The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC) provides customizable workshops for parents, businesses, schools, educators and community organizations on a variety of substance abuse and risky behavior topics. Many of our trainings and/or workshops offer CEU opportunities including CCB (CT Certification Board), CHES (Certified Health Educator Specialist), NASW (National Association of Social Workers). VSAAC is a CEU provider for the CT State Dept. of Education. In addition, VSAAC staff have been trained to implement various curriculums such as, but not limited to, Second Step, Project Alert, and LifeSkills.

To customize a workshop call (203) 736-8566.

Tips is an alcohol intervention program that teaches liquor permittees and servers how to recognize signs of intoxication, prevent alcohol sales to minors, and intervene with patrons who are already intoxicated. VSAAC’s TIPS certified trainers work with local liquor permittees to ensure compliance with the law, encourage knowledge of the penalties and fines associated with underage drinking, and to train staff in ways to prevent disaster. At the same time, VSAAC works with local law enforcement to help enforce regulations regarding underage sales, ensure that vendors are complying with the law, and much more.

Click here to learn more about this valuable training program.

Mental health problems – such as depression, anxiety, impulse control and misuse of alcohol and other drugs – are shockingly common in the United States. In fact, more than one in four American adults will have a mental health problem in a year. The National Council on Community Behavioral Healthcare has begun working with communities throughout the nation, including BHcare to implement Mental Health First Aid to arm the public with skills to help individuals who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The clinical and qualitative evidence behind the program demonstrates that it helps the public better identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness, thus improving outcomes for individuals experiencing these illnesses.

To schedule a MHFA training for your organization or group, contact Pamela Mautte at (203) 736-8566. For more information about Mental Health First Aid, visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org

The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC) is part of a new initiative inviting all adults to become “Teen Influencers.” The fastest growing drugs of abuse, for all ages, are prescription medications. The Teen Influencer project aims to educate adults about how they can influence teens to stay clear of prescription medications.

Attend a Free Training to Become A Teen Influencer: Learn about teen prescription drug abuse and the dangers to teens. Discover how you can play a role in helping teens understand and avoid the risks. Share what you learn with other teen influencers – parents, teachers, coaches, school and community providers-to help raise awareness about the prescription drug abuse problem and mobilize parents, schools, and communities to take action!

Click here too learn more; or to schedule a free Teen Influencer training, contact VSAAC at 203-736-8566 today!