Local Prevention Council Receives State Recognition

The Newtown Prevention Council (NPC) was recently awarded a Distinguished Service Award from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), as an outstanding coalition for its ongoing effort to prevent and reduce underage drinking. 

“This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of an entire community to face the crisis of underage drinking together,” said Beth Agen, executive director of Newtown Youth & Family Services and co-chair of NPC. “More than 30 individuals and organizations participate in the SPF-SIG process with us and I’m proud to be associated with them.”

SPF-SIG stands for Strategic Prevention Framework–State Incentive Grant. SPF is a best practice model recognized by DMHAS and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

SPF is a planning model for prevention that is relevant for substance abuse, mental health promotion, and other prevention areas. It incorporates the collection and use of data at all steps and requires that throughout the process, cultural competency and sustainability efforts are addressed. It consists of five basic steps:

*Needs Assessment

*Capacity Building

*Strategic Planning

*Implementation of Evidence-Based Programs, Policies, and Practices (EBPPPs)

*Evaluation and Monitoring

According to Mary Kate Mason, mental health program manager for DMHAS, the NPC was already doing great work and embraced the SPF-SIG process in conjunction with a grant first awarded in 2006.

Joan Piscitelli, co-chair of NPC, said, “Without the backing of fellow coalition members and the community at large, we would not be able to do the work we do.  More professionals and community members are encouraged to join the coalition in order to strengthen our prevention efforts. I’m proud of all the hard work and dedication coalition members have shown and look forward to even greater things in the future.”

The NPC represents diverse agencies, groups, sectors, and interests within the community that are concerned with quality of life issues, which include substance abuse. Members are willing to commit time, expertise, in-kind service, and support of NPC’s vision and mission.

NPC believes that prevention education and efforts can not begin too early, and that communication among schools, parents and our youth regarding substance use is essential.