Have questions? Let’s talk.
Like they say, knowledge is power.

Curious about what we do? You’re in the right place.

Prevention work can seem like a mystery, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re wondering what a coalition is, what we’re doing in Meriden, or why prevention matters, you’re not alone. We hear these questions all the time, so we pulled together all of the answers in one place to help make things clear.

We want our community to feel informed, connected, and part of the change. Let’s dive in!

About the Coalition

What is the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition?

The Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition (MHYC) is a community-based organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of those in the Meriden community.

Our mission is to prevent substance abuse, promote mental health, and foster positive youth development through education, community engagement, and advocacy.

To join, fill out the information form at the bottom of our website and provide your contact details. Once submitted, you’ll be added to our email list and monthly newsletter.

We welcome youth, parents, students, community members, and anyone who works in the community and is passionate about promoting health and wellness. That’s not all—as a member, you’ll also get invites to all our events, meetings, volunteer opportunities, and more! Whether you’re a youth, parent, student, community member, or someone working in Meriden who cares about health and wellness, there’s a spot for you at the table.

We offer a wide range of programs and initiatives focused on preventing substance use, promoting mental health, and encouraging healthy lifestyles across the Meriden community. Our work includes school-based education, youth programs, workshops for parents and community members, and engaging community-wide events.

We also lead creative media campaigns and host events tailored for both youth and adults, such as prevention game nights and awareness activities. Whether you’re looking to get involved, stay informed, or access helpful resources, our goal is to support and strengthen the community every step of the way.

We partner closely with local schools and community organizations to support students, teachers, and staff in building safe, healthy, and informed school environments. Through classroom presentations, student programs, and staff resources, we offer education on substance use prevention, mental health awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices.

By working alongside our community partners, we’re able to expand our reach and create stronger, more connected support systems for youth both inside and outside of school. Our goal is to empower young people—and the adults who support them—with the tools they need to thrive.

As a community coalition we need your input. We value ideas and collaborations from all levels in the Meriden community to help guide and plan programs. As parents, professionals, youth, and business owners, we can work together to put positive prevention activities in place.

As much or as little time as you can give. Any level of interest and time you have is appreciated, we don’t have a time commitment requirement. We have monthly meetings, newsletters, social media, and our website that can also offer you the information you need to stay involved.

NO!

Any member of the Meriden Community who is willing to work collaboratively to reduce and prevent alcohol and other substance use and their related problems through raising awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles. You can be a student, parent, agency, guardian, anyone interested in making Meriden the best it can be for our youth.

Prevention Topics

What does “prevention” actually mean?

Prevention isn’t just about saying “no” to drugs or alcohol—it’s about building the knowledge, skills, and support young people need to make healthy choices.

That includes promoting mental health, encouraging positive relationships, and creating safe environments at home, in school, and in the community. Prevention is proactive, not reactive.

Yes, prevention works! Research shows that early education, strong community support, and consistent messaging can reduce risky behaviors and substance use among youth.

When we invest in prevention efforts, we’re not only helping individuals, but strengthening the entire community for the long run.

It’s a common phrase, but not always true. Many teens overestimate how many of their peers are using substances.

Share the facts (we can help with that!) and remind them that making healthy choices takes courage. Reinforce their strengths, values, and long-term goals—and let them know it’s okay to stand out.

The Latest Data

What kind of data does the Coalition collect?

We collect information on youth substance use, mental health, and overall community well-being.

This includes data from surveys on involvement in activities like sports, participation in youth programs, and the influence of parents and adult role models—everything that helps us understand what supports healthy choices.

Our data is updated regularly—usually every year or two—so we can track trends and adjust our programs to best serve Meriden’s youth and families.

You can explore the most recent survey results, charts, and community reports linked on our homepage. If you want more details or specific info, just reach out to us!

For Parents

How can I tell if my child is using substances?

It’s not always easy to spot, but some signs may include sudden changes in behavior, mood swings, a drop in grades, loss of interest in activities, or changes in friend groups.

Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s okay to ask questions and seek support. You’re not alone, and there are resources available to help.

Start early, stay calm, and keep the conversation open. Rather than lecturing, ask questions, listen actively, and make it a dialogue, not a one-time talk.

Be clear about your expectations, and explain the risks honestly. The more often you talk, the more comfortable your child will be coming to you.

You don’t have to be a professional to make a difference. Parents, neighbors, teachers, business owners—everyone plays a role.

You can help by talking openly with youth, modeling healthy behavior, sharing resources, attending events, or joining the Coalition. Prevention is a team effort, and your voice matters.

For Teens

 

What if I feel pressured to drink, vape, or use drugs, but I don’t want to?

The Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition (MHYC) is a community-based organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of those in the Meriden community.

Our mission is to prevent substance abuse, promote mental health, and foster positive youth development through education, community engagement, and advocacy.

We get it. Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes it feels like alcohol, weed, or vaping might help you chill out. But the truth is, they often make things worse over time.

Instead, try healthier ways to cope like talking to someone, journaling, playing music, working out, or just taking a break. You’re allowed to feel what you’re feeling, and there are better ways to handle it than substances.

Nope! Asking for help is not something to get in trouble for. Whether you’re worried about yourself or someone else, talking to a trusted adult (like a school counselor, coach, teacher, or parent) can really help.

You won’t get in trouble, they’re there to support you. Mental health and substance use are serious topics, and you deserve to be heard and helped, not judged.

Your involvement makes
a big difference

Getting involved is easy. Join events, volunteer your time, share ideas, spread the word, or have conversations with young people about making healthy decisions. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger community in Meriden.