Connecticut National Prevention Week Features Two Scheduled Webinars, Online Activities, and Guidance for Practicing Prevention Year-Round

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), in partnership with local organizations and communities, kicks off National Prevention Week 2020 with an array of theme-specific online and social media activities, most of which can be viewed or done anytime, and two scheduled webinars led by spiritual and clinical leaders.

“National Prevention Week looks very different this year with the COVID-19 crisis,” said DMHAS Commissioner Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon. “Now, more than ever, it’s important to learn more about—and practice—prevention strategies linked to substance use and promotion of overall mental health and wellbeing. The resources and activities offered throughout the week are a productive way to start and continue a year-round conversation about prevention and to inspire positive change throughout the year.”

“We hope that individuals across Connecticut will take time to participate in these events and reflect on the value of prevention and its role in helping individuals to make healthy choices in their lives,” said Judith A. Stonger, MA, CPS, vice president of Prevention, Wellness and Recovery, Wheeler Clinic/Connecticut Clearinghouse. “Different prevention themes will be highlighted each day, providing participants with an opportunity to learn more about individual and community-level prevention strategies that promote optimal health in their own lives, with loved ones, and in their communities.”

In addition to an array of online resources and activities, two scheduled webinars will help guide individuals, families and communities through this challenging time. Interested participants can register at the Connecticut Clearinghouse website here.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
“Creating a New Normal: Re-Imagining a More Compassionate Future”
Dr. Brandon Nappi, Copper Beech Institute

The pandemic has shined a very bright light on the many places in our communities where we need to do a better job of caring for each other. Yet with a growing crisis of this magnitude, it’s possible for all of us who care deeply about others to become overwhelmed, burned out, and paralyzed. This unprecedented global crisis has called us to consider radical self-care not as a luxury, but as an absolute necessity if we want to work in prevention sustainably and effectively over time. During this Prevention Week, join community members and colleagues across professions for the restoring gift of mindfulness practice, self-compassion, and a brave conversation about the new normal we need to create for all people.

Thursday, May 14, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
"Prevention in a Pandemic: Focusing on What We CAN DO”
Liz Jorgensen, CADC, Clinical Consultant

Even as we face a pandemic not seen in our lifetime, there are valuable lessons from our collective past that can guide parenting and professional activities in a way to make a stressful time a period for learning and rehearsing resilience. Liz will focus on how we can help prevent mental health and substance misuse, and the evidence-based practices we can use to help clients and families now, as well as plan for the future increase in need of prevention outreach services.

Additional information about the week can be found here.

About National Prevention Week
National Prevention Week (NPW), May 10-16, 2020, is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA)-sponsored campaign dedicated to increasing the prevention of substance use and promotion of mental health by promoting prevention year-round. The weeklong National Prevention Week observance that occurs each May brings individuals, organizations, coalitions, states, and communities together to celebrate the events and activities that communities have held all year to raise awareness about the importance of preventing substance use and mental disorders.

About the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve. While the Department's prevention services serve all Connecticut citizens, its mandate is to serve adults (over 18 years of age) with psychiatric or substance use disorders, or both, who lack the financial means to obtain such services on their own. Visit the DMHAS website at www.ct.gov/dmhas.

About Connecticut Clearinghouse
Connecticut Clearinghouse is a statewide library and resource center for information on substance use and mental health disorders, prevention and health promotion, treatment and recovery, wellness and other related topics. Materials from its specialized library and resource center are available to Connecticut families, teachers, students, professionals, communities and children. A program of Wheeler Clinic’s Connecticut Center for Prevention, Wellness and Recovery, the Connecticut Clearinghouse is funded by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Learn more: www.ctclearinghouse.org.

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