Who We Are

Our Mission

The Governor’s Prevention Partnership builds statewide capacity to prevent underage drinking and substance use and builds strategic alliances to promote the overall well-being of Connecticut’s future workforce.

Our Vision

Young people across the State of Connecticut will be thriving in their families, schools, communities, and personal lives as a result of prevention strategies, interventions, and public policies that reduce risks and promote positive outcomes.

The Partnership helps build positive relationships between young people and caring adults.

Our Story

The Governor’s Prevention Partnership has protected Connecticut’s young people from drugs and alcohol for more than 30 years. The Partnership, then known as “Drugs Don’t Work,” was co-founded in 1989 by Governor William O’Neill. The organization was formed as a public-private partnership dedicated to leveraging business and government resources to help Connecticut’s youth.

Today, prevention is more important than ever. The mental health crisis caused by COVID-19, combined with the rise of dangerous substances like fentanyl and other opioids, has created the perfect storm of risks for Connecticut’s young people.

Our team of prevention and mentoring experts works tirelessly to help prevent youth substance use and increase access to quality mentoring.

The Partnership serves all of Connecticut’s 169 communities, particularly underserved areas. We work to expand access to prevention and mentoring services to as many young people as possible. The task is large, but we are working to meet the challenge daily and help Connecticut’s young people when they need us the most.

Our Values

Our core values define who we are as an organization. We live these values daily, not only in the services we provide but in how we treat each other as team members.

Diversity, Equity And Inclusion

The Partnership values diversity in all its manifestations

Belonging • Justice • Action

Together, We Can

Working together is a core value of The Partnership.

Collaboration  • Partnership • Humility

People First

The Partnership values putting people first

Relationships  • Well-being • Celebration

Transparency

The Partnership believes behaving with transparency is best for collaborative relationships.

Integrity  • Trust • Respect

Own It

The Partnership values reaching big goals and being accountable for one's actions.

Accountability  • Solutions • Expectations

The Partnership facilitates young people living happy and healthy lives

The Governor’s Prevention Partnership builds statewide capacity to prevent underage drinking and substance use and builds strategic alliances to promote the overall well-being of Connecticut’s future workforce.