Substance Misuse Prevention is a Public Health Priority – New Hampshire’s Regional Public Health Networks are Leading Local Prevention Efforts

Substance misuse and substance use disorder (SUD) are more than individual behaviors and health outcomes. Substance use can impact every level of our communities, from individual health to families and personal relationships, schools and workplaces, and even our healthcare systems. We also know that substance use behaviors are often shaped by broader conditions, such as access to safe housing, nutritious food, physical and mental healthcare, and community support. As a result, addressing substance misuse and substance use disorder requires a comprehensive public health approach.

In New Hampshire (NH), the Regional Public Health Networks (RPHNs) are important leaders in prevention work. Their work ranges from convening partners through coalitions and workgroups to engaging communities through resource sharing, education, and training opportunities.

What Does a Public Health Approach Look Like?

A public health approach to any community health priority involves taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. This is also sometimes called “upstream action,” —making changes to the community that help prevent negative health outcomes, rather than waiting to address them after they happen. It’s about addressing the factors that are making people sick in the first place.

One of the key factors in a public health approach is looking at the social drivers of health. Social drivers of health (also known as social determinants of health) are the conditions within the community where people live, learn, work, and play that shape their health outcomes and quality of life (Healthy People 2030). These drivers of health are often grouped into five key areas: economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and the built environment, and social and community context.

While each RPHN tailors its priorities to the unique needs and demographics of its region, much of the NH prevention work focuses on addressing the neighborhood and built environment, as well as the social and community context.

• • Encourage open conversations: Knowing they can talk with you makes a difference, even if your child doesn’t open up immediately.
  • Create meaningful family routines: Shared meals, bedtime check-ins, or weekend traditions provide comfort and stability.
  • Celebrate individuality: Recognizing youth for who they are, rather than just what they achieve, helps them feel genuinely seen and valued.

Capital Area Public Health Network (CAPHN) Prevention Work

Here are some ways we are making a difference in the Capital Region:

Leading Behavioral Health Workgroups and Coalitions

• Capital Area Leadership Team: The behavioral health workgroup for the Capital Area, including professional partners from the substance use continuum of care (prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction) and mental health services.
• Concord Connections Coalition: A networking and resource-sharing group composed of Capital Area professionals who work with young people and their families.
• Capital Area Veterans Coalition: This coalition works to prevent Veteran suicide through community action that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. Members include Veterans, loved ones, and service providers.

Implementing Getting to ‘Y’

• Getting to ‘Y’ is a youth-led, evidence-informed program that helps students analyze local health data, identify community concerns, and lead action plans to improve youth health and wellness. This program is currently being implemented at Merrimack Valley High School and Concord High School.

Championing Public Health Advocacy Efforts

• Hosting Advocacy 101 workshops in partnership with New Futures. Sharing information, providing testimony, and supporting community advocates on key pieces of legislation

Providing Community Education and Training Opportunities

• Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Administration (developed by NH Harm Reduction Coalition)
• It’s Real (from AFSP) and A.I.D. (from Kent State University) mental health trainings

Partnering on Statewide Young Adult Strategies

• Expanding the Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative with Capital Area businesses

Supporting the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team (ACERT)

• ACERT is a partnership between law enforcement, behavioral health providers, and family support services that connects with children and families after potentially traumatic events. The outreach team follows up within 72 hours to offer resources, provide emotional support, and help reduce the long-term impacts of adverse experiences.

Want to Get Involved?

Interested in how prevention shows up in your community? Whether you’re in the Capital Area or elsewhere in New Hampshire, there are meaningful ways to get involved.

To learn more about local efforts, connect with your Regional Public Health Network, or follow The Partnership for more stories, resources, and events.

Together, we can create healthier communities—where prevention is possible, recovery is supported, and no one falls through the cracks.