We Bring Southington Together to Build Assets and Prevent Substance Misuse

Our Mission

STEPS makes prevention a priority in our community through education, limiting access, and advocacy for policy change.

Our prevention work focuses on underage drinking, tobacco/vaping, cannabis/marijuana use, prescription drug misuse, and more. We believe that positive youth development is an essential building block to create generations of youth that are caring, competent, successful, and substance free.

Our Focus on Youth

STEPS was founded in 2007 with a mission to help our youth grow up to be caring, competent and successful. We develop programs and opportunities for young people to step up and showcase their best selves.

STEPS partners with Southington Public Schools to follow an Asset Building Classrooms (ABC) model. We also have STEPS Youth Council leadership opportunities, a youth community service initiative, and a classroom-based curriculum to improve student health and safety.

STEPS Youth Council

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Stay informed about our latest prevention efforts, news, and events.


Our Prevention Efforts

Our work in Southington to keep young people healthy and safe is a top priority. Data shows that substance use at a young age can lead to:

  • Higher suicide risk
  • Long-term substance use disorders
  • Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, psychosis)
  • Poor school performance (lower grades, absenteeism)
  • Physical health issues (diseases, injuries)
  • Risky behaviors
  • Social and economic impacts (damaged relationships, missed career opportunities)

All these reasons are why substance use prevention among young people is so important. Take a moment to learn more about our work in Southington right now.

Areas of Focus

In both youth and adults, the perceptions around the risk of marijuana use has decreased dramatically. This is true not only in Connecticut but all over the United States. Some of this shift is in response to changes in social policies and laws.

It is risky to misuse prescription medications or obtain medications that are not provided by a doctor or other medical professional. This is a main cause of preventable overdoses.

Although tobacco use among youth in Southington is decreasing  – only 7% of Southington teens report using tobacco products – the usage of vaping products is on the rise.

Many activities have ages when young people can safely start them. A person must wait until age 16 to start driving, age 18 to marry without parental consent, age 35 to become president, and so on. The legal age to drink is 21 for a reason – it is based on research that shows young people react differently to alcohol.

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We are just a few weeks away from the 33rd Annual Red Ribbon Rally! Can you believe we've had this impactful event in our town for over three decades?!

If you are the leader of a Southington club or sports team, please register to participate here: forms.gle/ZdRi7WNJDgT4RKDV8
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We are just a few weeks away from the 33rd Annual Red Ribbon Rally! Can you believe weve had this impactful event in our town for over three decades?!

If you are the leader of a Southington club or sports team, please register to participate here: https://forms.gle/ZdRi7WNJDgT4RKDV8

October is Substance Use Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of substance use and the importance of prevention efforts in our communities. Together, we can empower individuals, families, and organizations to make informed decisions, promote healthy behaviors, and build supportive environments.

Stay tuned for resources, tips, and strategies throughout the month to help strengthen prevention efforts and protect the well-being of our communities.

#SubstanceUsePreventionMonth #PreventionMatters #HealthyChoices #CommunitySupport #PreventionWorks
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The Southington Apple Harvest Festival is looking for volunteers (ages 15 & up)! 🍎 This year's event runs October 4-6 & 11-13. Learn more and get the volunteer application at: www.southington.org/ahf/volunteers.php ... See MoreSee Less

STEPS was created 17 years ago after a series of teen suicides. Students who were worried about their friends approached trust adults who came together to create a safety net for our youth. The conversation they had around a picnic table in those early days continues now.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This “STEPS Snippet” shares facts about suicide prevention and what our Southington kids are telling us about how they feel.

If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or just needs someone to talk to, CALL 988 or VISIT 988lifeline.org

You are not alone!
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Guess where we spotted our It’s Not Cheesy flyer?

At @fancybagels1 of course! We are so grateful for their partnership and everything they do in Southington!
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Guess where we spotted our It’s Not Cheesy flyer? 

At @fancybagels1 of course! We are so grateful for their partnership and everything they do in Southington!

Wishing a happy retirement to our K9 friend, Tank! He and Sgt. Ayotte were always game for our ideas, like being part of our annual calendar. Enjoy all of the extra treats and cuddles coming your way! ... See MoreSee Less

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