SPIFFY Coalition

05/27/2026

Join us at Youth Mental Health Matters!

03/27/2026

SAVE THE DATE! Be part of our 4th annual Trans Day of Visibility Resource & Art Fair
March 28th, 11 am-4pm @ the Holyoke Council on Aging & Senior Center

Applications are open for sponsors, organizations & artists to apply and be part of our amazing fair! Every sponsor has the opportunity to provide resources and information about the incredible work you do in the community

Sponsoring Organizations Apply Here - https://forms.gle/2uxVUstuqdDzPJ3aA

Artist participating based on sliding scale (no one is refused participation based on funds!), and gets to showcase and sell their amazing work

Artists Apply Here - https://forms.gle/ESR3vx9KJCeqV6TF9

Last year we had over 700+ people in attendance for the day, we're hoping this year will be another incredible turnout to show trans power and solidarity. We need one another now more than ever!

03/27/2026

03/27/2026

Kratom products are now banned in Connecticut from being sold in all stores!

Connecticut officials designated kratom a Schedule one controlled substance Wednesday, effectively banning the product from store shelves statewide.

01/02/2026

"The “Big-3” Healthy Behaviors for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing"

A research article published in the Frontiers in Psychiatry (2024) examined associations between the “big 3” health-enhancing behaviors of nutrition, sleep and physical activity along with mindfulness and social connectedness, and psychological distress/wellbeing in early adolescents.

The article highlighted that social connectedness emerged as the strongest predictor of both psychological distress and wellbeing!

Read the study article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/
10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1413268/full

The most cited psychiatry journal, using translational approaches to improve therapeutic options for mental illness, communicate progress to clinicians and researchers, and consequently to improve ...

12/17/2025

Newsworthy Wednesday: "After years of delays, state commission approves final rules for cannabis cafes"

"The Cannabis Control Commission voted unanimously Thursday to approve final regulations for social consumption licenses, a major step in finally allowing businesses to set up their own ma*****na lounges.

The social consumption licenses will allow people to consume ma*****na products in a variety of potential settings, from w**d cafes to yoga classes and more...

Under the new regulations, there will be three different social consumption licenses available. One is for existing ma*****na establishments like dispensaries that want to add on-site consumption areas to their businesses indefinitely. The second is for new or existing non-cannabis businesses that want to host social consumption events in partnership with dispensaries or other cannabis companies. The third is a temporary license for ma*****na establishments to host their own social consumption events..."

Massachusetts businesses will soon be able to acquire "social consumption" licenses, allowing customers to use ma*****na at dispensaries, cafes, and more.

12/16/2025

Toolkit Tuesday: "Five helpful practices to support LGBTQ+ young people navigate the holiday season"

1) Setting Healthy Boundaries

2) Practicing Language Ahead of Time

3) Making a Plan with Your Family Allies

4) Arriving Prepared

5) Debrief with Q***r Chosen Family

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

BASICS intends to be an approach to student substance use that steers away from shaming and blaming, which students may be more likely to expect.