Greater Nashua Prevention Coalition

The Greater Nashua Prevention Coalition’s aims to implement a comprehensive school-based prevention series focused on mental health awareness and substance misuse education for elementary and middle school students throughout Nashua. The program is designed to address the mental and emotional needs of youth at an early age while equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to make healthy, informed decisions as they grow. By reaching students during these formative years, the initiative provides trust, resilience, and positive mental health habits, reducing the likelihood of future substance use.

The goals of the program are to increase early awareness and understanding of mental health, strengthen students’ coping and emotional regulation skills, establish a foundation of prevention knowledge before students are exposed to higher-risk environments, and foster strong relationships between students and trusted adults. This initiative also aims to support a school culture that prioritizes wellness, open communication, and proactive support for mental health challenges.

The program will target elementary and middle school students in Nashua; Greater Nashua Prevention Coalition will lead the initiative in partnership with licensed mental health professionals and trained prevention specialists. Together, they will deliver interactive, age-appropriate presentations that include evidence-based content, hands-on activities, and strategies for emotional development, healthy communication, and decision-making.

Looking ahead to 2025, the initiative will expand its reach by bringing the prevention series to additional elementary schools throughout the district. The Coalition also plans to broaden the program to include other grade levels, allowing for earlier and more consistent messaging around mental health, emotional wellness, and substance misuse prevention. This expansion is part of a larger effort to meet children where they are developmentally and create a consistent, supportive framework that grows with them throughout their academic journey.