Ledyard Prevention Coalition

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and it’s time to talk about what respect really looks like. Love should feel safe and supportive—not controlling or scary.

Knowing the signs of an abusive relationship is the first step in protecting yourself and your friends. Abuse isn’t always physical; it can be emotional, digital, or social.

Watch for these red flags:
- Privacy Violations: Checking your phone, email, or social media without permission.
- Public Belittling: Putting you down frequently, especially in front of others.
- Isolation: Pulling you away from friends or family (physically, financially, or emotionally).
- Extreme Insecurity: Constant jealousy or accusations.
- Volatile Emotions: Explosive outbursts, a "short fuse," or intense mood swings.
- Control: Possessiveness or dictating what you wear, who you see, and where you go.
- Pressure: Forcing or pressuring you into any sexual activity.
- Physical Harm: Any form of hitting, pushing, or physical violence.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. You are not alone.

📞 Text "LOVEIS" to 22522 or call 1-866-331-9474 to speak with a peer advocate at .

Free Training for EMS & Emergency Clinicians!

Join us for “Caring for People Who Use Drugs: Best Practices for EMS and Other Emergency Clinicians” — a free workshop with dinner and CEUs provided!

🗓 Date: Thursday, February 5
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
🍽 Dinner Provided
🔗 Register: https://tiny.llhd.org/Feb5

Stephen Murray, MPH, NRP - Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at Boston University, overdose researcher, and national hotline director, shares his lived experience as a person who uses drugs and overdose survivor, offering expert insights on overdose prevention, harm reduction, and emergency medical services.

Approved for continuing education credit by the Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Questions? Contact Kerensa Mansfield at [email protected] or 860.910.0397.

Sponsored by Ledge Light Health District, Towns of Ledyard, North Stonington, Stonington, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

Happy New Year!

I am happy to share that the Ledyard Police Department's Ledyard Police Department prescription drug take back box was heavily utilized! This year the box collected 440 pounds of unused prescription drugs which was then safely disposed of.

Thank you to all for keeping prescription drugs for from getting into the wrong hands.

The Ledyard Prevention Coalition in collaboration with Overdose Action Team and NLC CARES is scheduling FREE Overdose Prevention, Recovery and Wellness Programs for churches, local businesses, civic groups, and school faculty, staff, and students. This program is approximately 45 minutes long and includes a brief discussion about:

The use of opioids
Opioid addiction stigma
How to identify an overdose
How to administer Naloxone (the life saving drug to reverse an opioid overdose)

As part of the training, all participants will receive a box of Naloxone.

This program is supported by funds from the Town of Ledyard's Opioid Settlement Fund.

If you are interested in scheduling a program, please reach out to me, Kerensa Mansfield @ [email protected] or 860.448.4882 ext. 1309

Please share!

It’s National Drug Take Back Day! Bring unused prescriptions or unwanted medications to the Ledyard Police Department lobby for safe disposal. Look for the green box!

Can’t make it today? is available any time of day.

ACCEPTED: prescription and over-the-counter medications; patches; ointments; vitamins; sample medications; or pet medications

NOT ACCEPTED: lotions and liquids, aerosol cans; inhalers; hydrogen peroxide; thermometers; needles or other sharp objects; medication from businesses or clinics; illegal drugs or paraphernalia.

It's National Drug Take Back Day! Bring unused prescriptions or unwanted medications to the Ledyard Police Department lobby for safe disposal. Look for the green box!

Can't make it today? is available any time of day.

ACCEPTED: prescription and over-the-counter medications; patches; ointments; vitamins; sample medications; or pet medications

NOT ACCEPTED: lotions and liquids, aerosol cans; inhalers; hydrogen peroxide; thermometers; needles or other sharp objects; medication from businesses or clinics; illegal drugs or paraphernalia.

We are pleased to announce that on Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6:30pm - 8:00pm, the Ledyard Prevention Coalition is sponsoring a virtual program via Zoom Webinar for parents, guardians, educators, and students in grades 7 - 12. Our keynote speaker is Stephen Hill, a renowned national speaker on mental health and substance use prevention with a truly inspiring comeback story that everyone must hear.
Stephen Hill—a former student-athlete turned prevention advocate, author, attorney, and founder of Speak Sobriety— uses his personal journey and cautionary tale to deliver a powerful message
that is deeply moving, filled with practical tips and insights, and truly inspiring. He has presented to tens of thousands of people for over 1,000 schools and coalitions across the country.
Through sharing his lived experience, Stephen empowers parents and guardians to guide their children in leading healthy, substance-free lives by showing the value of mindfully building a life
worth defending. Our community will leave better educated on mental health and substance use prevention, with practical tools and coping skills to navigate challenges, and have a deeper
understanding of the ripple effect—how our actions influence and impact the well-being of others This virtual program is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

REGISTRATION LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KEPaopyXTJeMUaJI4UW3UA

Ledyard Prevention Coalition Ledyard Prevention Coalition is a non profit. Our mission is to foster a healthy, safe and drug free environment for Ledyard through community parnterships

any time of day. Look for the green box at the Ledyard Police Department!

ACCEPTED: prescription and over-the-counter medications; patches; ointments; vitamins; sample medications; or pet medications

NOT ACCEPTED: lotions and liquids, aerosol cans; inhalers; hydrogen peroxide; thermometers; needles or other sharp objects; medication from businesses or clinics; illegal drugs or paraphernalia.

Kids don’t misuse drugs for fun, they’re often looking for an escape, support, or to fit in. Let’s listen, understand, and be there.

You did it! After all the late nights, hard work, and dedication, you’ve crossed the finish line. 🌟

Whether you’re stepping into a new career, continuing your education, or exploring new adventures, remember: this is just the beginning. The world is yours—go make your mark! 🌍💫

🎉 Here’s to new beginnings, bold dreams, and endless possibilities. We’re so proud of you! 🎉