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.

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

RECOVERY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

September is National Recovery Month

Check out our September Community Wellness Calendar for Recovery-Focused Programs and Events.

Established in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Recovery Month promotes evidence-based treatment and recovery practices and celebrates the gains made by those in recovery. Helpful recovery information, resources, and toolkits below:

SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

CDC - U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Visit out Recovery Friendly Community page.

West Hartford Youth Leadership Academy

The West Hartford Youth Leadership Academy is a one-day training for teens with a focus on mental health, substance use prevention, wellness, recovery, and youth leadership, offering engaging training and hands-on activities designed to educate and empower students in a variety of areas. 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

The 2026-2027 school year has just begun and we're excited to welcome back and to introduce our new West Hartford Prevention Partnership Student Ambassadors! These impressive young community and peer leaders will represent their schools and the West Hartford community at local events, speaking engagements, and peer-led presentations.

Whether participating in the West Hartford Youth Leadership Academy, creating campaigns for P.H.A.C.T.T., helping out with Elevate WeHa events and partnership events, or promoting prevention and wellness messages within their schools and peer networks, West Hartford will continue to benefit from the important work of the ambassadors as they actively shape and support initiatives that promote mental health, substance misuse prevention, and overall wellness in our community.

ELEVATE WeHa

The Back to School Bash and Backpack Giveaway was held on Sunday, August 23 at Town Hall and our Ambassadors came out in force to help as the community celebrated the end of summer and the power of music, art and wellness at a fun kick off to the school year.

The Back to School Bash and Backpack Giveaway is a partnership between RiseUP, West Hartford Prevention Partnership and the Office of Employee Development and Community Engagement, in collaboration with Youth Recovery CT & community leaders. Many thanks to all who participated and attended this successful event!

Here are a few photos from the 2026 Back to School Bash and Backpack Giveaway.

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.

Mini Grant applications for 2027 coming soon!

Protecting Youth in a Digital World: The Hidden Risks of AI and Social Media

Tuesday, September 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

West Hartford Town Hall, 50 S. Main Street, Room 400

(Postponed from an earlier date)

Artificial intelligence and social media platforms increasingly shape how youth learn, connect, and view the world. While these technologies offer opportunities, they also carry hidden risks from algorithmic influence to deepfakes, misinformation, and digital safety threats. This session breaks down these dynamics in clear, accessible terms, offering actionable guidance on supporting healthier digital experiences for students.

Presenters: Mary McPheat, Founder & CEO of Grounded Logic and Executive Director of Grounded Minds; Marla Dakin, LCSW, Founder and Clinical Director of Farmington Valley Counseling Center. REGISTER.This presentation will be recorded and shared with registrants.

Hosted by West Hartford's Community of Concern (CC) with funding support from the West Hartford Prevention Partnership.