Our History
NCPN was established in February 2010 as a grassroots collective of passionate residents and organizations organizations, and passionate citizens of the six towns that form the Region One school district: Canaan/Falls Village, Cornwall, Kent, Salisbury, and Sharon. The coalition was established with the purpose of enhancing Northwestern Connecticut youth and families' abilities to make informed, healthy decisions about substance use prevention and risky behaviors.
What is a Coalition?
The Northwestern Connecticut Prevention Network (NCPN) was established in February 2010 through the joint efforts of individuals, organizations, and dedicated citizens across the six towns within the Region One school district. This coalition embodies the spirit of grassroots activism, driven by a shared commitment to empower youth and families in Northwestern Connecticut with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed, healthy decisions regarding substance use prevention and other risky behaviors. Our members represent a diverse array of agencies, businesses, schools, prevention professionals, churches, law enforcement, students, and parents, collectively working as a group of volunteers dedicated to promoting healthy communities. Over the years, NCPN has evolved into a dynamic force for positive change, implementing innovative programs, hosting educational events, and fostering partnerships that promote resilience, well-being, and thriving communities.
Mission
Northwest Corner Prevention Network carries out the mission of making prevention a priority to reduce youth substance use and misuse, and to enhance the emotional well-being and decision-making skills of youth and families in the Region One community.
Vision
Northwest Corner Prevention Network aims to be the go-to organization in the Region One school district for the community to become more informed and take action toward prevention strategies.
Through its work, the coalition builds healthier communities in the Region One school district. The work will encompass strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors, for youth to feel supported and empowered to make healthy decisions and build emotional resilience.
The 12 Sector Collaboration Series
The 12 Sector Collaboration Series places the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) into the context of the 12 Sectors of Coalition Building: Youth, Parents, Business, Media, Schools, Youth-serving Organizations, Law Enforcement, Faith-based Organizations, Civic or Volunteer Groups, Healthcare Professionals, State or Local Agencies, and Substance Abuse Agencies. Each sector is examined for how it can be incorporated within each step of the SPF, assess current coalition engagement level of each sector, building capacity to increase engagement and overcome barriers, and learn from the lived experience from a guest panel.
Towns We Serve
Northwest Corner Prevention Network serves the six towns that make up the Region One school district:
- Kent
- Cornwall
- Sharon
- Falls Village
- Salisbury
- North Canaan
Together, we are dedicated to fostering a healthy and resilient environment for our residents."
How We Are Funded
The work of Northwest Corner Prevention Network is funded through state and federal grants, including the DMHAS-funded Local Prevention Council (LPC) grant, which is awarded through Western Connecticut Coalition, the area's Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization (RBHAO)
In 2021, the coalition was awarded the Drug Free Communities grant, a federal program through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This 5-year grant allows the Coalition to increase the potential for its programming and work done throughout the community.
NCPN serves the 6 towns that make up the Region 1 school district. The coalition operates through a partnership between McCall Behavioral Health Network and Housatonic Youth Service Bureau, and is funded through local and federal grants.