Published: May 13, 2026 7:00 am
Newtown Prevention Partnership (NPP) has created a list of mental health resources in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month.
NPP is a community-based organization dedicated to making Newtown a safe and healthy place for all. The group includes volunteers, local residents, Newtown Municipal Center employees, and more.
Town of Newtown social worker Alexa Griffin, who is a NPP member, said the group has a big focus on substance use and prevention, especially with school-aged children. However, in the past few years, she said the group has really expanded to include all ages and other different groups.
“So within the Newtown Prevention Partnership, we even have subcommittees on vaping, on mental health, on opioids,” Griffin said. “We’re just trying to combat what is coming up in town and how we can best support the residents to stay healthy.”
Griffin continued by saying they are always trying to loop more people in, and that they would love to get some more representation into the group. This includes students, school staff, leaders from local religious groups, and more.
NPP members reconvened for their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 30, when they discussed potentially starting an event or presentation for Newtown residents on what to do and what resources are available to them if they are going to experience a crisis or emergency.
They also briefly discussed ageism and its impact on older and younger individuals, the potential for community gardens as a way to create healthy habits and behaviors, and how gambling is increasing in popularity and could negatively affect students.
Mental Health Resources
NPP wants to remind readers it is important to check in with themselves every day by asking simple daily self-care questions, like “Who did I check in on or connect with today,” and “How did I try to enjoy myself today.”
Newtown Department of Human Services is also prepared to help those who are struggling. Human Services is available to connect residents with trusted mental health resources and referrals. Call 203-270-4330 Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm or visit newtown-ct.gov/human-services for more information.
Other local resources include Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS). This group is for seniors by seniors dedicated to ending isolation and creating opportunities for Newtown’s aging population. Go to friendsofnewtownseniors.org for more information.
Newtown Cares — Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI) is also available. NSPI aims to shatter the stigma around suicide and strengthen the community by preventing suicide through connection and compassion. E-mail the group at any time through NewtownSPInitiative@gmail.com.
Newtown Youth and Family Services (NYFS) is a licensed, non-profit mental health clinic and youth service bureau committed to continuously providing high quality human health services for the well-being of the community. Go to newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org for more information.
National resources include the national suicide and crisis lifeline; text or call 988 at any time to be connected with trained professionals. The ACTION Line is the Adult Crisis Telephone Intervention and Options Network and is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-HOPE-135 or 211.
Other national resources to check out include the Mental Health Month Action Guide from Mental Health America. The website is mhanational.org. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is also available for those who need it at samhsa.gov. National Institute of Mental Health is available at nimh.nih.gov. National Alliance on Mental Health is also available at nami.org.
There are training opportunities available for those who are interested in helping others. The first are two virtual QPR, or question, persuade, refer, trainings offered through Western Connecticut Coalition. Those are scheduled for May 13 and May 27 and registration can be completed by visiting wctcoalition.org.
There are also national prevention week sessions focusing on a range of topics, such as Understanding Substance Use Disorder on May 12, CALM Conversations (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) on May 13, Journeys of Hope: Parents’ Stories About Youth Cannabis Use on May 14, and Youth Gaming & Gambling: The Rise, Risks & Prevention Response on May 15. Registration for any of these trainings can be done by going to catalystct.org/events.
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Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.
Members of Newtown Prevention Partnership, including, from left, Town of Newtown social worker Alexa Griffin, Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) Clinical Director Cindy McGuire, Newtown Suicide Prevention Initiative Co-Chair Maureen Crick Owen, and NYFS Youth Coordinator and Staff Therapist Madison McColl smile before their meeting on Thursday, April 30. —Bee Photo, Visca