KENTUCKY — Alcohol Awareness Month is a public health program organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence as a way of increasing outreach and education regarding the dangers of alcoholism and issues related to alcohol.

Here in Kentucky, New Vista Regional Prevention Center offers educational programs, alcohol, tobacco, and substance use training and resources to promote mental health and reduce youth substance use and suicide across 17 counties in the Bluegrass region. This organization identifies strengths and gaps to identify new opportunities for collaboration between schools, businesses, and community organizations to build healthier communities.

Tara Mcguire works with New Vista Prevention Center and shares during this segment information about several services the organization provides for those in the Commonwealth, including Alcohol Prevention Enhancement programs.

Each county is assigned a prevention specialist to assist with implementing effective prevention planning and programs as well as guidance on active collaboration between community coalitions with similar missions focused on mental health and substance use.