December 2024 News & Resources

As the year ends, we at the Stamford Prevention Council want to thank you for your incredible support. With your help, we’ve made great progress in preventing substance misuse, supporting mental health, and empowering Stamford’s youth. Your belief in our mission inspires us every day. As we celebrate this season, we look forward to continuing this important work together in 2025. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy new year!

Next Stamford Prevention Council Meeting


January 24th, 12 - 1:30 PM, Hybrid

Stamford Government Center, 6th floor

Join on zoom. Meeting ID: 843 4393 4955

December Observances

  • National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Reports & Data

"Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Conditions and Risk Behaviors Among High School Students" - Truth Initiative. Read report.


"Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death: Addressing Disparities" - US Surgeon General. Read report.

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It's Impaired Driving Prevention Month

Facts from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration


  • In 2022, 13,524 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, making up 32 percent of all traffic fatalities.


  • On average, one person died every 39 minutes in an alcohol-impaired driving crash in 2022.


The holiday season is in full swing, which means many people are attending alcohol-filled holiday parties and gatherings. While celebrations are fun, we urge everyone to make sure you have a sober ride home. To remind bar and restaurant patrons, the Stamford Prevention Council partnered with the Stamford Downtown Association to create holiday-themed posters. You can download the PDFs and post them in your establishment.

Get Posters

Free Holiday Cheer

Holiday Movie: The Polar Express

Dress in your coziest pajamas and enjoy steaming hot chocolate while watching the holiday classic, The Polar Express.

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Join Us For Merry Movie Nights At Stamford Town Center! - Stamford Moms

Join us every Friday night in December for Stamford Moms Merry Movie Nights at Stamford Town Center! Check out the schedule.

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Chanukah Giant Menorah Lighting

arm your heart with Jewish pride as we publicly light Fairfield County’s Largest Menorah, joined by dignitaries and

community leaders. Hot apple cider, latkes and gelt for the kids. 4:00PM at Latham Park

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Chanukah Menorah Car Parade

Join a parade of cars decked out with menorahs as we drive through Stamford culminating with a Giant Menorah lighting

at Latham Park. Meet 6:00PM at Chabad.

!FREE GLOW BEANIES TO THE FIRST 88 SIGN UPS!

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Kwanzaa: A Stamford Celebration

Community celebration in observance of the principle of Ujima (collective work and responsibility) featuring Mayor Caroline Simmons. Activities include drumming, dancing, poetry readings and speakers.Snacks will be served.

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Noon Year's Eve Party

Bring the whole family to ring in the new year a little early.Ages 3 to 10.Registration required.


This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

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Find more events in the Stamford Arts & Culture Guide

Events

Click images to learn more and register

Region 1 Quarterly Gambling Awareness Team Meeting

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025, 2:30 – 4:00 pm via Teams


Agenda

  • Introductions & Community Partner Shakeouts
  • Focus Group to inform the Priority Report
  • Monthly Community Conversations About Gambling
  • Plans for PGAM in March – Problem Gambling Awareness Month
  • Reminders: Certificate Of Competency 25 hours


Here is the Meeting Link. Meeting ID: 213 026 313 639, Passcode: Xhvgnw

In the News

Stamford Sees Uptick In Suicides, Police Urge Residents To Seek Help

Stamford Sees Uptick In Suicides, Police Urge Residents To Seek Help - Stamford, CT - Stamford recorded three suicides over the past week alone, according to the Stamford Police Department.

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Resources to Help You Through the Holidays

Screenagers Blog | A Smart Guide for Simple (Dumb) Phones and Watches

As the gift-giving season approaches, many parents consider buying their kids their first phones or connected watches. Before diving into this decision, I want to share my perspective: delaying this purchase as long as possible is often the best approach.

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Hope For The Holidays

For many people, the holidays conjure up a Norman Rockwell-esque mental picture of people gathered to enjoy food, friends, and family, accompanied by feelings of love, warmth, and excitement. But for others, the holidays can cause them to feel anxious or depressed despite all the decorations and festivities.


Check out this link from Mental Health America to read about:

  • Mourning holiday traditions
  • How to navigate alcohol addiction recovery over the holidays
  • Handling the holidays in a non-LGBTQ+ affirming environment
  • 11 ways to support youth this holiday season
  • Winter break survival tips for college students
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
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Download the Holiday Season Reflection & Preparation Worksheet from the Anxiety Institute to create a specific plan with coping strategies and priorities to help you through the holidays.

How To Celebrate the Holidays In Recovery

Here are my top tips for getting festive without jeopardizing your health.

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Got Holiday Stress? Self-Care Can Help

Protect your mental health during the holiday season with these 9 self-care tips that include learning to say no and taking the time to write down your feelings.

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