Wellspring Center for Prevention

01/23/2026

Prevention doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like a conversation at the dinner table, a trusted adult checking in, or a community creating space for connection and support.

Small protective factors add up. When families, schools, and communities invest in prevention early, they strengthen resilience and reduce risk before problems escalate.

Visit our website to learn more about our mission, programs, and services:

Wellspring Center for Prevention promotes healthy individuals, families, & communities through the prevention of addiction-related problems.

01/22/2026

New Jersey’s upcoming school cell phone restrictions aim to reduce distractions and support student focus during the school day. For families and educators, understanding what the policy does and how districts may implement it can help ease concerns and set realistic expectations.

Wellspring’s latest blog explains what the NJ school cell phone ban means, when it takes effect, and how it may impact students, families, and school communities.

New Jersey has passed a law limiting non-academic cell phone use in K–12 schools starting in 2026–2027. Learn what the policy means for students, families, and educators.

01/21/2026

New Jersey’s overdose death rate remains higher than the national average. The state experiences 31.6 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents, which is 13.42 percent higher than the U.S. rate overall. These numbers highlight the continued importance of prevention, education, and community-based support to reduce overdose risk and save lives.

Learn more about the data:

The number of deaths per year from accidental drug overdose, including methadone, co***ne, fentanyl & other prescription drugs.

01/20/2026

New Jersey has passed a law banning non-academic use of cellphones and other internet-connected devices in K-12 schools, requiring statewide and local policies ahead of the 2026–27 school year to help reduce distractions and support student focus and well-being. The state has also tightened regulations on intoxicating h**p products to close loopholes, strengthen oversight, and limit youth access.

Learn more about these prevention-related policy updates and why they matter for families and communities across New Jersey:

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. Januar

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his vision of stronger, more compassionate communities. His legacy reminds us that caring for one another and investing in the well being of future generations is essential to lasting change.

At Wellspring, we reflect on this day by reaffirming our commitment to prevention, education, and community wellness for all.

Wellspring Center for Prevention promotes healthy individuals, families, & communities through the prevention of addiction-related problems.

01/15/2026

Peer pressure is a normal part of growing up, but without guidance, it can influence risky decisions related to substances, behavior, and mental health. Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children build confidence, communication skills, and healthy boundaries.

Wellspring’s latest blog shares practical ways adults can support kids in navigating peer pressure and making choices that align with their values.

Peer pressure is a powerful motivator for teens who desperately want to be accepted. Here are 14 ways you can help kids combat peer pressure.

01/14/2026

Last call to register for Wellspring’s 6 CEU course on Understanding Stigma in Mental Health. The training takes place on January 16 and provides practical tools for identifying stigma during real interactions and reducing barriers to care.

If you are working toward CADC or LCADC renewal or want to strengthen your prevention and counseling skills, this session offers guidance you can apply right away.

Register today before space fills:

Earn 6 CEUs with Wellspring’s virtual renewal course, Stigma and Mental Health, on January 16, 2026. Learn how stigma impacts individuals and communities, and explore effective strategies to challenge bias and improve mental health outcomes.

01/13/2026

Investing in prevention is not just good for health, it’s good for our communities’ wallets too. According to the Return on Investment of Substance Use Prevention report, every $1 spent on prevention saves $20 in future healthcare costs. That’s a powerful reason to support evidence-based prevention strategies that reduce harm, improve health outcomes, and strengthen families.

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

01/12/2026

Caring for aging loved ones often means navigating conversations about mental health and depression, which are topics that can be hard to start but are crucial for well-being. Older adults do not have to suffer in silence; understanding the difference between normal aging and signs of depression can help you support them sooner and connect them with resources that make a difference. Learn practical, compassionate tips for talking with your senior parent and promoting emotional wellness in your family.

Read more and get guidance here:

It can be tough to get your senior parent to open up about their depression and mental health. Here are the best ways to get the conversation started.

01/08/2026

New Jersey continues to lose loved ones to overdose, and behind every number is a life changed forever. Current data shows 2,985 overdose deaths each year in our state, with nearly 4 percent of all deaths linked to drug overdose. The overdose death rate in New Jersey is 31.6 deaths per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average.

Our state has made progress, but prevention, education, and community outreach remain essential. Data matters because awareness helps communities respond with care, resources, and action.
Source:

https://drugabusestatistics.org/drug-overdose-deaths/

The number of deaths per year from accidental drug overdose, including methadone, co***ne, fentanyl & other prescription drugs.

01/06/2026

Stigma can influence whether a client feels understood, supported, or ready to continue with care. Even experienced professionals can miss these small but meaningful moments.

Wellspring’s 6 CEU course on January 16 gives counselors and prevention specialists practical strategies for recognizing and reducing stigma in everyday conversations. The more awareness we build, the stronger our support becomes.

Details and registration are available at:

Earn 6 CEUs with Wellspring’s virtual renewal course, Stigma and Mental Health, on January 16, 2026. Learn how stigma impacts individuals and communities, and explore effective strategies to challenge bias and improve mental health outcomes.

01/05/2026

A new year brings new goals and new opportunities to grow. As 2026 begins, professionals across New Jersey are planning their CEU requirements and setting the tone for the year ahead. Our first session of the year starts January 16 and focuses on reducing stigma in mental health settings. Registration is open now for those ready to begin the year with practical learning.

Explore Wellspring Center for Prevention's calendar for upcoming professional development events and training sessions for CPS and CADC professionals.