The Governor's Prevention Partnership

09/02/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, and it is a good reminder that knowing the warning signs can help us better support the people in our lives and ourselves.

Changes in mood, sleep, or behavior. Withdrawing from others. Talking about having no reason to live. Recognizing when something isn’t right is an important first step.

Our Youth-Only QPR Training gives young people practical tools to recognize warning signs, offer hope, and help connect a peer to support.

Are you a youth? Register for the training. https://gppct.org/trainings-events/

Learn the warning signs: samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/warning-signs

***dePrevention

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

You don’t ever have to be alone.

Thank you to Amberleigh and her mom for sharing their story. Your bravery and openness may be exactly what someone else needs to hear to know they aren’t alone and that it’s okay to ask for help.

This International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those we’ve lost, stand with those who are struggling, and remind every person and family impacted by substance use that support is here.

Connecticut has resources and people ready to help, whether you’re struggling with addiction, worried about someone you love, or simply don’t know where to turn.

There is help. There is hope. And there are people who care.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, help is available 24/7. Call Connecticut’s Substance Use Access Line at 1-800-563-4086.

08/28/2026

Prevention starts with connection, and young people have an important role to play.

Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day, we’re proud to see youth stepping up as leaders in prevention. FOX61 recently highlighted Shelton’s Youth 2 Youth Peer Advocates at Shelton Youth & Family Services, where young people are building their leadership skills, mentoring younger students, and helping their peers navigate topics including substance use and mental health.

At GPP, we believe prevention is strongest when young people aren’t just part of the conversation; they have a voice in leading it.

As we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, stories like this remind us that prevention starts early: with education, trusted relationships, honest conversations and young people who feel empowered to look out for one another.

https://www.fox61.com/video/news/local/fairfield-county/the-youth-2-youth-peer-advocates-program-in-shelton-gains-momentum-entering-school-year/520-bb0e5d67-38dc-4fe2-9ad5-52df79750553

Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day, a group of teens in Shelton is working with classmates to promote safe choices. It's part of an advocacy program.

08/27/2026

Your voice belongs here.

We are looking for young people from across Connecticut to join our Youth Advisory Board! The YAB is a space for youth to connect, lead, and help shape prevention efforts across our state.

As a YAB member, you’ll have opportunities to build leadership skills, meet other young people who care about making a difference, plan statewide events, use your voice on issues that matter, and connect with community and state leaders.

Interested in joining us for the 2026–2027 year?
Learn more and submit an interest form by November 1. https://forms.monday.com/forms/6f0a92730b4921c08fc3693df0fd402a?r=use1

08/24/2026

Kids are good at finding things. Hiding your cannabis in drawers, bags, or “out of sight” spots isn’t the same as keeping it secure. Store cannabis locked and beyond reach. Visit BeInTheKnowCT.org to get a free lock bag.

08/24/2026

This year, we’re celebrating what prevention looks like in action.

At the 2026 Governor’s Celebration, GPP is proud to recognize three partners whose leadership is strengthening opportunities for young people and communities across Connecticut:

Danbury Student and Business Connection
People First Impact Award — for putting relationships and opportunity at the center of its work with Danbury students.

The Mohegan Tribe & Mohegan Sun
Together, We Can Innovation Award — for demonstrating the power of partnership to expand the reach of prevention and mentoring.

Town of East Hartford, CT – Government & Mayor Connor Martin
Own It: Prevention in Action Award — for making prevention visible, practical, and accessible throughout their community.

We can’t wait to celebrate their impact on October 1.

Join us at the Governor’s Celebration. Tickets are available now!https://gppct.org/governors-celebration-2/

08/20/2026

Practical skills that make a difference.

This September, build your ability to better support the young people and communities around you with two upcoming trainings:

Everyday Mentoring | September 14
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Learn how to turn everyday interactions with young people into opportunities for connection, trust and belonging.
✓ Virtual | 4 CEUs available

YOUTH - QPR Gatekeeper Training | September 16
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Learn how to recognize the warning signs of a su***de crisis, offer hope, and connect someone to help.
✓ Virtual | 1.5 CEUs available

Registration is open → gppct.org/trainings-events

08/18/2026

How we talk about substance use matters.

Social and digital media can make substance use seem more common than it actually is. When young people repeatedly see certain behaviors online, at home, or in the media, it can shape their perception of what’s “normal,” even when the reality among their peers looks very different.

That’s why social norms are an important part of prevention. By correcting misperceptions and reinforcing the healthy choices most young people are already making, we can help shift the narrative.

We all have a role in making sure young people hear the full story.

This , learn more about using social norms to strengthen prevention: www.hidta.org/adapt/prevention-intervention-resource-center

08/11/2026

Tickets on sale now!

Don't miss your chance to attend the 2026 Governor's Celebration!
This year, you can expect an elevated breakfast that brings together leaders from across Connecticut to advance prevention, mentoring, and partnerships that help
young people thrive.

Register here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/5ee40348dd02249c9742958fe1a98ad6?r=use1