Wellspring Center for Prevention

04/21/2026

Take Back Day is this Saturday, April 25.

Unused or expired medications left at home can increase the risk of accidental poisoning, misuse, and unsafe sharing. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a simple way to clear them out safely and help protect families and communities.

Our latest blog explains what Take Back Day is, why it matters, what items are typically accepted, and how to find a collection site near you.

Read more:

Learn how Drug Take Back Day helps prevent misuse by safely disposing of unused medications. Find out how to participate in your community.

04/20/2026

The latest Prevention Pulse roundup highlights several important issues shaping prevention and addiction-related care right now, including concerns about synthetic kratom compounds, the continued gap in addressing to***co use during substance use treatment, changes in the illicit drug supply, and the risks associated with binge drinking.

It also includes an update on Wellspring’s Target Circle campaign, an upcoming virtual harm reduction training, and links to prevention blogs and support resources.

Read the newsletter:

Email from Wellspring Center for Prevention Get the latest updates on addiction prevention. Prevention Pulse Promoting healthier communities. Brought to you by Wellspring Center for Prevention. April

04/14/2026

Most families do not think one conversation about alcohol will matter.

But small, honest conversations can shape how young people think about risk, peer pressure, and decision-making over time. This Alcohol Awareness Month, our latest blog looks at the real health risks of alcohol misuse, why underage drinking still matters, and what parents and communities can do to support prevention.

Read more: https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/alcohol-awareness-month-prevention/

04/13/2026

New developments are shaping the prevention landscape in New Jersey and beyond.

Concerns are growing that funding challenges could impact recovery services across the state, while national trends show alcohol use continuing to decline as more individuals shift toward moderation or alcohol free choices. These changes highlight both ongoing risks and opportunities for prevention and community support.

Read more:

Email from Wellspring Center for Prevention Get the latest updates on addiction prevention. Prevention Pulse Promoting healthier communities. Brought to you by Wellspring Center for Prevention. April

04/09/2026

Across New Jersey, schools are taking a closer look at how cell phone use affects student focus, mental health, and overall well-being.

Wellspring’s latest blog explores the growing conversation around phone use in schools and what it means for students, families, and educators. Setting clear expectations and building healthy technology habits can support stronger learning environments and reduce distractions.

Read more:

New Jersey debates banning phones in schools to protect learning and mental health. Learn what parents, teachers, and lawmakers are saying.

04/06/2026

This week’s Prevention Pulse highlights two important developments in the broader prevention and public health landscape. A multistate coalition is pushing for stronger federal action on illicit xylazine, while HHS is restructuring how it oversees AI, data, and cybersecurity operations.

These updates show how emerging substances and changing health system infrastructure continue to shape prevention, response, and public health planning.

Read more:

Email from Wellspring Center for Prevention Get the latest updates on addiction prevention. Prevention Pulse Promoting healthier communities. Brought to you by Wellspring Center for Prevention. April

04/01/2026

Wellspring Center for Prevention is proud to be featured in Target Circle™.

This is a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness of our work and help direct Target funds toward prevention, education, and community support. If you shop at Target, we’d be grateful for your vote.

Here’s how to vote:

Step 1: Choose My Target in the Target app or Account on Target.com
Step 2: Tap Cast votes
Step 3: Find us & vote

Voting is open through June 30, 2026.

Vote here: https://www.target.com/circle/community-voting/

03/30/2026

New data show opioid-related deaths are declining, offering encouraging signs that prevention, treatment, and overdose response efforts are making an impact.

At the same time, risks remain. Safe storage, proper disposal, and community initiatives like drug take-back events play an important role in preventing misuse and protecting families.

Read more:

Email from Wellspring Center for Prevention Get the latest updates on addiction prevention. Prevention Pulse Promoting healthier communities. Brought to you by Wellspring Center for Prevention. March

03/27/2026

What a day 💫

More moments from Wellspring’s 2026 Young Women’s Conference, where students from across Middlesex County came together for connection, growth, and empowerment.

Proud to support young women as they build confidence and strengthen decision-making skills.

Thank you again to Middlesex College for hosting and to our partners for making today possible.

Learn more:

Wellspring’s annual Young Women’s Conference empowers Middlesex County high school students through education, confidence-building, and prevention-focused workshops.

03/27/2026

Today is the day! Wellspring’s 2026 Young Women’s Conference is officially underway, bringing together young women from across Middlesex County for a day of empowerment, connection, and growth.

Through engaging workshops, meaningful conversations, and supportive community spaces, students are building confidence, strengthening decision-making skills, and learning how to navigate real-life challenges in a healthy and positive way.

We are proud to create opportunities like this that uplift young voices and invest in the future of our communities.

Learn more about our programs: https://wellspringprevention.org/our-programs/young-womens-conference/

03/26/2026

Why do teens take more risks when they are with friends?

Peer influence plays a powerful role in decision-making during adolescence. In group settings, teens are more likely to take risks, especially when trying to fit in or gain approval. Understanding this dynamic helps parents, educators, and communities respond with stronger prevention strategies and support.

Wellspring’s latest blog explores why this happens and what adults can do to guide safer choices.

Read more:

Teens often take more risks around friends than they do alone. Learn how brain development, peer influence, and belonging shape teen behavior, and how parents can respond with guidance instead of fear.

03/25/2026

Prevention does more than reduce harm. It can help create stronger futures. According to the Return on Investment of Substance Use Prevention report, prevention programs have been associated with long-term increases in employment and earnings, showing that evidence-based prevention can support opportunity as well as health. That means investing in prevention today can help young people build skills that benefit them for years to come.

Learn more:https://pttcnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024.09.27_PTTC_Return-on-Investment_FINAL.pdf