About the NHPC
The Northwest Hills Prevention Connection (NHPC) exists to create healthy communities by reducing the negative impact of substance misuse and increasing overall quality of life. We work to prevent substance use by implementing strategies and activities that specifically address teens’ access to illicit substances and family norms surrounding substance use.
From the start, our vision has been to build a true community-based coalition - one made up of volunteers, partners, and sector representatives who mirror the demographics and experiences of our region. The NHPC serves six Northwest Hills towns: Winchester, Colebrook, Norfolk, Barkhamsted, New Hartford, and Hartland.
Evolution of the NHPC
Although the coalition is currently guided by WYSB staff, our long-term goal is for the NHPC to become fully member-led and self-sustaining. A community-driven structure will strengthen the coalition’s long-term stability, preserve its mission, and ensure that prevention efforts continue without disruption.
Since transitioning, the NHPC has prioritized recruiting members from all 12 federally recognized community sectors, as well as from every town in our service region. Youth and school representation have been ongoing challenges but remain essential to our mission. The School Resource Officer from Northwestern Regional High School No. 7 - serving Winchester, Norfolk, Colebrook, and Barkhamsted - participates when possible and stays informed through ongoing communication and meeting notes. In 2025, Hartland joined the coalition’s catchment area, and we continue working to secure community representation.
Today, coalition recruitment remains a top priority as we work to strengthen membership, deepen community connections, and advance our collective goal of preventing youth substance use throughout the Northwest Hills.
Get Involved
If you are a student, educator, parent or guardian or a community member who cares about youth prevention - we welcome you into our NHPC family.
What is a Coalition?
A community coalition is a group of people and organizations who come together to address shared challenges and create positive change. Instead of working alone, coalition members collaborate, share knowledge, and coordinate efforts to strengthen the community as a whole.
At Northwest Hills Prevention Connection, our coalition brings together youth, parents, schools, health professionals, local organizations, law enforcement, faith communities, and businesses. Each member contributes unique experience and insight, allowing us to approach prevention from multiple perspectives.
Coalitions are effective because they focus on prevention at every level. This includes education, early awareness, community norms, and supportive environments. By working together, coalition members can identify local needs, respond to emerging trends, and implement strategies that are relevant and sustainable.
Rather than providing one single program or service, a coalition acts as a connector. We align resources, support community driven solutions, and help ensure prevention efforts are coordinated rather than duplicated.
In short, a coalition strengthens what already exists in the community and helps people work together toward healthier outcomes for youth and families.
The NHPC Coalition Team
Sarah Toomey
Health / Treatment
Barkhamsted
Shannon Nicholas
Mental Health Treatment
New Hartford
Andrew Lyon
Health / Prevention
Lindsay Rodgers
Faith / Religion
Winsted
Tara Yard
Town Government
Norfolk
Kasandra Gagnon
Parent
Colebrook
Stan Lada
Law Enforcement
Julissa Martinez
Youth Serving Agency
Catharina Ohm
Youth Serving Agency
The NHPC Coalition Team
Sarah Toomey
Health / Treatment
Barkhamsted
Shannon Nicholas
Mental Health Treatment
New Hartford
Andrew Lyon
Health / Prevention
Lindsay Rodgers
Faith / Religion
Winsted
Kasandra Gagnon
Parent
Colebrook
Tara Yard
Town Government
Norfolk
Stan Lada
Law Enforcement
Julissa Martinez
Youth Serving Agency
Catharina Ohm
Youth Serving Agency
The Towns We Serve
NHPC Serves 6 towns in
the Northwest Hills of Connecticut
Barkhamsted
Colebrook
Hartland
New Hartford
Norfolk
Winsted
How We Are Funded
The CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ (DMHAS) Prevention and Health Promotion Division, in collaboration with the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations (RBHAOs), annually funds over 150 community-based Local Prevention Councils (LPCs).
These community-based coalitions build local capacity to plan and implement substance use/misuse prevention strategies to reduce problem behaviors and associated negative outcomes for all ages.