Community Connections, Inc.

10/20/2026

https://www.newswise.com/articles/the-stakes-appear-high-for-college-students-who-gamble?utm_source=Higher+Ed+Center+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=a75223f21c-FY26+UReport+November+3_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-84d276dd32-298088160

Legalized online sports betting began in Michigan in 2021, and since then reports of online problem gambling have surged, according to the National Problem Gambling Helpline Report.

10/20/2026

First place poster!!!

Excited to share that Elizabeth Brooks, MSW, and Candace Harless, MSW, presented a research proposal at the Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health, and Psychiatry Global Conference! 🧠

This ongoing research project, Social Work Education and Preparedness for Substance Use Disorder Practice in Rural Communities, explores how graduate social work education prepares professionals to assess and treat substance use disorders, particularly in rural communities where resources and specialized services are often limited.

This project is part of continued professional and academic growth, supporting Elizabeth's doctoral studies and Candace's clinical development. This project also supports the collaboration of prevention efforts and treatment access in our community between Community Connections and Southern Highlands.

We are excited to continue building on this research, contributing to the field of social work, and exploring ways to strengthen education, preparedness, and substance use disorder services in rural communities! 💙

10/20/2026

💊 National Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, October 24th!

Take a few minutes to clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of unused or expired medications at a participating collection site!

Proper medication disposal helps prevent misuse, accidental poisoning, and keeps our communities safer.

Small actions make a BIG difference in prevention!

10/17/2026

Such a great day promoting WV988 at the annual Bridge Day!
988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline

10/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for the ribbon cutting of our community Wind Phone! ❤️

What started as a simple idea has become a beautiful space for our community to pause, reflect, and remember those we carry in our hearts.

We hope this space continues to bring peace, comfort, and connection to everyone who visits. Whether you come to share words left unsaid, honor a memory, or simply enjoy a quiet moment, this space is here for you.

Thank you for helping us celebrate such a meaningful addition to our community. 🌸❤️

Learn more about our windphone project at

https://www.strongcommunities.org/general-1

Glenwood Recreational Park Community Connections, Inc. Mercer County Coalition for Healthy Communities

10/16/2026

10/16/2026

🌉 BRIDGE DAY 2026 - HERE WE COME! 🎉

Community Connections, Inc. is excited to be heading to the beautiful New River Gorge National Park and Preserve this Saturday for Bridge Day 2026!

We’ll be spending the day spreading awareness, sharing resources, and connecting with folks from near and far as we promote the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, Red Ribbon Week 2026, and safe drug disposal practices. 💙❤️

🚗 But this year is going to be extra special!

Our wonderful friends and partners in prevention from HUGS, Inc. are making the journey all the way from Westhampton Beach, New York, to join us in West Virginia!

And they’re doing more than just making the trip! Along the way, the HUGS team will be stopping in local communities, dropping off little trinkets of hope and sharing a powerful message of prevention, kindness, and connection. 💜

It’s a great reminder that prevention knows no state lines, and when communities come together, we can make an even bigger difference!

Safe travels to our friends at HUGS, Inc.! We’re so excited to welcome you to the Mountain State and can’t wait to see you soon! 🏔️❤️

If you’re attending Bridge Day, be sure to stop by, say hello, and help us spread a little hope!

10/15/2026

Some words deserve a place to go. 💙

Please join us for the ribbon-cutting of the first Wind Phone in Southern West Virginia at Glenwood Park!

📅 Friday, October 16, 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m.
📍 Glenwood Park

Located on the Bowman trail between the boat launch and gazebo

A wind phone is an unconnected telephone in a peaceful setting. It offers a place to speak to someone you miss, share a memory, or simply pause and reflect.

This Wind Phone was created by our Drug-Free Communities Director and Camp Mariposa Clinical Director, Candace Harless, in memory of her mother, Lisa Ann Kershner. It is registered with the national Wind Phone project, joining a growing network of places for remembrance and connection.

And this is only the beginning—there’s another meaningful part of this project still to come. We can’t wait to share it with you.

All are welcome to celebrate this special space with us.

10/14/2026

Finances should not stand in the way of receiving vital care. If you or someone you know is struggling to afford preventative screenings, please visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/our-programs/ for more information.