Need Resources or Event Support?
APW team can provide substance use and mental health promotion and prevention resources for your community and/or community event in Region 2. If you are in need of resources or event support, please contact APW at apw@bhcare.org.
Upcoming Events
Regional Awareness Teams
APW leads various workgroups to address various topic areas and communities throughout the region. Each group works collaboratively with various sectors to raise awareness and increase local prevention initiatives specific to the topic at hand. Below are some of the workgroups and the dates in which they meet year-round.
Suicide Prevention:
The South-Central Regional Suicide Advisory Board (RSAB) works to integrate prevention, intervention, and response activities across multiple sectors and communities to reduce suicide attempts and suicide deaths in New Haven & Middlesex counties.
2026 Meeting Schedule:
All meetings are from 10:30AM-12PM via Teams, with the exception of 2 biannual in-person meetings in April and October.
Tuesday, December 1st at 10:30AM-12PM
To join our upcoming meetings, please email Kara at ksepulveda-fonseca@bhcare.org or complete the form below.
Gambling Awareness:
The Regional Gambling Awareness Team (RGAT) works to raise awareness to understand and address problem gambling across region 2.
2026 Meeting Schedule:
Thursday, November 19th from 11:30am-1:30pm in person LOCATION TBD!
To register, email Brailee at bwhan@bhcare.org or complete the form below.
Cannabis & Nicotine:
The Regional Cannabis & Nicotine Awareness Team is combining forces to address the intersection of both cannabis & nicotine. If you are interested in enhancing youth prevention and reducing risks associated with cannabis and nicotine use throughout region 2, we encourage you to join.
We will be meeting on a quarterly basis, the 2027 meeting dates are as followed:
January 28, 2027 In-person ·
March 25, 2027 Virtual
May 27, 2027 In-person
September 30, 2027 Virtua
Email Smurcia@bhcare.org to get involved or register using the link below.
NEW DATE! Virtual Community Conversation about Gambling
In this training, you will learn:
How to define gambling
The legal types of gambling in CT
The impact that problem gambling can have in communities
Resources and ways to get involved!
Please register here.
Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Training
Join us for a free CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) training; an evidence-based program that teaches how to reduce access to lethal methods for individuals at risk of suicide, particularly firearms and medication.
This training is open to all and is designed for both professionals and community members who want to make a difference.
You’ll leave with practical tools to help prevent suicide during a crisis and before one occurs. This event is free and open to all. Enjoy food from Vinny’s Deli and access local mental health resources!
Register Here: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Training
Registration is encouraged but not required.
Virtual Community Conversation about Gambling
September is Responsible Gambling Education Month, and there's no better way to observe that than to attend a Community Conversation about Gambling! Attendees will learn how to define gambling, types of legal gambling in CT, impacts of problem gambling, and resources and support for those struggling with a gambling problem. All are welcome, and this training is totally free to attend.
Register here.
Virtual QPR Training
Question, Persuade, Refer - In this training you will learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, offer hope, and get help to save a life. Please register here.
If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Gainey, tgainey@bhcare.org.
Let's Talk About Mental Health Community Roundtable and Resources
Come together with neighbors, community leaders, and mental health advocates for an engaging roundtable discussion on mental health and suicide prevention in Wallingford. Participate in meaningful conversations, interactive reflection activities, and explore local mental health resources at information tables.
This event is free and open to all. Enjoy food from Vinny’s Deli and access local mental health resources!
Registration: "Let’s Talk about Mental Health" Community Roundtable and Resources Encouraged but not required.
Screening of “Moving America’s Soul on Suicide”
Join the Wallingford Community-Led Suicide Prevention (CLSP) Team for a free screening of Moving America’s Soul on Suicide, a powerful documentary that explores stories of loss, hope, and healing from across the country. Following the film, we’ll hold a community discussion to reflect and connect.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Licensed counselors will be available for support throughout the event. All are welcome, this is a space for compassion, conversation, and connection.
Optional Registration: Screening of “Moving America’s Soul on Suicide”
Virtual QPR Training
Question, Persuade, Refer - In this training you will learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, offer hope, and get help to save a life. Please register here.
If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Gainey, tgainey@bhcare.org.
Virtual QPR Training
Question, Persuade, Refer - In this training you will learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, offer hope, and get help to save a life. Please register here.
If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Gainey, tgainey@bhcare.org.
Virtual Community Conversation about Gambling
This training will explore the impact of gambling on individuals and communities, with a focus on understanding what gambling is and the various forms of legal gambling available in Connecticut. Participants will learn about the signs and consequences of problem gambling, as well as the broader social and economic effects it can have. The session will also highlight statewide resources and support services available to those affected by gambling-related harms, helping to promote awareness, prevention, and recovery.
Register here.
Virtual QPR Training
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is an evidence-based suicide prevention training. It teaches 'gatekeepers' the knowledge and skills to recognize warning signs when somebody may be in crisis, understand and connect with them, and refer them to the appropriate support.
Register using the link below:
Virtual Reading of Gizmo's Pawesome Guide to Mental Health
Join us for a virtual reading of Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health!
