Newport County Regional Logo
Facebook Instagram Youtube

Our Programs

Newport County Prevention Coalition creates, implements and advocates for effective strategies in substance use prevention and to promote the safety and well-being of Newport County citizens. A key focus of the coalition is community ownership for resolving local substance misuse issues. NCPC includes representation from, but not limited to, parents, students, teachers, businesses, school department, elected officials, faith organizations, youth organizations, the medical community, persons with disabilities, police department, senior citizens, community development groups, town government, and town organizations.

Hidden in Plain Sight
Hidden in Plain Sight is a prevention program aimed at revealing to parents the many new products available to youth for substance use and the ways to conceal potential use and risky behaviors. Set up as a mock teenagers bed room, Hidden in Plain Sight is an interactive experience giving parents an opportunity to see the many products that may indicate the likelihood of substance use. Hidden in Plain Sight is meant to bring awareness and give parents information that will encourage meaningful conversations with their teens.

View the interactive Hidden in Plain Sight mock bedroom demo and video.

To arrange a presentation of Hidden in Plain Sight, please contact Polly Allen at [email protected]

Grandfamily Support
Did you know that 13,000 Children in Rhode Island Are Being Raised by Their Grandparents? Caregiving for grandchildren is a unique experience that can put a strain on family dynamics in many different ways. Newport County Prevention Coalition offers a support group for grandparents who are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren by providing an opportunity to come together and provide mutual support to each other. Meetings are based on the availability of interested participants and facilitated by a social worker from Child & Family Services.

More information on the Grandfamilies Support Initiative.

To attend or refer potential members, please contact Gregory Thompson, [email protected]. 

Naloxone Training
Naloxone, or more commonly known as Narcan®, is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Free Naloxone trainings and Naloxone kits are available for individuals or local business. Newport County Prevention Coalition is committed to helping reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by offering trainings on the signs of an overdose, administering Naloxone and the Good Samaritan Law to any business, community group, faith-based establishments, or community organizations.

For more information, dates of upcoming trainings, or to register for a training.

Faith Initiative
The Faith Initiative was developed to assist local faith communities understand substance misuse and offer trainings, resources, and information on how to offer help. Newport County Prevention Coalition engages faith leaders to decrease behavioral health stigma by viewing addiction as a chronic brain disease and not a moral failure.

Learn more about the initiative or download the Faith Initiative Toolkit

Safe Homes – Underage Drinking
The Safe Homes initiative engages parents to take concrete actions to protect their children from underage drinking. Parents can significantly decrease the likelihood of underage drinking among their children and their children’s friends by doing four actions in their home.

For more information or to take the Safe Homes Promise.

Count It! Lock It! Drop It!®
A comprehensive diversion control program to prevent prescription drugs from getting into the wrong hands!  The program, part of Newport County Prevention’s Project Lazarus, was developed as a response to the county’s rising drug overdose epidemic by promoting safe prescription medication monitoring and storage in the home and the proper disposal of unused or unwanted medications utilizing community drop boxes located at most police departments.!

For more information, to find your local safe drug disposal location or to order a FREE Medication Lock Bag.

Drug Take-Back Days
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects our commitment to community safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes to help prevent medication and opioid misuse. 

Drug Take Back Days are scheduled every April and October at all Newport County police stations. Medication can be dropped off for safe disposal, no questions asked. Coalition volunteers are on hand to provide assistance.

Find A Drug Disposal Site Near You.

Medication Safety
It is too easy for your child or teen to access drugs left on kitchen or bathroom counters and medicine cabinets. Securely store ALL painkillers and other common drugs. The Newpoprt County Prevention Coalition offer free medication lock bags via mail for anyone is interested.

More information or to order A FREE Medication Lock Bag.

The Reach Newsletter
A monthly publication designed to inform Newport County residents about the Coalition and the various ongoing initiatives available to those in our community.

Read the latest issue or archived issues.

Totally Preventable Podcasts
Created to provide awareness, prevention education, resources, and support within our community for behavioral health and social causes that maybe you didn’t know existed! Every resident of Newport County can positively impact the social issues their community experiences, it’s just a matter of understanding the challenges we all face. We invite compelling speakers from amazing local organizations and passionate residents with unique life stories to share their insight with you. 

Check out the latest or archived episodes or contact us to be a guest speaker.

Project Lazarus
Newport County Prevention Coalition addresses opiate misuse using the public health model, Project Lazarus. Project Lazarus increases awareness of opioid overdose risk as well as the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.

For more information on The Lazarus Project

PEER Productions
Empowering middle and high school students to share their creative talents through media. PEER Productions is a youth-led and youth-focused program that encourages young people to speak out against substance use and risky behaviors through the arts. This program supports the power of creativity and storytelling to amplify the voices of young people and create positive change in their communities. The program provides a safe and inclusive space for young people to express themselves through writing, acting, filmmaking, music or graphic design with stories on big theme issues such as mental health topics. 

