October 2026

The West Hartford Prevention Council and West Hartford Prevention Partnership promote optimal health and well-being by fostering community-wide events, activities and awareness campaigns about the importance of promoting mental health and preventing substance misuse across the lifespan.

Community Wellness Calendar

Monthly calendar featuring community prevention, health & wellness, and recovery-focused events and programs in West Hartford.

OCTOBER CALENDAR

October 10 is World Mental Health Day

Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4 to10

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. (The World Health Organization (WHO))

QUICK RESOURCES

Prevention Partnership News

"Cut the Crave" Wellness Quit Kits

We are happy to announce that the West Hartford Prevention Partnership has been selected by Amplify to receive funding for the 2026 Underage Nicotine Prevention Program (UNPP) Community Mini Grant.

This grant aims to help communities build capacity and advance community-led efforts aimed at preventing underage nicotine initiation, educating on the harms of nicotine use, and enhancing access to cessation services. As a direct result of this grant, this month, we will be introducing "Cut the Crave" Wellness Quit Kits. Each kit will include items that may help to replace smoking/vaping behavior, cope with cravings, ease stress and anxiety, and offer distraction. In addition to these tools, age-appropriate literature and resources will also be included. For more information about this program, contact Gretchen Levitz, Prevention Coordinator.

The awarded funding is made possible through the Juul Settlement Funds with support from the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (CT DMHAS).

West Hartford Youth Leadership Academy

The West Hartford Youth Leadership Academy is a day of hands-on learning, connection and leadership. Students will explore mental health and recovery, learn to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, and practice how to help until help arrives. The teens will leave with practical skills, new connections and ideas for making a difference in our community.

Open to West Hartford high school students, the Prevention Partnership's third Youth Leadership Academy is scheduled for Friday, November 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration opening soon.

Student Ambassadors

Before the 2026-2027 Prevention Partnership Student Ambassadors even held their first formal meeting of the school year, members were out in force in the community. Maybe you saw them helping out at the Prevention Partnership table at the Back to School Bash and Backpack Giveaway or at the KP Middle School Welcome Picnic. They are clearly enthusiastic leaders, and we can't wait to see what they can do!

Currently, several students are preparing to present this month at the CT Youth Services Association's Annual Conference at the Hartford Marriot.

The theme this year is "Your Voice Has Value,” and we're proud of our West Hartford teens for leading the first break out session of the conference, "Peer Power: Teens Leading Prevention."

The student ambassadors will continue to represent their schools and the West Hartford community at local events, creating campaigns for P.H.A.C.T.T., and helping out with Elevate WeHa events and partnership events. Look for them at upcoming community events such as the Halloween Stroll and the Community Block Party.

ELEVATE WeHa

Mural Dedications

The student-centered wellness murals at both West Hartford high schools were dedicated in September. The murals are a result of a collaboration between students and artists from RiseUP designed to reinforce messages of prevention, belonging, kindness, and wellness while engaging students as leaders and contributors to their school community. The murals were funded by the West Hartford Prevention Partnership.

Hall High School Mural

Dedicated on September 9, the mural at Hall High School explores the transition from isolation to connection through the lens of prevention, awareness, and intentional choice, while celebrating creativity, individuality, and the spirit of the Hall community.

Artist: Marsh John

Conard High School Mural

The ribbon was cut on September 16 at the mural dedication at Conard High School. Intertwining a message of prevention and the spirit of Conard High School, "Your Choices Matter” is a reminder that every student has value and the choices they make have an impact on their own well-being as well as the community around them.

Artist: Julie Bergeron

To read more about the mural dedication at Conard High School, visit WeHa.com.

Elevate WeHa is a community-based prevention and engagement program through the Prevention Partnership in collaboration with RiseUP for Arts and Youth Recovery CT, designed to strengthen protective factors, reduce risk behaviors, and promote youth wellness across West Hartford.

Mini Grants

In November 2025, West Hartford Social Services and West Hartford Prevention Partnership invited eligible organizations to apply for mini grants designed to address the opioid crisis within the West Hartford community. These grants, funded by national opioid settlement funds, aim to support community-based initiatives focused on prevention, harm reduction, treatment access, and recovery support. For a list of mini grant recipients and program information, visit our Recovery Friendly Community page.

Community in Motion Bonus Hike: A Seasonal Hiking Series with Lhakpa Sherpa and JFS

Sunday, October 25 at 9 a.m.

Talcott Mountain Trail to Heublein Tower

(Postponed from an earlier date)

Join JFS for a bonus nature-based hike designed to promote emotional wellness, resilience, and community for those in recovery or those simply seeking connection. Led by Lhakpa Sherpa, a renowned climber who summitted Everest 11 times, the program will help participants explore inner strength, restore confidence, and experience the healing power of the seasons through themes of resilience, hope, and thriving. The walk will begin and end with a mindfulness practice and the opportunity to learn from Lhakpa. Free and open to adults in our community. See flyer.

Registration required. REGISTER HERE.

Presented by Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford (JFS) and sponsored by the West Hartford Prevention Partnership.

Understanding Addiction: Causes, Concerns & Solutions

Sunday, November 7 from 12 to 4 p.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2080 Boulevard

(Postponed from an earlier date)

An eye-opening community conversation about the causes of addiction, concerns, and ideas on treating addiction. Whether you are directly affected or simply want to be informed, this event is your chance to learn, ask questions and connect with others. Registration required. REGISTER HERE.

Hosted by Westminster Presbyterian Church with funding support from the West Hartford Prevention Partnership.

Mini Grant applications for 2027 coming soon!