The Citizens' Task Force on Addictions is the Regional Action Council serving 20 towns in New London County. We work proactively with concerned individuals, local organizations and legislators, to build the capacity of these communities to prevent substance abuse and gambling addiction.

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The RACs are grassroots substance abuse and addictions prevention organizations, providing education and training programs. Created to provide local views of the substance abuse issue, they have taken the lead in providing programs to combat addictions to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, as well as problem gambling across the state. RAC programs are tailored to meet the needs of and build upon each community's special assets.

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• Community Planning & Mobilization
• Program Development for Youth, Adults & Underserved Populations
• Problem Gambling Awareness & Education
• Community Needs Assessments & Asset Evaluations
• Community & Legislative Advocacy
• Adult & Youth Education
• Educational Resources
• Information & Referral

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• Children & Families
• Schools & Youth Service Providers
• Health & Social Service Providers
• Legislators
• Employers/Employees
• Community Leaders
• Neighborhood Groups
• Clergy
• Criminal Justice System

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Every member of a community benefits from the healthy lifestyle choices made by his or her neighbors. By providing opportunities to bring together parents & youth, employers and co-workers, public policy-makers and their constituents, we foster a greater understanding of common goals

Coalitions formed by these initiatives strengthen community bonds and facilitate greater awareness and tolerance for varied cultural and individual values.

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• Founder & Host, Southeastern CT Problem Gambling Task Force
• Develop Radio/Cable TV Public Awareness Advertisements
• Provide training for addiction treatment service providers
• Sponsor "Wanna Bet" & "Up in Smoke" theatrical productions for local schools
• Coordinate & sponsor annual Prevention Day with Norwich Navigators
• Organize Youth Rallies at the Capitol for tobacco and alcohol initiatives
• Organize Teen Access to Alcohol Prevention (TAAP) campaign
• Fund student film-making project on drunk driving
• Sponsor Youth Violence Prevention Conference
• Produce & distribute Community Resource Guide for Substance Abuse/Addiction Services
• Serve as local clearinghouse for alcohol, drug, tobacco & problem gambling information
• Assist legislators in shaping public policy to increase funding for problem gambling prevention, intervention and treatment
• Focused initiatives working with Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, CT Council on Problem Gambling, Tri-County Distributors, Dept. of Children & Families, National Organization of Women, etc

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• M.A.T.C.H. Coalition (Mobilize Against Tobacco for Children's Health)
• CT Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking
• SE CT Problem Gambling Task Force
• Drugs Don't Work
• CT Women's Health Campaign (Permanent Commission on the Status of Women)
• CT Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR)
• Local Prevention Councils of New London County
• CT Institute for Cultural Literacy and Wellness
• CT Council on Problem Gambling
• CT Clearinghouse
• CT Prevention Network
• United Way

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Major funding is provided by the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (D.M.H.A.S.) and through grants from private entities such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

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"Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. It's the only thing that ever does."

Margaret Mead