West Springfield CARE Coalition

10/09/2026

🧠 Why are developing brains more vulnerable to the effects of drugs?

This Prevention Month, watch the REACH Lab’s video, “Drugs and the Brain: Why Waiting Until Full Brain Development Is Important.” Learn how the adolescent brain develops and how substance use can affect it.

This video covers:

✔️ What synaptic pruning is and how it shapes the brain
✔️ How substances can hijack the brain's reward system
✔️ Why the brain isn’t fully developed until around age 25
✔️ How early substance use increases the risk of addiction
✔️ What harm reduction strategies can help protect your health

Whether you are a teen, young adult, parent, educator, or health professional, this video provides science-backed insights to help you make informed decisions about substance use. Check it out using the link below!

🎥 Watch Now: tinyurl.com/WhyWaitVideo

10/02/2026

Addressing and preventing bullying is something that everyone can do.

This visit stopbullying.gov/ and learn how to help for good.

10/02/2026

October is Prevention Month! 💙

This month, the Stanford REACH Lab is highlighting substance use prevention and the important role communities play in creating healthier environments.

Each week, we’ll spotlight a different prevention topic and share resources to help you learn more, spark conversations, and take action in your community—so stay tuned!

🔎 Want to join us in sharing vital information about substance use and prevention this month? Now is a great time to launch a 5-day awareness campaign using our FREE campaign kits below with minimal planning necessary:

🔗 Fentanyl and Opioids Kit: tinyurl.com/FentanylCampaignKit
🔗To***co/ Ni****ne Kit: tinyurl.com/To***coCampaignKit
🔗 Cannabis Kit: tinyurl.com/CannabisCampaignKit
🔗To***co & the Environment Kit: tinyurl.com/EnvironmentalCampaign

09/29/2026

Tomorrow! Would love to see my Connecticut families and prevention specialists in the house!

09/25/2026

💡 JAMA Insights: ****nePouches deliver ni****ne through the oral mucosa and can produce ni****ne levels comparable to ci******es and , with slower absorption.

Their use is increasing in the US and is associated with oral adverse effects, ni****ne dependence, and frequent use with other ni****ne products, with public health implications for ni****ne exposure among adolescents and young adults.

https://ja.ma/4jhNISS

09/24/2026

🚭 Thirdhand smoke doesn’t disappear when the cigarette is put out.

To***co smoke can leave chemical residue behind on furniture, clothing, carpet and other surfaces. That residue can remain in indoor spaces long after the visible smoke is gone.

Keeping homes and vehicles tobacco-free can help reduce exposure. If you’re ready to quit, free support and resources are available at YesQuit.org or by calling 1-877-Yes-Quit.

adacdet.org
***coFree ***co ***coPrevention

09/23/2026

Young adults are facing constant exposure to va**ng and ni****ne marketing, but free resources are available to help their quit journey. The Massachusetts young adult quitting campaign includes videos, posters, social graphics, and a free social media toolkit organizations can use and share. Perfect for colleges, healthcare providers, and community groups.

👉Explore the campaign at mass.gov/QuitVaping and the toolkit: mass.gov/info-details/quit-va**ng-social-media-toolkit

****neFree
Massachusetts Department of Public Health

09/21/2026

BOUNCE ON OVER, BASKETBALL REGISTRATION IS NOW LIVE!

Deadline: Monday, November 2nd
$60 Residents | $100 Non-Residents
For more information and to register, take a look at our website:
https://www.townofwestspringfield.org/Community-Resources/Park-Recreation-Department/Youth-Programs/Youth-Rec-Basketball

09/10/2026

A resource for parents, educators, coaches, and other adults who support youth

I’ll be attending this webinar today and wanted to share it with other adults who may find it helpful:

Zyn and Other Ni****ne Pouches: Trends, Risks, and Action Steps for Adults Who Support Youth

🕒 Today, September 10 | 3:00–4:00 PM EST

The webinar will be led by Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, Professor at Stanford University and Founder & Executive Director of the Stanford REACH Lab.

The session will cover what’s trending with ni****ne pouches, why youth may be drawn to these products, and how ni****ne pouches can negatively impact youth health and development. It will also provide adults with practical knowledge and action steps to better support young people.

If you work with or care about youth, this is a great opportunity to learn more and stay informed about an emerging ni****ne trend.

🔗 Register here:
https://stanford.zoom.us/meeting/register/iG7N9R7cSvmD6MqyoSe0Zw #/registration

****nePrevention ****nePouches

New ni****ne pouches, including Zyn, are gaining popularity among youth. These products are often discreet, fast-acting, and falsely perceived as "safe." Led by Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a Professor at Stanford University and the Founder/Executive Director of the REACH Lab, this webinar will break...

09/10/2026