By: Ann Coniglio, Intern
When nearly half of a community believes addiction is a serious concern, and over a third feel there are not enough mental health resources, it’s more than a community concern – it’s a public health crisis.
In 2023, the Putnam County Community Foundation (PCCF) conducted a Community Needs Assessment which identified that 50% of Putnam County residents believe addiction and drug use are a serious concern and 37% believe there are not adequate resources for mental health treatment options. This data started a local conversation on the importance for increasing access to essential mental health and substance use recovery services.
We have learned that lasting solutions are not born in isolation; they’re built together. That’s why collective impact is the fuel behind a new, volunteer-driven coalition, and it is a framework worth replicating.
Putnam CARES (Community Action for Recovery, Empowerment, and Support) seeks to build a healthier, more resilient community by promoting mental wellness, preventing substance use, and expanding access to compassionate, evidence-based care. This mission is only possible through the power of consistent, collective impact.
Collective impact is more than a buzzword. It is a proven framework of long-term commitment from a group of cross-sector partners to solve a complex social problem through a shared agenda, aligned activities, and ongoing communication. Putnam CARES was built on the foundation that siloed solutions don’t work; unified ones do.
Currently, there are 40+ organizations and diverse stakeholders involved with Putnam CARES providing unique perspectives and solutions to the mental health and substance use issues at hand. In the past, we have seen initiatives fizzle out due to fragmented efforts, but with a clear drive to achieve collective impact, current initiatives are set up for success. With members from schools, nonprofits, businesses, government officials, law enforcement, and public health leaders, being able to have a common agenda is critical when working through complex social problems.
The common agenda of Putnam CARES is as follows:
- Improving Access and Recovery – Reduce substance use and improve access to mental health resources by responding directly to the community’s most urgent needs.
- Eliminating Stigma – Eliminate stigma surrounding mental health and substance use through education, marketing, and community storytelling.
- Coordinated Support – Strengthen community support systems by developing a coordinated referral network, training Community Navigators, and building a centralized Resource Hub.
- Sustainable Solutions – Foster long-term, community-driven solutions by uniting local organizations under a shared initiative that aims to become a standalone entity dedicated to recovery, access, and equity in care.
I have been lucky enough to see the passion of Putnam CARES volunteers, proving that this initiative is not something that is going to dissipate in a year or two. We have seen growing participation and interest in Putnam CARES events and improved trust and collaboration around many organizations within Putnam County and surrounding counties. This ultimately gets us one step closer to achieving our overarching goal of improving mental health and substance use within Putnam County.
Collective impact is not easy to achieve, but it is scalable and effective when rooted in authentic collaboration.
In order to create lasting change, it is imperative to invest in collective models like Putnam CARES that center community voices and shared responsibility. I urge policymakers, funders, and partner organizations to support initiatives that foster collaboration across sectors and prioritize mental health and substance use recovery. Not only do higher authorities play a vital role, so do local residents. Whether it’s by attending community meetings, starting conversations to reduce stigma, or offering support to neighbors in recovery, together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Putnam County.
In an era of deep division and daunting health challenges, Putnam CARES is proof that communities still hold the power to lead change. With 40+ organizations united under a shared mission, Putnam County is charting a path that other communities can follow. But to sustain this progress, we need more stakeholders, policymakers, funders, and neighbors willing to invest in what works. Putnam CARES reminds us that healing does not happen in isolation. It happens in community. Let’s not miss the opportunity to invest in what’s working.