Learn about PEER Productions, the CORE Organization or watch video trailers.

Rhody Coasters
The Rhody Coaster is designed to provide bars with safe drinking resources encouraging a fun yet responsible night out when at their favorit bar or restaurant! Scan the QR code to be linked to resources such as a Blood Alcohol Calculator (BAC), links to local cab companies or car services such as Uber and Lyft, plus information about underage drinking prevention and the Social Host Law.

Check out these resources on alcohol safety and drinking responsibly

Order Request Form for Bars and Restaurants.

If you would like to volunteer or want to learn more about any of our programs, please reach out to us and we will be in touch shortly. Thank you!

[email protected]

Office Address:
300 High Point Ave., Portsmouth, RI 02871

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 173, Adamsville, RI 02801
Phone: 1.401.835.5311

Sean Palumbo

Sean Palumbo has been involved in the prevention field since 2013 as a student member of the Kickemuit Middle School STAAND (Students Taking Action Against Negative Decisions) club. Since then, Sean has been an avid advocate with American Lung Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Rhode Island Department of Health, advocating and educating in various fields that include but are not limited to traffic safety, tobacco-control and alcohol / drug awareness and prevention. 

Sean was born and raised in Bristol, Rhode Island and a graduate of Mt. Hope High School. Shortly after graduating from MHHS, Sean obtained his Associate Prevention Specialist certification and began working with the East Bay Regional Coalition as their youth council coordinator, recruiting and educating youth ages 12-18 on various prevention topics and encouraging them to advocate to their peers to make safe choices around substances. In September 2022, he took over the State Opioid Response grant for the East Bay region in addition to coordinating the youth council. 

Meanwhile, outside of the prevention field, Sean focuses most of his free time to the Bristol Fire Department’s Division of EMS and the Defiance Hose Co. 1. Serving his hometown as a first responder with the div. of EMS since Jul. 2021 and a    Firefighter II with the Defiance company since Jan. 2022.

Gregory Thompson

Gregory Thompson is a dynamic and results-driven professional with a knack for orchestrating grants with a twist. With an innate talent for fostering innovation and divergent problem solving, Greg brings a refreshing approach to coordinating grants, making the process not just efficient but also impactful.

His exceptional ability to cultivate and secure resources is nothing short of remarkable. Beyond his professional prowess, Greg’s role as a devoted parent fuels his unwavering commitment to championing substance use prevention, reminding him daily of the importance of his work. His dedication, coupled with his unique flair for program development, transforms ideas into tangible solutions, leaving a lasting imprint on the communities he serves. Greg is your go to partner for turning visionary projects into reality.

Rebecca Elwell, M.A., CPSS

Rebecca holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology and an Advance Prevention Specialist Certification with 24 years of community substance misuse prevention experience. Rebecca is a founding member of the Ocean State Prevention Alliance an organization that addressed the unintended consequences of marijuana laws using scientific research and public health approaches. Rebecca is the founder of Strategic Prevention Partnerships, a non-profit organization based in Newport County, that promotes community health and well-being through action, education, support and collaboration.

Rebecca loves collaborating with community partners to find innovative ways to support Newport County residents. She believes that the solution to every community problem can be found within the community! For Rebecca, the excitement comes from pairing evidence-based strategies with a grass-roots philosophy to achieve success. Rebecca is frequently requested to provide expert testimony on legislation impacting substance use and behavioral health.

Along with community behavioral health partners across Newport County, Rebecca was a founding member and facilitator of the Newport County Behavioral Health System of Care, known locally as No Wrong Door. NWD is an inter-agency behavioral health initiative that coordinates timely, high-quality, cost-effective, evidence-based mental health and substance use care to individuals and families in Newport County. No Wrong Door seeks to meet the challenges of individuals and families with behavioral health needs and ensures that those at risk are identified and connected to appropriate care and services.

Rebecca, a lifelong resident of Little Compton, has two adult children (her pride) and a beloved grandson (her joy). Before work each day, Rebecca is greeted by five small goats and six chickens eagerly awaiting their breakfast.  An avid traveler, Rebecca has not been everywhere, but it is on her list!

J.R. Nelson

Now a Tiverton resident for some time, J.R. was born and raised in New England. He grew up and attended high school in the small town of Lunenburg, Massachusetts, where he then went on to attend college in Biddeford, Maine.

J.R. arrives at SPP after graduating from the University of New England in 2023, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Biology. While also studying a minor in Health, Medicine, and Society, he found a passion in the realm of Public Health, including sectors such as policy development, community health education, and global epidemiology. J.R. is now currently working towards the completion of a Master of Public Health degree through UNE.

