Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

As we head into Labor Day weekend, let’s remember that celebrating responsibly can save lives. Don’t let one bad decision turn a joyful holiday into a tragedy. Any amount of alcohol can affect the way you drive. Plan ahead - use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transportation. Let’s keep our roads safe and make sure everyone gets home to their loved ones. Learn more at www.ctstronger.org

International Overdose Awareness Day is tomorrow, August 31st. It is a day to remember the lives lost to overdose and to stand in solidarity with the families and friends left behind. Every life is precious, and every story matters.

On Monday, August 26th, DMHAS Commissioner Navarretta joined Comptroller Scanlon, Attorney General Tong, Hartford Mayor Arulampalam, first responders, and survivors and family members impacted by addiction at a press conference outside of the State Capitol to observe Overdose Awareness Day. The event also included a demonstration of the use of Naloxone by DMHAS Opioid Services Coordinator Justin Mehl.

The DMHAS Department of Recovery Community Affairs is excited to revamp the Recovery Month Media Campaign, building on last year's success in highlighting the strength and resilience of Connecticut’s Recovery Community. This year’s campaign will feature new content types, including photo collages, artwork, poems, and inspirational quotes, with participants encouraged to share on any positive or educational topic. We’ll also align submissions with national observances and provide resource links for support. Content can be submitted to [email protected]!

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Department of Recovery Community Affairs is excited to revamp the 2023 Recovery Month Media Campaign following the remarkable success of last year's initiative, which effectively highlighted the strength of Connecticut’s Recovery Community and our collective stand against stigma.

One of the most significant achievements was the widespread awareness generated about the resilience and unity of our community. Additionally, the original campaign continues to thrive as organizations share videos of individuals documenting their recovery journeys on social media.

This year's Recovery Media Campaign will introduce several new features that we are thrilled to unveil. We anticipate even greater participation, showcasing the diverse talents within our community.

While video sharing will remain a core component, this year, participants will have the freedom to share content on any positive or educational topic without having to respond to specific questions. We are also introducing new content types, including photo collages, artwork, poems, short stories, and inspirational quotes. This is particularly exciting as it provides a platform to highlight the incredible talents found throughout our state.

We will also encourage submissions aligned with national observances, awareness days, holidays, and celebratory events. Individuals can request their submissions to be featured on specific dates or during particular observances. We will be sharing submitted content daily, ensuring a continuous stream of inspiration and support.

Additionally, this year we are incorporating resource links to provide assistance during challenging times. All content will be shared through the lens of recovery, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering community.

People can send their personal videos, photographs of artwork, poems, short stories, pictures, and quotes of Inspiration for posting to: [email protected]. Submissions need a signed media consent attached to the email.

DMHAS Prevention & Health Promotion Division Program Manager, Kelley Edwards, and Special Investigator, Jackie Camposano presented a workshop on the CT To***co Prevention and Enforcement Program at the National Prevention Network Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. 🌵

This annual conference brings over 900 prevention professionals from across the country together to network, learn about innovative programs, and share best practices.

Healthy relationships are the foundation of a happy life. Invest time in building strong, positive connections with those around you. 💛🌱

Be a role model for healthy habits! Show the importance of a balanced lifestyle through your actions and inspire those around you. ⭐🥗🏋

Being sensitive, responsive, consistent, and available to your kids can help you build positive, healthy relationships and help children learn how to manage their own feelings and behaviors and develop self-confidence. Children with strong connections to their caregivers are more likely to be able to cope with life’s challenges. 💕👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Physical activity has many benefits. It can improve your health, mood, and energy levels. Research has shown that connecting with others can help you get active and make changes to improve your health.

Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others. Prioritize self-care and balance to be the best support you can be. 🌻 💪

Let’s make the most of Social Wellness Month by building stronger connections, fostering healthy relationships, and supporting one another. How are you nurturing your social well-being this month?

✨Exciting news✨ - we're now on Instagram! Join us for important updates, wellness tips, and community support. Follow us to stay connected and informed about resources in our state.

Let’s make the most of Social Wellness Month by building stronger connections, fostering healthy relationships, and supporting one another! ⭐ Our relationships play a vital role in forming a happy, holistic lifestyle - they can even help to protect against mental health and substance use conditions. 💪

Have you ever wanted to help someone going through a tough time but didn’t know how? Learning the warning signs of mental health conditions and how to start a conversation is crucial. These conversations aren’t easy, but they're vital. You can make a positive difference for someone you care about. Visit: https://loom.ly/6RbshCs for more info.

This Father's Day, DMHAS Prevention and Health Promotion is shining a light on the important role that fathers play in preventing youth substance use! In partnership with the CT Fatherhood Initiative, we continue to provide vital services and improve health outcomes for Connecticut families. 🦸‍♂️🧑‍🍳

No matter what, YOU MATTER. If you ever feel like you don’t, if you’re struggling, or if you just need to talk, help is available 24/7 through the .

Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services supports people who are le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender, q***r, questioning, asexual, intersex (LGBTQIA+) and their allies. We live by the principle that our LGBTQIA+ peers, loved ones, and families are treated with respect and empowered to thrive.

is a time to raise awareness, promote positive mental health, and take action to prevent substance use. Connecticut leaders are committed to raising awareness, fostering resilience, and leading residents to a safer and healthier future. every day. Check out their message!

Learn more at Drugfreect.org and preventsuicidect.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlQ9Wu6fyVM

CT Department of Children and FamiliesConnecticut Department of Public Health

NPW 2024

Thank you for celebrating with us and 600 new friends at the Connecticut Science Center! Prevention happens every day and begins with open conversations and connectedness. 💚

A big thank you to all of our partners, especially Gizmo from Gizmo's Pawsome Guide to Mental Health 🐾, Wylie the therapy dog 🐾, Chompers of the Hartford Yard Goats🐏⚾️, and Stella the Starfish🌟, our CT Prevention Mascot.

Gizmo: https://www.facebook.com/GizmosFrens
Wylie: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078868090002
Chompers: https://www.facebook.com/hartfordyardgoats
Stella: https://www.facebook.com/CTPreventionWeek

For more information, visit drugfreect.org

CT Department of Children and Families Connecticut Department of Public Health