HSC’s Substance Abuse Programs

About The Norwalk Partnership


Since seeking and receiving the federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant in December 2019 for our prevention work in Norwalk, Positive Directions partnered with the Human Services Council (which has state prevention funding) to create a new coalition: The Norwalk Partnership (TNP), which launched in September 2020. Positive Directions is leading TNP’s data collection, strategies around alcohol and marijuana, and website and communications. Visit the website to learn about our Liquor Stickers campaign, youth & community surveys, and more, or to download slideshows and infographs.


The Norwalk Partnership brings community members and organizations together around our mission: to prevent substance misuse among youth and young adults by addressing local conditions.


We use proven strategies from prevention science, and we bring them down to the community level so everyone can participate. In our monthly meetings, we build the ability of our community members to help identify and discuss local issues, provide insight into local conditions, and help plan and implement strategies.


More on The Norwalk Partnership here 

 

About Community Prevention Task Force

Since 1989, the Community Prevention Task Force has brought recognition and resources to address substance abuse and its effects in the Norwalk community through collaboration, education, awareness and community action.  CPTF is a collaborative of elected officials, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, parent organizations, prevention specialists, businesses, schools, local community coalitions, treatment center providers, social service providers and public health officials. CPTF develops regional and supports local collaborations to address service gaps. It collects data to determine the extent of substance use and abuse in the region and coordinates advocacy efforts to impact change.  Most importantly CPTF has strong community partners that support us and assist with our programming and education outreach, making it more effective and increasing our reach in the Norwalk community and beyond. 

If you would like to be part of our coalition work, and a member of the Community Prevention Task Force (CPTF) in Norwalk, please call Coalition Coordinator, Diamond Sead, 203.849.1111 x3017 or seadd@norwalkps.org


Some of our recent initiatives include:

  • CPTF has participated in the CT Prescription Monitoring Program by providing information to over 130 prescribers in the area, provided proper disposal trainings to several community locations, and distributed NARCAN to 10 Connecticut towns.  Additionally, nearly 500 law enforcement and medical and behavioral health care providers, were trained by HSC on the administering of NARCAN.
  • Curriculum implementation of Taking Charge: A Path to Healthy Choices at Brien McMahon High School and Norwalk Pathways Academy at Briggs High School, in collaboration with the Dr. Robert E. Appleby School Based Health Centers (SBHC) and Liberation Programs.
  • Family Day events, in collaboration with the Norwalk Housing Authority and the Tenant Associations at Meadow Gardens, Roodner Court and Washington Village housing developments. These fun-filled, drug-free afternoons with human service agencies provide information to families regarding available services and resources.
  • Creation of H.E.A.R.T. (Health Education Awareness Raised by Teens), a peer leadership group at Brien McMahon High School, in collaboration with SBHC. H.E.A.R.T is designed to help teens develop strong leadership skills while influencing younger children to live a drug-free lifestyle.
  • Red Ribbon Week: The Red Ribbon Campaign services as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug-free activities.

More Information/Resources

  • Crisis Intervention Services for Adults: Southwest CT Mental Health System
    Regional Mental Health Crisis Intervention Team
    Franklin S. DuBois Center
    780 Summer Street
    Stamford, CT  06905
    203-358-8500, 800-586-9903   

Parents’ Guide to Understanding Prescription Drug Abuse

The streets aren’t the only place kids find drugs. Sometimes they find them right at home. Read this guide for strategies on what parents can do to keep their children safe.


We’ve been busy! Highlights from the past year include: the distribution of 123 backpacks at three Family Day events, providing tobacco prevention intervention to 75 fifth graders, 50 hours of drug and mental health training, and co-sponsoring a special community screening of The Anonymous People, a documentary film about the over 23 million Americans living in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs.


Reach out to us

Address

1 Park Street Norwalk, CT 06851

Phone

(203) 849-1111

E-mail

kpesavento@45.63.12.220

Copyright © 2020 Human Services Council. All rights reserved.