Dena Miccinello-Barbarula, GCC
Interim Director
dmiccinellobarbarula@catalystct.org
203.989.5462
Hi. Welcome to Catalyst CT | The Hub’s Initiatives webpage. My name is Dena and I am the Interim Director for the Regional Behavioral Action Organization in Region 1 of Connecticut (RBHAO). Our role is to serve as a strategic partner and resource for the region; coordinating initiatives related to mental health, suicide prevention, problem substance use, and problem gambling; as well as liaising between the region and the state. If you are interested in learning more, getting involved or staying connected, please feel free to reach out! Thank you for joining us!
What is Community Prevention?
We support the communities of Southwest CT by working to prevent substance misuse and suicide and by promoting mental wellness. Our Local Prevention Councils (LPCs) work with representatives from multiple community organizations to address issues related to substance use prevention and mental health.
Using the Strategic Prevention Framework Model
The federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) developed the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to assist the prevention sector in establishing and implementing effective plans to address substance misuse and related behavioral health problems. By using this framework, we increase the likelihood that prevention efforts will reduce harmful behaviors and keep communities healthier and safer.
You can learn more about SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework here.
Coalition Building
The Hub is a coordinating agency working on behavioral health issues in our region, bringing together both community-based and issue-based coalitions. Our coalitions use a model that the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) developed, which emphasizes community coalitions’ power through collaborative efforts. According to this model, seven evidence-based strategies help coalitions create effective and positive community changes.
Our coalitions use CADCA’s seven evidenced-based strategies to make positive changes in their communities.