The first meeting of the revived West Hartford Prevention Partnership will take place on Thursday, Oct. 21.

Submitted

The Town of West Hartford is reviving the West Hartford Prevention Partnership coalition, to effectively assess the substance use and mental health needs of the community and to work collaboratively in the implementation of prevention strategies.

The West Hartford Prevention Partnership is looking for residents with a passion to help others. Maybe you have seen a loved one struggle with addiction or mental health issues, maybe you are an expert in the field or, have lost a loved one to the disease of addiction, or are in recovery yourself and want to give back and educate others. Whatever the case, the organization wants you to be the voice and perspective to join many diverse sectors to create a web of influence in the community including the following: business owners, faith-based communities, public safety, the justice system, early childhood, education, health & behavioral health providers, youth, parents, coaches, youth serving organizations, public sector agencies, labor unions, media partners, people in recovery, etc.

This coalition will utilize the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to reduce risk-taking behaviors, promote resilience and prevent problem behaviors in individuals and across the lifespan. More information can be found here: A Guide to SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework.

Anyone interested in volunteering or know of someone that can volunteering  their time as a Coalition Member, please contact Kelly Waterhouse, Town of West Hartford, Department of Social Services at [email protected] or 860-561-7575. Minimum requirements would be attending a monthly recurring meeting likely during the early evening hours, with additional hours towards ongoing prevention projects as needed.

The first meeting will be Oct. 21, 2021 at from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Elmwood Community Center, Room 24, located at 1106 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, (Entrance via Burgoyne Street off Quaker Lane South, behind Walgreens).

For the year 2021-2022, the West Hartford Prevention Partnership will focus on vaping actions and building a coalition, based on DMHAS data.

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