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"Communities Talk About Prevention" Podcast

SAMHSA’s podcast series, “Communities Talk About Prevention,” explores how community-based organizations and institutions of higher education are advancing substance use prevention in their own communities. In each episode, you'll learn how organizations have coordinated local events and activities to support substance use prevention, how they have overcome unique challenges, and how they have measured success. Most important, guests share best practices, which we hope will inspire you to participate in prevention in your own community.

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    Episode #3: Leveraging Social Media for National Prevention Week

    Aired: January 4, 2023

    Guests: Omar McDew, Youth Advocate, City of New Britain; Tyshaunda Wiley, Prevention Coordinator, New Britain’s Local Prevention Council; and Annalise Jones, Youth Leadership Council Member, eighth grade student at HALS Academy

    Organization: New Britain Local Prevention Council

    Location: New Britain, Connecticut

    In episode #3, hear from three community members who developed their own public service announcements and leveraged social media to join SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week. Our guests share how they developed their activities and saw them through to completion and success.

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    Episode #2: Prevention Campaigns and Community Collaboration

    Aired: November 21, 2022

    Guest: Mark Mellecker, Project Coordinator

    Organization: Building a Safer Evansville (BASE)

    Location: Evansville, Wisconsin

    In episode #2, Mark Mellecker, a project coordinator at BASE, discusses substance use prevention efforts in a diverse and rural Wisconsin community. He shares how they amplified their Communities Talk activity through a statewide Wisconsin Department of Health prevention campaign called Small Talks and discusses valuable community partnerships that contribute to their success.

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    Episode #1: Prevention Partnerships Across State Lines

    Aired: September 7, 2022

    Guest: Rachel Lundgren, Director

    Organization: Siouxland CARES

    Location: Sioux City, IA

    Hear how one community coalition works to address youth substance misuse, bullying, and mental health to strengthen its tri-state area. Rachel Lundgren also shares how Siouxland CARES engages youth across its prevention activities.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Last Updated: 03/31/2025