Project connect CT: this project will develop local wellness teams to cover 13 rural communities located in windham and tolland county to address mental health and substance use issues among adults. -…

Project connect CT: this project will develop local wellness teams to cover 13 rural communities located in windham and tolland county to address mental health and substance use issues among adults. - this funding will support three staff positions for 12 months to develop town based wellness teams with the mission of rebuilding community connectedness by RE engaging residents at risk. Each staff member will cover 4 to 5 towns in the region in order to recruit members and volunteers, develop a local action plan that is aligned with current and anticipated state and federal initiatives. The three wellbeing team coordinators will work in each assigned town with their local officials and community leaders to develop a coalition that will organize wellbeing events on a monthly basis. These events may include but are not limited to cultural appreciation events, health and fitness activities, community meals, recreational events, coping skills sessions, community conversations and roundtables, neighborhood beautification and pride events, self care sessions, educational forums on risk, warning signs and effective gatekeeper interventions, universal screening events, and creative and art based self expression sessions. The coalition members will develop an information sharing plan for the town that will include information on risk factors, warning signs, early identification, and referrals for supports and services. Where there are gaps in support systems, the wellbeing team coordinators will work to establish new evidence based models and opportunities through existing and developing civic and volunteer groups. The coordinators will also ensure that all federal and state funded resources, materials, and information are available in each town at a local level that are regularly updated, accurate, and responsive to cultural needs. The goal is to reduce the rate of drug related deaths and suicide deaths across rural communities in eastern CT. The target population is adults age 18 and older.