Coalition for Healthy Communities

06/05/2026

L/CADCs and CADCs: Need to complete your Mandatory Legal Standards renewal requirement?

Wellspring’s 3-hour Renewal Mandatory Legal Standards training will be held virtually on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. This Zoom-based course reviews key legal and ethical standards for alcohol and drug counseling in New Jersey, including updates related to laws and regulations, clinical supervision, telehealth, confidentiality, professional conduct, and documentation.

Class size is limited to 25 registrants.

Register here:

Join our 3-hour Mandatory Legal Standards course for L/CADCs in NJ covering law changes, telehealth, and more.

06/03/2026

Strong family communication remains one of the most protective factors for youth mental health and healthy decision-making. Small moments, such as device-free dinners, check-ins after school, or conversations before bedtime, can make a lasting impact.

This week, challenge your family to create one tech-free moment each day focused on connection, conversation, and listening.

Healthy habits start at home, and prevention begins with relationships.

06/02/2026

The cell phone ban is coming. The adjustment is what schools need to prepare for.

For New Jersey educators and school administrators, the challenge is not just removing phones from classrooms. It is helping students, staff, and families understand what changes, why it matters, and how to build healthier school-day habits.

Wellspring’s NJ School Cell Phone Ban Prep presentations are designed to help districts start that conversation before the first difficult day. Presentations can support staff development, parent education, student programming, or broader school community planning.

Prepare your school community now:

Help your school prepare for New Jersey’s 2026–2027 cell phone restrictions with affordable digital wellness presentations for students, families, educators, and staff.

06/01/2026

We’re happy to announce six upcoming in-person CPS trainings for prevention professionals.

Each training is limited to 10 registrations, creating a smaller learning environment with more room for discussion, questions, and practical skill-building. These classes are designed for professionals working toward CPS education requirements or looking to strengthen their prevention knowledge.

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

View upcoming CPS trainings and register here:

Presenter: ShaRonda Amon This course will examine methods for building a common agenda. Participants will learn how to effectively work with various aspects of communities…

05/29/2026

Older adult wellness is about more than physical health.

Isolation, grief, medication management, alcohol use, and changes in mental health can all affect quality of life as people age. Families and caregivers can make a difference by staying connected, starting honest conversations, and noticing when extra support may be needed.

A short phone call, regular visit, or compassionate check-in can be an important first step.

Families, caregivers, and community partners can learn more about Wellspring’s older adult programs here:

Explore Wellspring Center for Prevention's community programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent substance misuse. Learn more on our website.

05/28/2026

As the school year winds down, many families expect summer to feel like an automatic reset. But for some students, stress and exhaustion can carry into the break.

Student burnout can show up in different ways, including changes in mood, sleep, motivation, focus, or interest in activities they usually enjoy. Noticing those early signs can help parents, caregivers, and school staff offer support before stress becomes harder to manage.

Learn more about the early signs of student burnout and how adults can respond with care:

Learn how parents, school staff, and counselors can spot early signs of student burnout during summer and support healthier routines before the next school year.

05/27/2026

As we enter the last week of May, there is still time to recognize No Menthol May and share resources that can help raise awareness in our communities.

Menthol and flavored to***co products can make ni****ne addiction harder to quit and contribute to health disparities, especially in communities that have been heavily targeted by to***co marketing.

To***co Free for a Healthy New Jersey has downloadable No Menthol May resources and flyers that families, schools, faith communities, and local partners can share before the month ends.

Learn more and access the campaign resources here:

Learn about No Menthol May in New Jersey—resources, campaigns, and tools to raise awareness about menthol to***co dangers and support communities in going smoke‑free.

05/22/2026

Cell phone bans may help reduce distractions during the school day, but they are only part of the bigger picture.

Students also need support building digital literacy, healthy tech habits, and the ability to make thoughtful choices online and offline. For families and schools, the goal is not just fewer phones in classrooms. It is helping young people feel more focused, connected, and supported.

Read more from Wellspring Center for Prevention:

Cell phone bans alone might not improve academics. Discover how student well-being, not just grades, is key to success.