GPP to participate in events in Hartford, New Haven, New London, South Windsor and Waterbury
HARTFORD, CONN. – [August 2, 2024] – As cities and towns across the country take part in this year’s National Night Out—a program dedicated to building relationships between law enforcement and the communities they protect and serve—The Governor’s Prevention Partnership will be joining with five Connecticut communities to participate in their events and bring valuable resources into the communities.
The events will take place at the following times and places:
“National Night Out is about connecting law enforcement with their communities to better protect them,” said Kelly Juleson, co-president at the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. “We are participating in these National Night Out events because, in much of the same way, mentors connect with young people, reducing isolation and keeping them safe. Mentors listen, guide and inspire the young people in their care and give them the one-on-one support they need to be engaged and connected, and we will have information on how important—and easy—it is to become a mentor.”
Juleson said that the Partnership will also be distributing Deterra at-home drug deactivation pouches along with conversation-starting tips for caring adults to raise awareness and help prevent youth substance misuse. The pouches and material are part of the Partnership’s “Prevention Starts With You” project. The pouches can be used to neutralize the effectiveness of excess or unwanted drugs. To date, more than 41,000 drug deactivation pouches have been distributed statewide.
“A young person is fifty percent less likely to misuse drugs if a caring adult speaks to them,” Juleson explained. “Keeping unwanted, unused or expired prescription medicines in the home is dangerous, especially if they end up in the wrong hands. Our young people might accidentally or intentionally misuse them, which can serve as a gateway to even more dangerous drugs such as fentanyl. We’re very happy to be part of National Night Out to hand out the pouches and spread the word.”
“National Night Out is an amazing opportunity for law enforcement to interact with the citizens in the communities we serve,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, David Lanzoni, New England Field Division. “National Night Out provides opportunities for positive interactions for a variety of reasons. DEA is excited to once again have the privilege of having conversations with people here in Connecticut and all of New England. This is an opportunity to spread our messaging concerning all threats facing our nation and to also discuss important information about how people can stay safe.”
