Building Stronger Communities: Anaamika Nair on Coalition Building and Prevention
Episode Overview
Community engagement plays a crucial role in addiction prevention. Having a mentor can significantly reduce risky behaviours in youth. Data-driven approaches help identify effective prevention strategies. Youth advisory boards provide valuable peer-to-peer support. Idealism is essential for making a difference in prevention work.
Even preventing one person, one group, and knowing that you've made some success there makes the difference
In this episode of the Healing Voices Project, host Mike Tourville sits down with Anaamika Nair from the Gandara Center to discuss the powerful impact of community engagement and coalition building in combating addiction. Anaamika, who directs the Springfield Stop Access Coalition, shares her journey from California to Massachusetts, and how her college experiences shaped her passion for community activism and prevention work.
They dive into the importance of having a mentor for young people and how it can significantly reduce risky behaviours like substance use. Anaamika emphasises the need for idealism in prevention work, arguing that even small successes can make a big difference. She also talks about the various initiatives at the Gandara Center, including youth advisory boards and interactive workshops that aim to educate and engage the community on substance use prevention.
The episode is filled with insights on how data-driven approaches and strong community ties can foster a healthier, addiction-free environment. If you're interested in how community efforts can make a real difference, this episode is a must-listen.