Vista Hill - Stronger Families… Brighter Futures Since 1957

A New Trend in Kid's Birthday Parties? Most young girls and boys expect to receive gifts at their own birthday party. But how about when a kid uses her birthday party as a way to give something to someone else less fortunate? Kana and Mari Tsurudome Garcia (photos) turned 10 and 7 this summer. Instead of the usual present list, the birthday girls collected dozens of grocery bags chock full of non-perishable items for families in need. The girls and their parents sent invitations to their birthday parties including information about Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, the emergency food program at ParentCare which was established by the San Diego Women's Foundation. Kana and Mari tell us it felt so good that they want to do it again next year! Learning to be charitable starts early!

Grants to Support Fire Victims
Vista Hill Learning Assistance Center (LAC) recently received two wonderful grants to assist with long term wildfire recovery efforts. Immediately after the October 2007 disaster, therapists from Vista Hill's LAC programs in Ramona and Escondido volunteered their services to provide trauma counseling and support services to fire victims. It quickly became apparent, however, that more help would be needed. Many children were experiencing long-term effects from the crisis, while others were unable to access mental health resources due to income level, citizenship status, and other qualification criteria. Click here to read the rest of the story.

New Addiction on Campus: Raiding the Medicine Cabinet. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal – Health Journal reported that Generation Rx or what's commonly known as college-age students are getting high from prescriptions (opiates) in their parents' medicine cabinets. In 2006, 2.2 million people, (ages 12+) admitted abusing pain relievers. Those 18-25, admitted the highest usage. Comparatively, these drugs are used far less frequently than alcohol and marijuana; however, they are far more addictive. The problem is the availability. More prescriptions are being written and filled. And if these Rx-ers can't find what they want at home, they go through an online pharmacy. Keg parties have been replaced with "pharm parties," whereby everyone dumps their stash in a big bowl and eats them like candy. The mortality rate for accidental opiate overdoses has climbed four to five times higher than the heroin epidemic of the 70s. For more information click here: For specific program information available through Vista Hill click here.

College-age Adults and Problem Drinking or Drug Use. College students (and their parents) should consider an assessment and possibly treatment with a health professional about their alcohol or drug intake. For more program information click here.

The Bridges Adult Intensive Outpatient Program offers a free and confidential assessment by calling 858.518.2192.

Combined Approach Most Effective for Adolescent Depression. A combination of therapy and medication helps depressed adolescents heal faster than therapy or medication alone. This is according to a study published in the October Archives of General Psychiatry. Click here for the full story.