Coalition for Healthy Communities

10/29/2026

When your middle schooler brings up va**ng, alcohol, or ma*****na, how do you respond?

Sometimes, the most valuable conversations begin with a simple question. Whether your child mentions something they saw online, heard from a classmate, or noticed at school, these everyday moments can open the door to meaningful discussions about substance misuse.

You don't need to have every answer. Listening without judgment, encouraging questions, and talking about how to handle uncomfortable situations can help young people feel more confident coming to you when something doesn't seem right.

For New Jersey parents and caregivers, understanding what middle school students may encounter is an important part of supporting their well-being.

Explore practical ways to approach these conversations and help your child navigate the middle school years.

https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/middle-school-drugs-alcohol-use/?utm_source=socialpilot&utm_medium=social

10/28/2026

Teaching kids to stay safe online takes more than setting screen time limits. It starts with conversations, trust, and helping children recognize risks before they encounter them.

From cyberbullying and online privacy to protecting personal information, children face challenges in the digital world that parents and caregivers can help them navigate.

Wellspring's guide to teaching kids about online safety offers practical strategies for families, including:

• Setting clear, age-appropriate internet rules
• Teaching children to protect their personal information
• Recognizing warning signs of cyberbullying
• Keeping communication open about online experiences

Helping kids build healthy digital habits today can prepare them to make safer decisions tomorrow.

Read the full guide: https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/strategies-teaching-kids-online-safety/?utm_source=socialpilot&utm_medium=social

10/27/2026

Healthy aging is about more than physical health. Staying connected, eating well, and finding opportunities to engage with others can make a meaningful difference in our well-being as we age.

Join Wellspring Center for Prevention for our 2026 Senior Conference: Healthy Aging Is for Everyone!

📅 Tuesday, December 1, 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
📍 East Brunswick Public Library

This year's conference will feature informative presentations on nutrition, social connection, and healthy aging, along with activities designed to support overall wellness. A healthy snack and boxed lunch will be provided.

Older adults, caregivers, and professionals who support older adults are encouraged to attend!

Learn more and register today: https://wellspringprevention.org/events/senior-conference-2026/?utm_source=socialpilot&utm_medium=social

10/26/2026

A major new investment in overdose prevention could help expand access to lifesaving treatment in New Jersey and beyond.

Bloomberg Philanthropies has committed an additional $150 million to its Overdose Prevention Initiative, supporting efforts to improve access to treatment in emergency departments and correctional facilities.

In this week's Prevention Pulse, we're also highlighting National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and the importance of safely disposing of unused medications to help prevent prescription drug misuse.

Catch up on these stories and more prevention news affecting our communities.

Read the latest issue: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/--Bloomberg-Commits--150M-to-Overdose-Prevention---Drug-Take-Back-Day-Is-Saturday.html?soid=1103872774529&aid=hJUF1dMqaRc

10/20/2026

How much screen time is too much for children?

From smartphones to tablets and video games, screens are part of everyday life. But excessive screen time may affect how children learn, communicate, sleep, and interact with others.

The good news? Healthy screen habits don't mean eliminating technology altogether.

Our updated blog explores how screen time can influence childhood development and offers practical steps parents can take to encourage healthier digital habits.

Read more: https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/screen-time-dilemma-childhood-development/

10/19/2026

Millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds are intended to help communities respond to the ongoing addiction crisis. But what happens when that money goes unspent?

In Elizabeth, NJ, more than 90% of the city's opioid settlement funds reportedly remain unspent or uncommitted. Meanwhile, CVS has agreed to pay $315 million to resolve federal allegations involving improperly dispensed opioid prescriptions.

Both stories raise important questions about accountability, prevention, and how communities can make the most of available resources.

Read this week's Prevention Pulse for more:

Email from Wellspring Center for Prevention Get the latest updates on addiction prevention. Prevention Pulse Promoting healthier communities. Brought to you by Wellspring Center for Prevention. Octobe

10/06/2026

Today is the 11th annual Knockout Opioid Abuse day. This year, let’s help the older adults in our lives with safer plan management and educate them on opioid safety. Drug-Free NJ

10/05/2026

Two emerging issues are shaping conversations around prevention and mental health.

This week’s Prevention Pulse looks at growing concerns surrounding severe medetomidine withdrawal cases and a new New Jersey initiative designed to connect students with behavioral health support through their schools.

Stay informed about the developments affecting individuals, families, schools, and communities.

Read the latest Prevention Pulse:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/--Medetomidine-Withdrawal-Cases-Rise---NJ-Launches-School-Mental-Health-Pilot.html?soid=1103872774529&aid=x7asNc2W_wk

10/01/2026

College brings more independence, but that doesn’t mean conversations about prescription drug safety should stop.

Prescription drug misuse can be difficult for families to recognize, especially when a student is living away from home and continuing to do well in school, work and relationships.

Our latest blog looks at what parents and caregivers should know, including why college students may misuse prescription medications, warning signs to watch for, the risks of counterfeit pills and ways families can keep the conversation going.

Learn what families can do to help college students make safer, healthier decisions:

https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/prescription-drug-misuse-college-students/?utm_source=socialpilot&utm_medium=social

09/30/2026

Recovery is strengthened by people who are willing to listen, connect, advocate and stand beside someone through difficult moments. 💚

On September 24, Wellspring Center for Prevention brought community members and recovery advocates together for our annual Tree of Hope Ceremony.

This year, we presented the 2026 Tree of Hope Award to the Family Support Organization of Middlesex County and honored Jamie Platt, Recovery Coach Supervisor, as our 2026 Recovery Champion.

Their stories reflect the many ways recovery can create connection, second chances and new opportunities to support others.

Read more about this year’s honorees and the people helping make recovery possible throughout our communities:

https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/2026-tree-of-hope-ceremony/?utm_source=socialpilot&utm_medium=social