RICHMOND – The Ray County Coalition met in mid-April to discuss common issues in the community.

Issues vary, but all have negative effects that can be helped in one way or another.

Mental health, self-esteem, drug usage, vaping and underage alcohol consumption exist within Ray County schools. Mental health has come more to light and is just as important as physical health. Finding help within the children’s community would be helpful. Having someone to talk to, such as a school counselor, could be a benefit.

Self-esteem among youth has been an issue, including how they view themselves and their confidence. Guiding and building self-esteem within youth should be prioritized, and there are ways a community can help to build their self-esteem.

Drug usage, in particular methamphetamine, has been a problem in the community.

Richmond law enforcement shared that meth is more prevalent than marijuana. There have been three adult meth deaths this past year, and Richmond has established a drug task force focused on meth. They also indicated they have seen youth as young as the sixth grade using the substances, while also seeing an increase in heroin use. They said that two boys in Kearney had overdosed (lived) on Fentanyl pills, and one sophomore at Oak Park High School had overdosed and purchased off Snapchat.

Sharing the harmful effects of meth and other drugs can help lower usage within schools and in the community. Ignorance is not bliss; it is dangerous.

Knowing the signs of meth usage also can help determine and sieve out those who are in current usage, resulting in finding them help.

Vaping in school has been an ongoing complication, too. Vaping for those in public school is seen as not a big deal. According to kidshealth. org, vaping can slow brain development in teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention and mood; increase the risk of other types of addiction later in life; irritate the lungs; cause serious lung damage and even death; and lead to smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco use.

The same can be said about underage drinking.

Teaching children healthy, ade quate habits and making them better than this generation is the goal.

The Ray County Coalition has committed to continue to produce solutions for the guidelines and ethical future of children.

If facing or knowing someone going through mental health obstacles, Tri-County Mental Health Services Inc. provides nationally recognized health services. The services include mental health, substance use treatment, prevention and wellness activities for Clay, Platte and Ray counties. Its mission is “to provide prevention and recovery oriented mental health and substance use services which are quality assured and person-centered, with increased attention to the ‘whole person.’”

The organization offers programs and services for youth and adults, prevention services and innovative treatment practices. Its phone number is 816-468-0400.