Coalition for Healthy Communities

10/20/2026

How much screen time is too much for children?

From smartphones to tablets and video games, screens are part of everyday life. But excessive screen time may affect how children learn, communicate, sleep, and interact with others.

The good news? Healthy screen habits don't mean eliminating technology altogether.

Our updated blog explores how screen time can influence childhood development and offers practical steps parents can take to encourage healthier digital habits.

Read more: https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/screen-time-dilemma-childhood-development/

10/19/2026

Millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds are intended to help communities respond to the ongoing addiction crisis. But what happens when that money goes unspent?

In Elizabeth, NJ, more than 90% of the city's opioid settlement funds reportedly remain unspent or uncommitted. Meanwhile, CVS has agreed to pay $315 million to resolve federal allegations involving improperly dispensed opioid prescriptions.

Both stories raise important questions about accountability, prevention, and how communities can make the most of available resources.

Read this week's Prevention Pulse for more:

Email from Wellspring Center for Prevention Get the latest updates on addiction prevention. Prevention Pulse Promoting healthier communities. Brought to you by Wellspring Center for Prevention. Octobe

10/06/2026

Today is the 11th annual Knockout Opioid Abuse day. This year, let’s help the older adults in our lives with safer plan management and educate them on opioid safety. Drug-Free NJ

10/05/2026

Two emerging issues are shaping conversations around prevention and mental health.

This week’s Prevention Pulse looks at growing concerns surrounding severe medetomidine withdrawal cases and a new New Jersey initiative designed to connect students with behavioral health support through their schools.

Stay informed about the developments affecting individuals, families, schools, and communities.

Read the latest Prevention Pulse:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/--Medetomidine-Withdrawal-Cases-Rise---NJ-Launches-School-Mental-Health-Pilot.html?soid=1103872774529&aid=x7asNc2W_wk

10/01/2026

College brings more independence, but that doesn’t mean conversations about prescription drug safety should stop.

Prescription drug misuse can be difficult for families to recognize, especially when a student is living away from home and continuing to do well in school, work and relationships.

Our latest blog looks at what parents and caregivers should know, including why college students may misuse prescription medications, warning signs to watch for, the risks of counterfeit pills and ways families can keep the conversation going.

Learn what families can do to help college students make safer, healthier decisions:

https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/prescription-drug-misuse-college-students/?utm_source=socialpilot&utm_medium=social

09/30/2026

Recovery is strengthened by people who are willing to listen, connect, advocate and stand beside someone through difficult moments. 💚

On September 24, Wellspring Center for Prevention brought community members and recovery advocates together for our annual Tree of Hope Ceremony.

This year, we presented the 2026 Tree of Hope Award to the Family Support Organization of Middlesex County and honored Jamie Platt, Recovery Coach Supervisor, as our 2026 Recovery Champion.

Their stories reflect the many ways recovery can create connection, second chances and new opportunities to support others.

Read more about this year’s honorees and the people helping make recovery possible throughout our communities:

https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/2026-tree-of-hope-ceremony/?utm_source=socialpilot&utm_medium=social

09/28/2026

Overdose risk can change quickly, especially during and after periods of reduced substance use.

This week’s Prevention Pulse looks at why returning to previous opioid use levels after treatment or abstinence can be especially dangerous, along with emerging reports involving medetomidine, sometimes called “rhino tranq,” in the illicit drug supply.

Stay informed about these and other substance use prevention stories making headlines.

Read the latest Prevention Pulse:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/--Overdose-Risk-After-Rehab----Rhino-Tranq--Cases-Rise.html?soid=1103872774529&aid=rH99z6aCIyQ

09/25/2026

Substance use affects more than the individual. Its impact can reach families, schools, workplaces and entire communities.

On October 21, L/CADCs can earn six renewal CEUs while taking a closer look at these broader effects during Societal Issues that Impact Substance Use, led by instructor Pascale Augustin.

The live virtual training will explore the connections between substance use and issues such as education, crime and the economy, along with ways communities are responding.

📅 Wednesday, October 21
⏰ 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
💻 Live via Zoom
🎓 6 L/CADC renewal CEUs

Learn more and register: https://wellspringprevention.org/events/202610-societal-issues-impact-substance-use/?utm_source=socialpilot&utm_medium=social

09/24/2026

Today is Save A Life Day. Naloxone saves lives. Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. It’s for anyone who accidentally mixed their meds, for a grandparent who took too much medicine because of memory loss or for a stranger that is experiencing signs of overdose. Be prepared.

09/21/2026

What’s new in behavioral health and overdose prevention?

This week’s Prevention Pulse looks at $383 million in new federal funding for crisis response, treatment and prevention, along with new CDC findings on cannabis detection in overdose deaths, particularly among adolescents.

Catch up on the latest prevention news and research from Wellspring:

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/--HHS-Awards--383M-for-Behavioral-Health---New-Overdose-Risk-Findings.html?soid=1103872774529&aid=ITMqLppBZYI