SACRAMENTO
California Wildfire Preparedness Week events
Wildfire Preparedness Week is this week and CAL FIRE and its partner agencies will host statewide events throughout the week to raise awareness on what individuals and communities can do to help protect against the threat of wildfires. By preparing well in advance of a wildfire and taking steps now to reduce wildfire risks, you can dramatically increase your safety, the safety of your community, and the survivability of your home.
CAL FIRE will be joined by the US Forest Service, Cal OES, California National Guard, California Highway
Patrol, California Conservation Corps, and other local, state, and federal fire and emergency officials to
speak about wildfire preparedness.
Wildfire Awareness Week statewide events to raise awareness on wildfire preparedness, including how
state, federal and local public safety organizations are preparing for the 2022 fire season; the importance
of fuel reduction and vegetation management projects; and ways the public can prepare for wildfire now
through home hardening and defensible space.
To learn more about wildfire safety and preparedness, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Additionally, CAL FIRE continues to encourage Californians to access the Ready for Wildfire web-based app that includes local alerts, checklists for preparedness, evacuation plans, and other kits. To download the free app, visit
https://plan.readyforwildfire.org/.
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LAKE COUNTY
May is Mental Health Matters Month
Our mental health has a powerful influence on our quality of life. It affects how we feel, how we see ourselves, how we handle stress, how we make choices, and how we relate to others. Our mental health deserves the same attention as our physical health, but is far too often overlooked or ignored.
The month of May is Mental Health Matters Month. Now is the time to check in on our own mental health and the mental health of the people we care about. Please support and encourage those you are connected with to take action to attend to mental health needs.
Behavioral Health Services staff invite you, particularly, to “Take Action 4 Mental Health” on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Library Park in Lakeport. The event will have a booth and information. Also, check out Lake County Prevention on Facebook for more events and information.
“Taking Action 4 Mental Health” starts with you! Check in on your own mental health and the mental health of someone you care about. You may find self-care activities or other support give your mind and body an opportunity to recharge.
When you check in with others, let them know you’re there for them if they want to talk. Help them get support from other sources, if they are in need. To get started, visit the “Take Action 4 Mental Health” website’s check-in page at https://takeaction4mh.com/.
Most people have times when we feel sad, stressed out, anxious or just weighed down. If “a few bad days” occur often, and/or last more than two weeks, this can be a sign of something more serious.
If you recognize signs additional support may be needed, for yourself or someone else, take time to learn more about self-care, services, and supports available. Find a positive path forward.
If you feel overwhelmed, or mental health challenges interfere with your life, it’s time to seek help. Reach out and connect with family, friends, peer support groups, or other resources available in your community.
Lake County Behavioral Health Services also offers many community trainings for suicide prevention. The trainings provide tools to start challenging, but important, conversations about mental health and suicide.
These trainings are available for the entire community, as well as schools and agencies. For more information, please contact Kendra Boyce, Prevention Specialist at Kendra.Boyce@lakecountyca.gov or 707-533-7358, or Michael Mos, Prevention Specialist, at Michael.Mos@lakecountyca.gov
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KENTUCKY
Students have different education options after high school
Many students think of education after high school as the traditional four-year college degree. That isn’t always the case, according to KHEAA.
Two-year degrees can prepare students to continue at a four-year school, but they can also lead directly to a job in the workforce. Diplomas and certificates in specialized skills give students the knowledge they need to compete for good jobs in industry and other careers. These programs usually take six to 18 months to complete.
Nearly all states offer grants and scholarships for in-state students. Many offer specific grants for students who want to become teachers or to work in STEM fields. In many states, members of the National Guard can also take advantage of student aid programs geared to Guard members.
In addition, most technical schools, two-year colleges and four-year colleges and universities offer their own grants, scholarships and other student aid programs.
The financial aid office of the school students plan to attend will help them understand these and other aid programs.
KHEAA is a public, non-profit agency established in 1966 to improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents.
KHEAA also helps colleges manage their student loan default rates and verify information submitted on the FAFSA. For more information about those services, visit kheaa.com.
In addition, KHEAA disburses private Advantage Education Loans on behalf of its sister agency, KHESLC. For more information, visit advantageeducationloan.com.
For more information about financial aid and college planning, visit alstudentaid.com.
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