Grant awarded to create West Haven Prevention Council to tackle underage drinking

The coalitions’ mission is to involve and engage the local community to prevent alcohol and substance use among youth
 

 Bridges Healthcare and Milford Prevention Council (MPC) have collaborated over the past ten years to develop and implement a successful, comprehensive youth substance use prevention program in Milford, Connecticut. Bridges and MPC were recently awarded a grant from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA/CSAP), as part of the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act) grant. MPC was the only prevention coalition in Connecticut to be awarded with this year’s round of funding.

 

The STOP Act grant will help Bridges and MPC build capacity for a West Haven Prevention Coalition (WHPC) to prevent and reduce alcohol use among youth and young adults ages 12-20 in West Haven.

“Educating our youth about the dangers of substance use is critical. Local communities are, and should be, at the forefront in the fight to prevent youth from using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. We are committed to strengthen West Haven’s capacity to develop innovative, community-based programs that do just that,” said Wendy Gibbons. Program Director of MPC and WHPC. “We’re excited to partner with the West Haven community and build on the progress we’ve made in Milford preventing substance use among youth”

“I am proud to commend Bridges Healthcare and Milford Prevention Council for working together to secure this critical funding to educate young people on the pitfalls of substance use and tackle underage drinking in West Haven,” Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said. “I also applaud the creation of the West Haven Prevention Council, an important initiative that will give hope to those seeking help from drugs and alcohol while helping our young people contribute to a healthier and stronger community for us all.”