Boehringer Ingelheim Applauds the Governor's Prevention Partnership for Protecting Connecticut Youth from Drugs and Alcohol for 35 Years

With alarming statistics showing that half of all U.S. teens have misused a drug at least once this year,¹ the work of Connecticut’s Governor's Prevention Partnership (GPP) is more important than ever. Boehringer Ingelheim is proud to recognize GPP's 35th anniversary and its commitment to keeping Connecticut youth safe and substance free.

Recently, Boehringer colleagues joined Governor Ned Lamont, GPP leadership, partners, and other supporters in West Hartford to celebrate this milestone. The event highlighted the program’s accomplishments and reaffirmed the shared commitment to preventing substance misuse and promoting the well-being of the state’s future workforce.

“We are honored to stand with Governor Lamont and our GPP partners in their vital work to promote the health and safety of Connecticut’s teenagers,” said Jennifer Herz, Director, State Government Affairs for Boehringer Ingelheim. “Boehringer recognizes and commends the importance of GPP’s mission and the positive effect it has had on Connecticut communities over generations.”

“GPP is an ideal partner for Boehringer. Both organizations think long-term,” said Renee Tehi, Executive Director, US Benefits & Wellness at Boehringer Ingelheim and GPP Board Member. “In fact, our collective efforts work to help teens stay healthy and drug free, build stronger communities and keep the local environment safe through the proper disposal of medicines directly aligns with Boehringer’s Sustainable Development for Generations framework which focuses on improving public health, building healthier communities and protecting the environment.”

A legacy of prevention 

Since its founding in 1989, under the name “Drugs Don’t Work,” GPP has led efforts to prevent drug and alcohol misuse among young people across the state. Co-founded by Governor William O’Neill as a public-private initiative, GPP has successfully leveraged business and government resources to prevent drinking and drug use among the state’s teenagers before it starts.

Current initiatives

GPP has long offered mentoring programs to provide guidance and positive role modeling for young people. It also works to increase awareness and understanding of issues like opioid misuse, vaping, and alcohol consumption through awareness campaigns and education. 

One such initiative, the “Prevention Starts with You” Campaign launched earlier this year to educate adults on preventing drug misuse and offer conversation starters. The campaign also includes the distribution of 50,000 drug deactivation pouches, which can be used safely anywhere and disposed of with household trash, preventing misuse and environmental harm. Their use is expected to eliminate over two million unwanted pills or other medications. The Partnership also actively promotes drug take-back programs to reduce access to unneeded or expired products that could lead to their misuse.  

Boehringer is grateful for the opportunity to work with GPP on these important efforts. Learn about GPP’s other programs and request a drug deactivation pouch at https://gppct.org/resources/substance-misuse-prevention/opioids-and-prescription-drug-safety/prevention-starts-with-you/   

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