Poe Center for Health Education

05/30/2026

May 31st is World No To***co Day. This observance was established in 1988 to highlight the impact of the to***co epidemic and shine a light on preventable illnesses and deaths due to to***co use. 🧑‍⚕️

To honor World No To***co Day, we’re sharing information about the risks associated with vape/e-cigarette use, which contain ni****ne derived from to***co plants. We are also sharing information on the link between va**ng and cannabis use, and some tips on how to open up a conversation with your youth about va**ng, smoking, cannabis use, or other substance use.

Start by having conversations early and often. Approach your youth using age-appropriate language so that they can understand and consider your message. A great way to start a conversation is while watching television - commercials or scenes may show va**ng/smoking/other risky behaviors, and that is a perfect opportunity to kick off a dialogue about substance use and the associated risks. This is an approachable method for starting a conversation. 📺

Establish clear expectations for your youth and be sure to model healthy behaviors. Remember, you’re their biggest role model. 🫵



***coDay

05/29/2026

In the 35 years since the Poe Center welcomed our very first classroom of participants, we have continued to evolve, improve, and update to meet the changing health-education needs of North Carolinians.

Over the decades, the Poe Center has joined science, art, and technology to create immersive, hands-on educational experiences for visitors. From reimagining our beloved PlayWELL Park to building high-tech, high-touch cooking and gardening theaters and transforming our campus into a canvas of vibrant artwork, we continually reinvent how our spaces teach and inspire. Every corner evolves with purpose, adapting to meet the changing health needs of our community – one creative transformation at a time.

Swipe through the photos below to see how the Poe Center has changed since we opened our doors in 1991 - and click the link below to see more!
www.poehealth.org/poe35/

05/29/2026

To honor World No To***co Day, we are sharing cessation tips and information. 🌎

Cessation is the process of quitting to***co, va**ng, or smoking. Cessation can look different for everyone. “Cessation kits” are helpful tools the Poe Center encourages to help you or someone you know quit for good.

Interested in creating a cessation kit? Try following this recipe! 🧑‍🍳

Fidget toy or stress ball: This helps distract from withdrawal symptoms.
Positive affirmations: These encourage those wanting to quit.
Brain games: These distract and occupy the mind.
Fruit snacks, gum, or mints: These satisfy the oral fixation.
Refusal skills: These helpful tips can encourage someone to say “no” to smoking or va**ng. 😎



***coday

05/28/2026

Is puberty on the horizon for your daughter or a girl in your life? Make plans to attend Girl Talk. Girl Talk addresses the timely topic of adolescent growth and development and the physical, social, and emotional changes that girls experience during puberty. Expert educators will lead activities and hold candid discussions exploring a range of topics.

This program is best suited for 4th-7th graders and their parents/trusted adults.

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Poe Center for Health Education
224 Sunnybrook Rd Raleigh, NC 27610
Cost: $60.00 per pair (parent/trusted adult & daughter).

Register:

Girl Talk for 4th-7th graders addresses the timely topic of adolescent growth and development and the physical, social, and emotional changes that girls experience during puberty.

05/27/2026

The Wake County Community Collaborative for Children and Families in partnership with Roberts Park is hosting its annual Mental Wellness Family Fun Day. Join us this Saturday for a fun-filled day of health, wellness, and community connection.

📅 Saturday, May 30
⏰ 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m
📍 Roberts Park, located at 1300 E. Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27610

This annual event is FREE, open to the public, and designed to connect families and community members with valuable resources available in Wake County.

Enjoy a day packed with:

Games and family-friendly activities
Food and refreshments
Community vendors and local resources
Prizes and giveaways
Interactive experiences focused on health and wellness
Bring the whole family and come out for a day of fun, learning, and community support!

Reserve your spot today: https://tinyurl.com/5apjfvve

05/27/2026

Words matter more than we think. When mental illness is used as slang or a joke, it can make people feel that their experiences won’t be taken seriously, and it can make it harder for them to ask for help or support. It can also dismiss how real and challenging mental illness can be.

Using person-first language and being mindful of how we talk about mental health helps create a space where people can feel safe, respected, and heard.

Young people listen and model what they hear from adults. The way adults talk about mental illness and people diagnosed with mental illness can either create trust and support for young people or have the opposite effect. .

Choose words that support, not silence.

May is Mental Health Awareness month. Commit to raising awareness and supporting one another. If you or someone you know is struggling, call, text, or chat 988 to connect with support.

What is one way you can help reduce stigma in your everyday conversations?

For more information go to makeitok.org
MentalHealthMatters 988Lifeline

05/26/2026

We are partnering with the NC System of Care Team from the NC Department of Health and Human Services to host System of Care Day on Thursday, June 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Poe Center!

We invite community members to join us to:
- Get connected to community resources, education, and other meaningful partnerships.
- Hear from NC Representatives Monika Johnson-Hostler and Sarah Crawford as they share insights on advocacy, community collaboration, and strengthening systems of support for communities.
- Experience an abbreviated Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® training, which offers practical tools to better understand stress responses and build resilience.

System of Care Day is designed to foster connection, learning, and collaboration among residents, advocates, service providers, and community leaders. Together, we hope to create a welcoming environment where partnerships can grow and families can access the support they need to thrive.

Register at no cost:
https://forms.office.com/g/HbXYYt8zQ6 or scan the QR Code to register.

05/23/2026

Spring has sprung, and so have our radishes in the GrowWELL Garden. This fast-growing root vegetable is an easy and accessible plant that is great for new gardeners. Plus, radishes add bright color and interesting flavor to your homemade dishes. Join our expert health educators as they show how to plant radishes and take them into the kitchen for a fresh, zippy radish slaw. Watch using the link in the comments below ⬇️.

05/22/2026

Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a model that helps sustain farms by including community members to support the growing process. Residents can pay a fee to help offset upfront costs to receive a portion of the seasonal harvest, supporting local farmers. 🧑🏾‍🌾👩🏾‍🌾👨🏿‍🌾Other places you can find CSAs include farm stands, urban farms, and farmers markets. Here at the Poe Center, we have our own farm stand to increase participants’ access to fruits and vegetables. 🥦🥕🌽 Produce is provided by our GrowWELL Garden and local Food Bank . One of our partners, Raleigh City Farm , has a pay-what-you-can farm stand to help community members.

Comment below your favorite produce!