Also, having been a member of the UNE varsity football team from 2019-2023, J.R. has a passion for the connection between athletics and education, as well as health and wellness. He has been a part of several notable groups throughout his early beginnings, one being UNE’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He also has experience as a member of an athletic leadership council, which formed based on adapting student-athletes to NCAA regulations at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

J.R. joined SPP as a member of the Newport County Prevention Coalition in November 2024, specifically working as a Community Educator with the Tiverton and Little Compton Prevention Coalitions. He hopes to bring a well-rounded background and youthful energy to the prevention efforts in these communities.

Andy Merritt

Andy Merritt serves as a project coordinator for Strategic Prevention Partnerships’ No Wrong Door behavioral health initiative, where they are dedicated to supporting marginalized communities, including individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. They believe that recovery is attainable for everyone and is passionate about helping people discover their unique path to a fulfilling life.

Before joining the team in July 2024, Andy completed their Peer Recovery Specialist internship at Hope Recovery, where they gained valuable experience supporting individuals facing complex behavioral health and substance use challenges. Their commitment to advocacy and outreach stemmed from witnessing the disproportionate need for support in underserved communities, inspiring them to pursue a career where they could make a tangible difference.

Andy holds an Associate’s Degree with high honors in General Studies from the Community College of Rhode Island and is certified as a Peer Recovery Specialist. Currently, they are completing a Community Health Worker certification to expand their ability to serve diverse populations. Andy’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that meaningful change comes from within, and they strive to empower others by demonstrating that life can be actively shaped through one’s efforts.

Andy is always eager to meet new people and learn about their experiences. In their free time, they indulge in creative pursuits like art and writing, along with reading, video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Bridget Manning

Bridget is the mental health promotion coordinator for Strategic Prevention Partnership’s No Wrong Door behavioral health initiative. Bridget’s professional goal is to educate others regarding mental health and substance use disorders in an effort to decrease stigma and increase public awareness regarding recovery. To accomplish these endeavors, Bridget has obtained her Mental Health First Aid instructor certification, with a focus on youth-based skills and teaches the course content for a variety of audiences. Additionally, she is utilizing the Campaign to Change Direction to increase public awareness concerning the importance of prioritizing mental health — especially for young people.

Before joining Newport County Prevention Coalition in September of 2022, Bridget taught eighth grade English in Massachusetts for seventeen years. Her time in the classroom emphasized an increased need for prevention education tailored to adolescents, and Bridget decided to refocus her efforts back home here in Newport County.

A product of Tiverton Public Schools, Bridget earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature with a concentration in Secondary Education from Boston College and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in English Literature from Bridgewater State University. She is currently working on a substance use counseling certification and is eager to show others that recovery is possible for them.

Bridget lives in Portsmouth and loves the Rhode Island beach life but appreciates international travel and experiencing new cultures when she can. If she isn’t working or traveling, Bridget can be found in the gym where she enjoys weight-lifting and yoga.

Bridget Santos

In her role as the No Wrong Door Coordinator, Bridget Santos collaborates closely with behavioral health providers and actively engages with residents who have lived experience to pinpoint and address the obstacles our community encounters when seeking mental health treatment.

Bridget initially pursued a marketing major, but she has since charted a new path, currently pursuing her CADC license to become a Substance Use Counselor. Her passion lies in assisting individuals on their journey to recovery, ensuring they have access to the most suitable care for their unique needs.

Throughout Newport County, Bridget has organized several community listening sessions, fostering an environment for candid discussions about pressing issues. Through these hundreds of dialogues, Bridget diligently seeks to comprehend the distinct barriers and, more importantly, devise effective solutions to surmount them. Driven by her personal experiences with mental health and her deep community roots, Bridget aspires to be more than just a coordinator; she aspires to be an advocate for positive change throughout her community.

Bridget’s commitment to learning from the community and her drive to create innovative strategies are at the core of her approach. She’s always seeking new ways to meet the diverse needs of the community she serves. When she’s not working, you can find Bridget spending quality time with her cat Stella, playing video games, or enjoying time with her family.

Kathleen Brughelli

Kathleen’s role is to create and manage initiatives to educate and raise awareness of the dangers of opiates for people of all ages. Her innovative approaches to opiate education programs come from a creative perspective which encourages people to fully engage with the topic. 

Kathleen holds a BS from Russell Sage College and an MS from Northeastern University.

Georgie Cranson

Georgie Cranson serves as the Portsmouth Prevention Coordinator, a role she stepped into immediately following her graduation from the University of Rhode Island (URI) with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion in October 2024. She is also pursuing her master’s degree in healthcare management at URI, furthering her dedication to improving community health and wellness.

Georgie has always had a strong passion for supporting children and families. With over five years of experience as a preschool teacher, she has honed her skills in early childhood development and education, deeply understanding the challenges and needs of young children. This experience shapes her approach to prevention and support programs, allowing her to design initiatives that empower the youth in Portsmouth.

