This story highlights how substance use prevention can start with practical actions at home and leadership within our own communities. It demonstrates that prevention isn't limited to responding to a crisis; it also includes reducing access to potentially dangerous medications, building supportive relationships with young people, and making evidence-informed resources easier to access.
For Change the Script, this is an opportunity to reinforce that everyone has a role in prevention, regardless of their age or professional background. Whether it's safely disposing of unused medications, starting an open conversation with a young person, or sharing resources with neighbors, small actions can contribute to safer communities across Connecticut.
Key points
Youth-led prevention: Nathan Goldberg, a 16-year-old from Bolton, Connecticut, was inspired to take action after meeting with representatives from The Governor’s Prevention Partnership. He worked with community leaders to bring a medication disposal initiative to his town.
Expanding access to safe medication disposal: The Prevention Starts With You program will distribute 50,000 at-home medication disposal pouches across Connecticut. Bolton and nine other towns will receive pouches funded through opioid settlement dollars.
Making prevention convenient: Residents can place pills or liquid medications into a pouch, add water, seal it, and throw it away. The pouches cannot be used for syringes or needles.
Encouraging conversations with young people: The program also includes educational materials that encourage parents to build trust and talk with their children about everyday experiences, stress, and emotions rather than approaching substance use through confrontation or suspicion.
To read the full article please visit www.fox61.com
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