Wellspring Center for Prevention

04/28/2026

Youth va**ng rates are moving in a better direction, and that is encouraging news for families, schools, and communities.

According to 2024 CDC data, e-cigarette use among middle and high school students declined from 7.7% to 5.9%, continuing a broader drop from its 2019 peak. That progress matters, but prevention conversations are still important. Ni****ne can affect brain development, lung health, and heart health, and some teens who v**e may already be showing signs of dependence.

Parents, caregivers, educators, and trusted adults can help by keeping the conversation honest and supportive. Ask questions, share facts, and remind young people that choosing not to v**e is a choice that protects their health now and in the future.

Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p0905-youth-ecigarette.html

04/27/2026

This week’s Prevention Pulse looks at two major addiction-related updates with important prevention implications: federal cannabis classification changes and rising concerns about gambling addiction in New Jersey.

The issue also includes updates on xylazine, fentanyl and m**h seizures in New Jersey, emerging synthetic opioids, upcoming professional training, and the latest Wellspring blog posts.

Read the full 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

04/24/2026

Unused or expired medications sitting in your home can pose serious risks, from accidental poisoning to prescription drug misuse.

Tomorrow is Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a simple but powerful way to safely dispose of medications and protect your family and community. Drop off your unused prescriptions at a local collection site. No questions asked, completely anonymous.

Find a location near you and take action for prevention:

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications fro...

04/23/2026

Do you know someone whose commitment to recovery is making a real difference in the lives of others?

Wellspring Center for Prevention is now seeking nominations for a Recovery Champion for our 2026 Tree of Hope Ceremony. This recognition honors an individual whose leadership, compassion, and personal commitment are helping light the way for others in recovery.

If someone in your community inspires hope, support, and healing, we encourage you to nominate them today.

Nominate a Recovery Champion here: https://wellspringprevention.org/tree-of-hope-ceremony/

04/22/2026

What happens when students unplug for just one school day?

At Pathways, high school students recently took part in a full-day Digital Detox Day designed to help them step away from their phones and reflect on what changed. The results were encouraging: many students reported better focus, more face-to-face connection, and a greater awareness of how phone use shapes their day.

This kind of prevention work is not about punishment or perfection. It is about helping young people build self-awareness, strengthen real-world connections, and create space to be more present.

Read more:

Pathways students spent a full school day without phones and reported changes in focus, mood, connection, and screen-time awareness.

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/