An important focus here at the Seacoast Public Health Network is substance misuse prevention and suicide prevention initiatives.
In New Hampshire, Substance Misuse Coordinators (SMPs) work in every region of the state to promote effective population level substance misuse prevention policies, programs, and practices. The SMPs deploy a multiple intervention approach through collaboration with regional partners and resources to develop and build strong community resiliency to address the effects of substance misuse within their region.
Samantha Areson, the SPHN Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator is tasked with assuring that their region has adequate prevention resources to protect and improve the health of the public.
Roles of the Prevention Coordinator:
Engage the six core sectors in prevention (business, community & family supports, education, government, health/medical, and law enforcement/safety).
Raise awareness and provide community-level information with the long-term aim of changing social and cultural norms.
Access new funds and leverage existing funds.
Compile, share and use data and research for decision-making.
Convene a "Leadership Team" that meets on a regular basis.
Interventions delivered prior to the onset of a disorder that are intended to prevent or reduce the risk of developing a behavioral health problem, such as underage alcohol use, prescription drug misuse and abuse, and illicit drug use (SAMHSA).
Contact our SMP if you are interested in becoming a partner, would like to receive resources, or would just like to learn more! Samantha Areson Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator sareson@seacoastphn.org
Continuum of Care
A well-coordinated Continuum of Care includes networks of organizations, agencies and community members that provide a wide spectrum of prevention, treatment and recovery strategies and services. Led by a Continuum of Care Facilitator, SPHN’s Behavioral Health Continuum of Care efforts are focused on development of a Regional Continuum of Care (CoC) Plan based on a regional asset and gap analysis informed by regional network partner consensus. The CoC plan proposes regional actions to maximize awareness, access to information and to behavioral health (mental health and substance misuse) prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Continuum of Care prevention efforts in the Seacoast Public Health Network include:
Create, coordinate and deliver specific education and training to partners, stakeholders, and community partners including medical providers, school community members, early childhood educators, parents, and youth.
Coordinate and deliver training for community based Narcan distribution events.
Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for community coalitions/task forces/education.
Convene partners and stakeholders to identify gaps, barriers and assets across systems of care.
Convene and conduct Young Adult Substance Use Focus Groups across the region.
