Community Connections
North Platte, NE – Community Connections Substance Abuse Prevention System (SAPS) is excited to participate in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) 2025, running from March 17-23. This initiative, organized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), aims to raise awareness and provide accurate, science-based information about drug and alcohol use.
“National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is a critical opportunity to challenge misconceptions and empower young people with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about substance use,” said Erin Bone, Substance Abuse Prevention System Coordinator at Community Connections. “This week-long initiative allows us to engage directly with students, parents, and community leaders, offering them the tools and resources to combat substance abuse and create healthier, safer environments.”
SAPS kicked off NDAFW early with a March 3rd event hosted by Community Connections Mentoring program, featuring an interactive escape room activity focused on healthy choices.
Throughout NDAFW, SAPS and partners will share daily facts and resources about substance abuse on social media. The campaign is supported by West Central District Health Department (WCDHD), Region II Human Services, School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP), and Hope Esperanza.
Community Connections is collaborating with local organizations to provide free educational materials, including brochures, posters, and interactive content, to ensure that accurate information reaches as many people as possible.
About Community Connections:
Connect People, Enhance Lives. We build connections between community agencies, businesses, neighborhoods, schools, families and individuals to coordinate activities, services, and programs that enhance the quality of life in Lincoln County. We create change and inspire others to work together toward a better tomorrow for youth and families.
About West Central District Health Department (WCDHD):
The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) is a public agency working to support health, safety, and well-being in the Nebraska counties of Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Thomas, Hooker, and Arthur. We aim to educate, promote, and improve the overall health of our communities and each resident; allowing all who live, work, and play within to thrive.
About Region II Human Services:
Region II Human Services is the Behavioral Health Authority for 17 counties in West Central Nebraska. We are a direct provider of services and we contract with private agencies for mental health and substance use disorder services. Counties we serve include: Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Gosper, Grant, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow, and Thomas.
About School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP):
Provide effective prevention education for schools, families and communities, equipping schools with early intervention tools for students with behavioral health concerns so they may achieve healthy, productive lives.
About Hope Esperanza:
To empower minority and underserved youth and families. To enhance health, overcome hardship, and promote an overall sense of belonging and well-being. To facilitate a welcoming and inclusive community that appreciates and values human difference and creates a sense of belonging where everyone feels respected and valued for their uniqueness. To build a community that is welcoming, culturally aware and competent as Lincoln County diversifies.