The Governor's Prevention Partnership

10/30/2026

Today, we joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz to share a few important reminders for a safe and happy Halloween:

🚗 Slow down and stay alert. Drivers, be especially mindful of little ghosts and goblins crossing the streets. 👻

🔦 Be seen! Reflective clothing, flashlights, and glow sticks help keep trick-or-treaters visible after dark.

And while GPP isn’t giving out candy this year, we want to leave you with this nugget: parents, don’t underestimate the power of your voice 📣 We prepare our children for the dangers we can see, but we also need to prepare them for the dangers we can’t.

🗣️ Talk early. Talk often. Help your kids recognize risks, make good decisions, and know who to call 📱 when they need help.

The goal is for our voices to be with them, even when we aren’t.

Our children should never be more afraid of calling us than they are of the situation they’re in.

Have a safety plan. An emoji signal 🍅 Let them know you’ll always come get them out of any situation.

We don’t have to scare our children to keep them safe. We have to prepare them.

Who does prevention start with? It starts with you!

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and fun-filled Halloween! 🎃

10/29/2026

If your medication is old enough to vote, it's probably time to dispose of it!

Election Day is right around the corner, and while you're heading out to the polls, why not check one more thing off your to-do list?

Take unused or expired medications to a nearby medication drop-off location, or request a free medication disposal pouch to safely dispose of them at home.

Learn more and request your pouch at PreventionCT.org.
For more information on voting in CT, visit: MyVote.CT.gov

10/28/2026

🏀 Connecticut is the Basketball Capital of the World, and we’re making a strong case for being the Prevention Capital of the World, too!

Through Prevention Starts With You®, GPP has helped put hundreds of thousands of medication disposal pouches and prevention resources into the hands of Connecticut families.

Prevention is a team sport, and we play to win! 🏆

Want to bring prevention to your community? 📩 [email protected]

10/28/2026

We were thrilled to speak with our partners at Mohegan Sun after they received the 2026 Together, We Can Innovation Award at our annual Governor's Celebration, while we also celebrated 30 years of Mohegan Sun!

Their commitment to Connecticut's young people goes beyond financial support. Through mentorship, leadership, and community engagement, they are helping create opportunities for young people to thrive.

Thank you to FOX61 for highlighting this partnership.

Watch the story below!
https://www.fox61.com/video/news/local/mohegan-sun-recognized-with-governors-award-for-helping-reduce-youth-drinking-and-substance-use/520-a51b2303-3292-4ae3-a5ae-d32bcc1e9b8

Mohegan Sun is more than just writing a check for the Governor's Prevention Partnership. The team at the casino is offering mentorship to fight substance abuse.

10/27/2026

More than an extracurricular. An opportunity to make an impact.

Looking for something that goes beyond adding another activity to your resume?

The Governor’s Prevention Partnership’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a place to turn your ideas into action, build real-world skills, and make connections that last.

As a YAB member, you can:
-Gain hands-on leadership, advocacy, and public speaking experience.
-Help shape prevention campaigns and initiatives that impact young people across Connecticut.
-Connect with state and community leaders.
-Build friendships with other youth who share your passion for making a difference.
-Help create opportunities and experiences for the next generation of leaders.

Ready to get involved? We're recruiting youth from across Connecticut for the 2026–2027 Youth Advisory Board!

Interest forms close November 1!
https://forms.monday.com/forms/6f0a92730b4921c08fc3693df0fd402a?r=use1

10/27/2026

Youth leadership in action!

When Nathan, a young leader from Bolton, learned about our Prevention Starts With You® campaign, he knew he wanted to bring it to his community.

Through his initiative, outreach, and leadership, Nathan brought the idea before the Bolton Board of Selectmen, helping turn his vision into action.

Now, 2,400 medication disposal pouches will be mailed directly to Bolton residents, giving more households the tools to safely dispose of unused medications.

We're proud to partner with Nathan, the Bolton Prevention Council, and the town of Bolton to make this possible.

Want to bring Prevention Starts With You® to your community? Contact: [email protected]

One small pouch will let neighbors throughout the state safely thro...

10/22/2026

Ever get the feeling you're not alone?

Those old medications might still be lurking in your medicine cabinet!

Unused and expired medications have a way of piling up long after they're needed. And while they may be out of sight, keeping them around can pose unnecessary risks to the people in your home.

This spooky season, we're teaming up with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection to remind you that prevention doesn't have to be scary!

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 24! It's the perfect opportunity to clear out your medicine cabinet, gather medications you no longer need, and safely dispose of them at a participating collection site.

A few minutes of cleaning out your cabinet can help make your home safer. No ghostbusters required!

Find a collection site near you: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
For more information on safe storage and proper disposal: http://ct.gov/drugdisposal
To request an at-home disposal pouch: PreventionCT.org

10/20/2026

When va**ng makes headlines, it's an opportunity to have a bigger conversation.

A recent TODAY article exploring questions about Selena Gomez's voice and the potential effects of va**ng reminds us that va**ng can impact more than just our lungs.

While we can't assume what's behind someone's health changes, we do know that va**ng carries real health risks and stories like these can be a starting point for meaningful conversations with young people.

Ask what they've heard about va**ng, what they believe, and where they're getting their information.

Read the full article from TODAY: https://www.today.com/health/celebrity-health/selena-gomez-va**ng-voice-changes-doctor-explains-rcna604341

For more information on how to have conversations with those you care about and other resources available in CT, visit: VapeFreeCT.org

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Selena Gomez, 34, revealed that va**ng ni****ne has changed her voice. Here’s what we know about the health effects of e-cigarettes.

10/19/2026

There’s no perfect spell, script, or set of words for talking with young people about alcohol, va**ng, medications, and other substances.

The magic is simply starting.

Ask a question. Listen without judgment. Be curious about what they’re seeing, hearing, and experiencing. And don’t put pressure on yourself to cover everything in one conversation.

Small conversations build trust and make it easier for young people to come to you when something bigger comes up.

For conversation starters, visit PreventionCT.org

10/16/2026

What a morning to remember!

On October 1, we brought together leaders, partners, advocates, and changemakers from across Connecticut for our 2026 Governor’s Celebration: Start Your Morning with Prevention!

From powerful conversations about youth voice and the importance of everyday mentoring to celebrating communities turning prevention into action, the morning was a reminder of what is possible when we work together.

We were proud to recognize this year’s incredible honorees:

Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC) – People First Impact Award
Mohegan Tribe and Mohegan Sun – Together, We Can Innovation Award
Mayor Connor Martin & the town of East Hartford – Own It: Prevention in Action Award

A special thank you to Governor Ned Lamont for joining us, our sponsors for making this celebration possible, and everyone who continues to invest in the well-being of Connecticut's young people.

Prevention doesn't happen in isolation. It starts with connection, grows through action, and becomes lasting change when communities come together.

View all the pictures here: https://www.facebook.com/GPPCT/posts/pfbid02GxkfGyJbUze6JLzXPJThhGibKXQXzDMjXH6DvLMWnZNcquRazqcYsiSGBtLUYCZdl