Gizmo is a 3.5lb Miki dog who crafted a book to share his tips and tricks to promote mental well-being. We’d love for you and your kids (ages 5-11) to virtually join as we share his story. Please feel free to log-on with your pets as well!
Use the link below to register:
Virtual Opioid Overdose Prevention & Narcan Training
Join us for a virtual lunch & learn training for opioid overdose prevention & Narcan.
Through this training you will learn:
To recognize signs of an opioid overdose
To administer naloxone
Prevention strategies to reduce risk
Local resources for treatment
Register using the link below:
Region 2 Suicide Advisory Board Meeting
Join our Regional Suicide Advisory Board! Our goal is to integrate and coordinate prevention, intervention, and response activities across multiple sectors and settings to reduce non-fatal suicide attempts and suicide in CT.
During this in-person RSAB meeting, we will explore community mapping and discuss campaign messaging. Light refreshments will be provided. Click here to view the upcoming agenda.
Open to anyone in the New Haven and Middlesex counties interested in connecting with others in the region to support and address suicides in CT. Register here.
If you missed our last meeting, no worries! Check out the meeting minutes here to see what we are up to.
Virtual QPR Training
Question, Persuade, Refer - In this training you will learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, offer hope, and get help to save a life. Please register here.
If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Gainey, tgainey@bhcare.org.
Virtual QPR Training
Question, Persuade, Refer - In this training you will learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, offer hope, and get help to save a life. Please register here.
If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Gainey, tgainey@bhcare.org.
Virtual QPR Training
Question, Persuade, Refer - In this training you will learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, offer hope, and get help to save a life. Please register here.
If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Gainey, tgainey@bhcare.org.
Virtual QPR Training
Question, Persuade, Refer - In this training you will learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, offer hope, and get help to save a life. Please register here.
If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Gainey, tgainey@bhcare.org.
Region 2 Gambling Awareness Team Meeting
Join us for the In-Person Region 2 Gambling Awareness Team meeting at Wesleyan University! We will be meeting in Usdan room 110. All are welcome, and lunch will be provided. Please register here.
Virtual Community Opioid Overdose & Narcan Training
The APW is offering an Opioid Overdose and Narcan training for all of the DMHAS Region 2 community.
To register please click HERE.
Training will include:
• Overdose Prevention Strategies
• Signs and Symptoms of Overdose
• How to Administer Naloxone
• Good Samaritan Law
• Support Information and Resources
If you have any questions please contact Andrew Penna at apenna@bhcare.org
Cancelled Virtual QPR Training
Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Our next QPR training will be on Wednesday, Dec. 11th via Teams.
Virtual Community Opioid Overdose & Narcan Training
The APW is offering an Opioid Overdose and Narcan training for all of the DMHAS Region 2 community.
To register please click HERE.
Training will include:
• Overdose Prevention Strategies
• Signs and Symptoms of Overdose
• How to Administer Naloxone
• Good Samaritan Law
• Support Information and Resources
If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Penna at apenna@bhcare.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: New Haven County Walk to Fight Suicide
AFSP’s Walk to Fight Suicide gives people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost throughout New Haven County.
Register: www.afsp.org/hamden
If your organization would like to table as a vendor to share resources at the walk, please contact Kara at ksepulveda-fonseca@bhcare.org
Moving America's Soul on Suicide Film Screening
This film highlights personal stories of people who triumphed over trauma and mental health struggles, with Dr. Thomas Joiner exploring what leads people to dark places and how to help them find their way back. After the film, there will be an opportunity for discussion & resources. This event is free of charge, with limited seating available.
Virtual C-SSRS Webinar
The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk screening through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask.
You will learn how to screen with the C-SSRS to identify at-risk individuals and the types of suicidal ideation.
L.E.T.S. Save Lives Presentation
L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for the Black Community
This presentation will cover what we know about mental health and suicide, the most up-to-date research on prevention, and what we can all do to help save lives.
You will learn common risk factors and warning signs in Black and African American communities, as well as how to keep ourselves, our loves ones and those in our community safe.
This presentation was developed by suicide prevention experts from the black community and is intended for audiences that identify as Black or African American. Click here to register.
Crisis Supports and Suicide Prevention for People with Autism Webinar Series
Research has shown suicide to be a leading cause of death for people with autism. This 3-part series will cover the warning signs, unique risk factors, statistics of suicide, and how to be culturally aware when working with this population. People with autism think, communicate, and experience the world differently. This series will describe five autism-specific resources to use in supporting these individuals around suicide prevention and crisis support.
Webinar Series Dates:
Wednesday, September 11 at 1pm
Wednesday, September 25 at 1pm
Wednesday, October 9 at 1pm
Click here to register and view the flyer with additional details.
Virtual QPR Training
Question, Persuade, Refer - In this training you will learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, offer hope, and get help to save a life. Click here to register. If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Gainey, tgainey@bhcare.org.
International Overdose Awareness Day
Join us for New Haven’s Annual International Overdose Awareness Day event. The event which takes place on the New Haven Green from 12 PM - 3 PM is dedicated to bringing the community together to remember those we’ve lost to overdose, to spread hope to those impacted and to connect residents to a range of treatment, harm reduction, and other support services.