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We are the Coalition

The Coalition is comprised of various community members dedicated to reducing youth substance abuse and overall substance abuse and helping create a healthy, responsible and safe community.

Promoting a culture of wellness and enhanced community health through advocacy, education, leadership and proactive strategic practices.

Watch our short video of the Coalition in action!

We are the Coalition

Promoting a culture of wellness and enhanced community health through advocacy, education, leadership and proactive strategic practices.

Watch our short video of the Coalition in action!

2023 Portsmouth Prevention Coalition Scholarship

Congratulations!

John Middleton, Phoebe Tavares and Poppy Jelley

Talk to Your Kids About Marijuana

It’s never too late to start talking with your teen about the risks of marijuana use. As teens age, they make more decisions on their own and face greater temptation and peer pressure. Though it may not seem like it, teens really do hear your concerns. It’s important you help them understand what marijuana is, and why they shouldn’t use it. 

Make sure your teen understands that marijuana is addictive. In fact, research shows that 1 in 6 youths who start using the drug before the age of 18 can become addicted. 

Keeping your kids safe and healthy. It Starts With You!

9 Parent Tips for Talking About Marijuana with Your Teen

SIDNE Has Arrived!

SIDNE is a custom-built electric kart that allows drivers and passengers to experience what can happen when they operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or marijuana, as well as the ramifications of driving while drowsy or distracted.

The Portsmouth Prevention Coalition purchased the SIDNE Go Kart to support the Portsmouth Police Department’s efforts to educate our youth on the dangers of driving under the influence. In addition to our local Coalitions, the Program will be offered to other RI and MA prevention coalitions, schools and civic organizations.

Learn more about the Coalition’s SIDNE Go-Kart Program!

Hey Teens!

Jamie doesn't support underage drinking, Jamie gets it! Be like Jamie!

As part of the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition’s Reduce the Use program, and in partnership with the Every Student Initiative, we are happy to release a short commercial on underage drinking.

Check out additional “Be Like Jamie” videos on HERE!

What Our Members Are Saying

Hear what our members are saying about being part of the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition and what it means to them and their community. 

I love collaborating with community partners to find innovative ways to help Newport County. I believe that the solution to every community problem can be found within that community! For me, the excitement comes from pairing evidence-based strategies with a grass-roots philosophy to achieve success.
Rebecca Elwell, MA, ACPS
Executive Director, Strategic Prevention Partnerships
The Coalition is a vital partner in our work with students at Portsmouth High School. Their support provides resources, training, national level speakers, and crucial funding for all of our prevention and wellness programs. I see the Coalition as a model for community based advocacy and collaboration.
Colin Grimsey
Assistant Principal/ Director of Freshman Academy Portsmouth High School
Drug prevention education that is age appropriate can be a powerful tool in guiding young people to make healthy and responsible life choices. Furthermore, teaching and providing practice opportunities for stress management techniques equips adolescents with healthy coping skills which reduces the chances that they may turn to drugs or alcohol in the future as a way to manage stress.
Emily Swift
Student Assistance Counselor, Portsmouth Middle School

FAQs for Parents

Figuring out if your child is using substances can be challenging. Many of the signs and symptoms are typical teen or young adult behavior. If you have reason to suspect use, don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution. Prepare to have a conversation where you ask direct questions like “Have you been drinking, vaping or using drugs?” No parent wants to hear “yes,” but being prepared for how you would respond can be the starting point for a more positive outcome.

The aerosol inhaled from e-cigarettes and JUULs is often a mixture of harmful chemicals like nicotine, formaldehyde — which is known to cause cancer — and acrolein — which is used as a weed killer and can cause irreversible lung damage.

Figuring out if your child is using substances can be challenging. Many of the signs and symptoms are typical teen or young adult behavior. If you have reason to suspect use, don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution. Prepare to have a conversation where you ask direct questions like “Have you been drinking, vaping or using drugs?” No parent wants to hear “yes,” but being prepared for how you would respond can be the starting point for a more positive outcome.

Figuring out if your child is using substances can be challenging. Many of the signs and symptoms are typical teen or young adult behavior. If you have reason to suspect use, don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution. Prepare to have a conversation where you ask direct questions like “Have you been drinking, vaping or using drugs?” No parent wants to hear “yes,” but being prepared for how you would respond can be the starting point for a more positive outcome.

Figuring out if your child is using substances can be challenging. Many of the signs and symptoms are typical teen or young adult behavior. If you have reason to suspect use, don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution. Prepare to have a conversation where you ask direct questions like “Have you been drinking, vaping or using drugs?” No parent wants to hear “yes,” but being prepared for how you would respond can be the starting point for a more positive outcome.