safe enough to talk, listened to without judgment, and supported even when you don't have all the answers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends making conversations about mental he

What Parents and Caregivers Should Know Children and teens don't always have the words—or the willingness—to tell adults when they are struggling. Sometimes emotional distress shows up through behavior, physical symptoms, school difficulties, or changes in relationships instead. That's why paying attention to changes from your child's usual behavior can be so important. Every child is different, and one sign alone does not mean a young person has a mental health condition. Ho

A Parent & Caregiver Guide to Recognizing When Your Child May Need Support Being a parent or caregiver means getting to know your child's personality, routines, strengths, and challenges. So when something feels different, you may be the first person to notice. You may find yourself wondering: Is this just part of growing up, or should I be concerned? There is no simple checklist that can answer that question for every child. Children and teens naturally experience changes in

This September, the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize & Hardin Counties (MHRSB AAH) and Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS) are bringing important prevention messages to local high school football games. Special footballs featuring Overdose Awareness and Problem Gambling prevention messaging will be distributed at three local football games throughout the month. Where to Find the Footballs September 11 Kenton vs. Elida @ Kenton September 1

Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bethan Miller as our new Executive Director. After seven years of dedicated service in the prevention field and a deep commitment to strengthening communities, Beth is stepping into this leadership role with passion, vision, and gratitude. Bethan Miller, Executive Director of Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS) I’m excited to share that I’ve officially accepted the role of Executiv

Finding the right path after high school isn’t always straightforward. For many students, it’s less about having all the answers and more about having the opportunity to explore what’s possible. That’s where Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS) continues to make an impact through its Helping Careers Academy. Now in its continued run of successful summer programming, this four-day experience is designed to introduce high school students to careers centered on helping o

How Community Connection, Mindful Living, and Early Support Shape a Healthier Future As 2026 begins, one thing is clear — people everywhere are redefining what it means to live well. From valuing authentic connections over fleeting trends to embracing slower, more intentional living, this year’s wellness movements are deeply aligned with what Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS) has been championing for years: prevention, education, and community wellbeing. Prevention

We’re thrilled to share that the Delphos Jefferson High School Positive Prevention Alliance (PPA) group was chosen to be featured at the Ohio Prevention Professionals Association (OPPA) Youth-led Prevention Showcase! Their Story: This dedicated group of students has been working hard to promote positive choices, peer support, and a healthier school community. Their creativity and leadership were recognized statewide — and their video submission was spotlighted at this evenin

As online play becomes more accessible, it’s important to recognize the distinction between sports betting and fantasy sports — and understand how each can impact your relationship with gaming and money. Sports betting involves placing a wager on the outcome of a sporting event — like which team will win or how many points will be scored. It’s fast, easy to access through mobile apps, and often allows bets to be placed in real time. But that speed can also increase the ris

Opioid overdose remains a critical public health concern in the United States, yet it is largely preventable. At Prevention Awareness...

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), observed annually on August 31st, serves as a critical global campaign to raise awareness...

We are honored to share our newest video: a powerful message from the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin...

Tony Graham, a Technical Sergeant with the Ohio National Guard Counterdrug Program, has been a valued partner with PASS for the past two...

At Prevention Awareness Support Services (PASS), we are committed to creating safer and healthier communities through awareness,...

Empowering Adolescents with Tools for Success: The I Mind Program Substance use is a significant concern for young people today, but the...