May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Each May, we come together to shine a light on the importance of mental health and well-being. Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to acknowledge that mental health is just as vital as physical health—and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Mental health and substance use are deeply connected. Preventing substance misuse starts with supporting healthy coping skills, strengthening connections, and ensuring access to early support. This month, let’s continue fostering resilience, encouraging open conversations, and making mental wellness a priority for all.

Tips for Parents & Caring Adults:

Start conversations early. Talk regularly with children and teens about emotions, stress, and healthy ways to cope.
Be a role model. Show healthy habits like managing stress, taking breaks, and seeking help when needed.
Stay connected. Spend quality time together, listen without judgment, and create space for kids to share openly.
Set clear expectations. Talk honestly about the risks of substance use and encourage healthy decision-making.
Support mental health routines. Encourage sleep, physical activity, and screen-time balance as part of a daily routine.
Know the signs. Watch for changes in behavior, mood, or energy, and seek help early if you’re concerned.

Together, we can build a healthier, more supportive environment where everyone—especially our youth—can thrive.

Prom and Graduation Season

🎉 Hosting a Teen Party? Essential Tips for a Safe and Substance-Free Celebration

As our teens look forward to celebrating milestones like graduations and summer breaks, it's crucial for parents to ensure these gatherings are both fun and safe. Informed Families' "Safe Homes Smart Parties" campaign offers practical advice to help parents navigate the responsibilities of hosting teen parties.

Key Guidelines for Hosting a Safe Teen Party:

Plan Ahead: Discuss party plans with your teen, including the guest list, to prevent uninvited attendees and set clear expectations.
Establish Clear Rules: Agree on rules before the party, such as:
No drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.
No leaving and returning to the party.
No gate crashers.
Certain areas of the home are off-limits.
Ensure Active Supervision: Be a visible presence during the party to monitor activities and intervene if necessary.
Communicate with Other Parents: Welcome calls from other parents to discuss party details and supervision plans.
Inform Neighbors and Authorities: Notify neighbors about the party and consider informing local police, especially for larger gatherings, to discuss parking and safety measures.
Provide Non-Alcoholic Refreshments: Offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks to keep guests satisfied.
Plan Engaging Activities: Organize activities like movies, dancing, or games to keep teens entertained in a positive environment.
Debrief After the Party: Discuss the event with your teen afterward to share observations and reinforce expectations.

Legal Considerations:

Remember, it's illegal to serve or provide alcohol or drugs to anyone under 21. As a host, you could be held liable for any incidents that occur as a result. Click here to learn more about the social host law.

Take the Pledge:

Join other parents in committing to host safe, supervised, and substance-free teen parties. Take the Safe Homes Smart Parties pledge today.

Informed Families

By taking proactive steps, we can create a community that supports healthy choices and keeps our teens safe during their celebrations.

Learn more

Coalition Updates

This spring, over 3,100 students in grades 7–12 across Greenwich’s public and private schools participated in the 2025 Greenwich Youth Survey. The survey, facilitated by Greenwich Together, provides a comprehensive look at local youth experiences and concerns around mental health, substance misuse, technology, and school life.

Key Findings:

Mental Health: More than 1 in 5 students reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, and academic stress was the most commonly reported pressure among middle schoolers.
Substance Use: Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance, with 22% of high schoolers (grades 9–12) reporting use in the past 30 days—down from 30% in 2018.
Smartphone Impact: 33% of students said phone use interferes with schoolwork, and 74% reported trying to reduce their screen time over the past year.
Protective Factors: Many students reported strong connections to caring adults and feeling safe at school—factors that play a critical role in youth resilience and healthy decision-making.

These insights help guide ongoing prevention and mental health initiatives in Greenwich.

View all of the 2025 Data

Article on the Presentation

Upcoming Webinars/Events

with Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher

Tuesday, June 3 at 12:30 PM EST (NEW TIME)

Beyond ‘Don’t Do It’: Real Talk About Youth Substance Use & Intervention

Telling kids to “just say no” isn’t enough - but what actually works? Join Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from the Stanford REACH Lab for a real, research-backed conversation about youth substance use. Learn why kids and teens take risks, how scare tactics and punishments often fail, and what parents, schools, and communities can do instead. This webinar will give you practical, science-based strategies to help young people make healthier choices while also addressing their mental health and well-being.

Register here

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