Growing up in Portsmouth and attending the local public schools, Georgie has a unique connection to the community. Her personal and professional experience provides her with an invaluable perspective, enabling her to better address the needs of her neighbors and create programs that resonate with local families. She is particularly passionate about female empowerment, advocating for girls and young women as they navigate the complexities of life, emotions, and self-identity.

Outside of her professional life, Georgie enjoys quality time with her Jack Russell Terrier, Yoshi, and her two-year-old nephew, JJ. Her commitment to family and community continues to fuel her work, as she believes in the power of connection and positive support in shaping the future for the next generation.

Brian Gough

Brian has been in New England for over 35 years, with 20+ years living in Tiverton, RI. He has a Master’s Degree in Student Personnel Administration and early in his career he worked at Keene State College, and Roger Williams University in residential community development, new student orientation, and volunteer programming. He understands from his time working with students the importance for all of us in finding a connection within the work we do, the places we live, and friends and family with whom we spend our time. The ability to “affiliate” gives us purpose and meaning.

After leaving higher education, Brian worked at American Power Conversion (APC)/Schneider Electric in West Kingston, RI. As a human resource business partner and leader he worked with a wide range of employees across the globe. He traveled extensively with APC and then with Schneider Electric who acquired the company at a critical point it it’s growth. He managed teams and supported employees in over 20 countries, learning a great deal about communication and the importance of understanding the cultural background of those you are trying to help.

After a short-lived early retirement, Brian has joined the Tiverton & Little Compton Prevention Coalition as the Coordinator. He is actively involved in the local community and has been building relationships throughout the region while continuing the work done to build the Coalitions.

Melanie Saunders

Melanie (she/they) is a dedicated community organizer and nonprofit professional with a passion for social justice and equity. She managed Community Programs at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport for seven years, where she led initiatives for LGBTQIA+ youth, wellness, and food access. A graduate of Roger Williams University with a Journalism and Creative Writing degree, Melanie brings strong communication skills to her work, using storytelling to amplify community voices and advocate for change. She has served on various local boards and commissions such as Newport String Project and the City of Newport’s Energy & Environment Commission. A lifelong learner, she is currently enrolled in Providence College’s Secondary Teaching Certification Program, and plans on becoming a High School Special Educator.

As a long-time resident of Newport, Melanie is the parent of two amazing children in the Newport Public Schools and will forever be an advocate for her community.

Lori Verderosa

Lori Verderosa is the Director of the Middletown Prevention Coalition and has been at the helm since 2007. Lori has a Master’s Degree in Human Development with a specialization in Holistic Counseling and a post graduate CAGS. She is an Advanced Prevention Specialist (APS) and has been working in the substance use prevention field for 38 years.

Lori has also worked as a national training consultant for the Discovery Channel in Maryland, Comprehensive Health Education Foundation in Seattle and United Learning in Chicago providing professional development workshops for health education curricula for school districts, state departments of education and parent groups across the country. These various prevention curricula targeted substance use, violence/bullying, HIV and tobacco prevention and Natural Helper retreats for students.

Lori was an adjunct faculty member in the education department at Salve Regina University for many years where she taught a course “Teaching Drug Prevention and Intervention in the Classroom”. 

Additionally, Lori is a clinician in private practice here on Aquidneck Island. She is an LCDP (Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional) and is a Certified Hypnotherapist (CHT) where she specializes in substance use disorders and other behavioral health issues.

She loves dogs and has been volunteering for many years with the Potter League in many different capacities such as board member, capital campaign committee member and facilitator for their pet bereavement group. She has designed their pet loss group and has been facilitating the group for 30 plus years.

In her spare time, Lori can be found in her gardens where she finds peace and contentment. She loves nature and enjoys kayaking and taking long walks on the beach or Sachuest Point.

Polly Allen, CPS

Polly Allen started her prevention career in 2014 as the part-time Coordinator of the Little Compton Prevention Coalition. Prior to that, she was a work from home mother of four, keeping track of their farm animals and picking heirloom tomatoes. When her youngest child was in middle school, Polly was encouraged to apply for the prevention role, the job and the timing seemed like a perfect fit. A couple years later, Tiverton Prevention Coalition was looking for a Youth Coordinator, also part time, so the two roles were combined and Polly became a full-time prevention specialist.

In 2022, Polly was promoted to Director of Prevention for the Newport County Prevention Coalition.  Polly pairs her years of prevention experience with her dedication to Newport County to bring about positive change and well- being to Newport County families. Polly along with co-host Greg Thompson hosts the weekly Totally Preventable Podcast, found where ever podcasts are available. Additionally, Polly provides Narcan training and Hidden in Plain Sight presentations for the county.