May is National Mental Health Awareness month and an opportunity to focus our attention on the current youth mental health crisis. It is crucially important to understand that our youth were already … [Read more...] about Letter from Deb and Stu Schmill
News
National Fentanyl Awareness Day
May 9 was the 2nd annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day. As part of our observance we posted these informational memes and we joined a fabulous speaker series. Here is an article from TIME online … [Read more...] about National Fentanyl Awareness Day
Visit to Washington D.C.
On a recent trip to Washington D.C., I met with Representative Jake Auchincloss, and other legislator's offices to discuss a coordinated government effort to inform all Americans about fentanyl. … [Read more...] about Visit to Washington D.C.
I won’t see my daughter grow up because of social media. Don’t let that be your reality too.
(Boston Globe) - My daughter Becca’s official cause of death is listed as an accidental drug overdose due to fentanyl poisoning. But the painful downward spiral that led to her 2020 death at 18 began … [Read more...] about I won’t see my daughter grow up because of social media. Don’t let that be your reality too.
A mother’s warning about fentanyl and teens
(WCVB) - Becca Schmill was the light of her mother's life, a young girl who cared deeply for her family and the world around her. "We went to Honduras together when she was 14 and we went with a … [Read more...] about A mother’s warning about fentanyl and teens
Surgeon General says 13 is ‘too early’ to join social media
(CNN) — US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says he believes 13 is too young for children to be on social media platforms, because although sites allow children of that age to join, kids are still … [Read more...] about Surgeon General says 13 is ‘too early’ to join social media
Social Media’s Toxic Relationship with Youth Mental Health
(Blog article) - It is now widely understood that social media has cons as well as pros. Social media allows us to stay in touch with friends and family who live far away, and to build supportive … [Read more...] about Social Media’s Toxic Relationship with Youth Mental Health
Lawsuit Against TikTok and YouTube
(Blog article) - Our #1 priority is protecting the wellbeing of children. Toward that goal, we have made the decision to use every lever available to us. One of those levers is the court … [Read more...] about Lawsuit Against TikTok and YouTube
Mental Wellness During Stressful Times – Your Questions Answered!
(Event) - SPARK Kindness presents a panel discussion: Mental Wellness During Stressful Times with Ned Johnson, Janine Halloran, and Christine Guthery. For parents, caregivers, educators, and … [Read more...] about Mental Wellness During Stressful Times – Your Questions Answered!
DEA’s Family Summit on the Overdose Epidemic
(Blog article) - During the week of November 14, DEA field divisions across the country will host local Family Summits in their community in order to bring together families who have lost loved ones … [Read more...] about DEA’s Family Summit on the Overdose Epidemic
Mindful Resilience for Mental Health in the “New Normal”
(Event) - Clinical psychologist, author, and father, Dr. Christopher Willard, provided important information for parents regarding their children's mental health. … [Read more...] about Mindful Resilience for Mental Health in the “New Normal”
In the News: Framingham police officer pushes for legalization of fentanyl test strips
(CBS News Boston) - Framingham police officer Matthew Gutwill is too familiar with this story. He is also the President of New England Narcotic Enforcement Officer Association and a trainer for Noble … [Read more...] about In the News: Framingham police officer pushes for legalization of fentanyl test strips
Fundraiser: An Evening with Jimmy Tingle
(Event) - The Becca Schmill Foundation held a virtual fundraiser on October 1, 2022. Beginning with a welcome from Deb and Stu Schmill with messages from our Youth Advisory Council and our grantees … [Read more...] about Fundraiser: An Evening with Jimmy Tingle
Turning Grief into Action, an Interview with The Becca Schmill Foundation
(Blog article) - Jimmy Tingle Podcast - In this interview, all about turning grief into action, I sat down with Deb and Stu Schmill, Founders of The Becca Schmill Foundation. The Becca Schmill … [Read more...] about Turning Grief into Action, an Interview with The Becca Schmill Foundation
Needham Overdose Awareness Day Vigil 2022
(The Needham Channel) - The community gathered to recognize the 2,290 overdose deaths in Massachusetts last year during the first annual International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil. … [Read more...] about Needham Overdose Awareness Day Vigil 2022
As overdose deaths rise, a Needham mother talks about losing her daughter to fentanyl
(WBUR Radio) - Overdose deaths in Massachusetts reached an all-time high last year, according to state data. The synthetic opioid fentanyl, which in small doses can shut down a person's breathing, was … [Read more...] about As overdose deaths rise, a Needham mother talks about losing her daughter to fentanyl
Deadly drugs alarmingly easy to get on popular social media apps
(NBC) - Today Show - With nothing more than a smartphone and social media apps, young teenagers can easily find potentially deadly drugs. NBC’s Kate Snow reports for TODAY on the dangers behind the … [Read more...] about Deadly drugs alarmingly easy to get on popular social media apps
Social Media and Our Youth: A Virtual Mental Health Forum
(The Needham Channel) - The Needham Channel recently broadcast this forum presented by The Becca Schmill Foundation featuring several different panels, "Mental Health Insights From Health … [Read more...] about Social Media and Our Youth: A Virtual Mental Health Forum
Social Media Sites Let Children Buy Illicit Drugs From Their Bedrooms!
(Blog article) - Did you know that it is easier to purchase drugs online through Instagram than it is to opt out of an Instagram account? Or that Instagram enables users, who can be as young as 13 … [Read more...] about Social Media Sites Let Children Buy Illicit Drugs From Their Bedrooms!
