The monthly Substance Abuse Free Environment Coalition meeting (SAFE) at Excelsior Springs Hospital was held recently to spread information regarding how adults can act as a protection factor for children through the early years of development. Kyria Hood, the Excelsior Springs Community Center Youth and Family Coordinator and Certified Parent Instructor, explained that any child under 18 has been influenced by an adult in some way, leading to children building connections. “It’s important when children come into contact with an adult that we do what we can to help them build skills that will make them resilient throughout their life,” she said. She noted that in today’s world, children are missing out on genuine connections because of technology utilized in everyday life. In turn, adults using technology are taking time away from children and reducing their ability to connect face-toface with another person. “Connection is the biggest way we can build resilient relationships,”…