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Members Learn Strategies to Fight Substance Abuse at Leadership Forum

More than 2,000 members from across the country, including community anti-drug coalitions, addiction treatment professionals, researchers, educators, law enforcement professionals, faith-based leaders, government leaders and youth, joined CADCA last month for its 19th Annual National Leadership Forum. The event, held February 9-12th, provided participants an opportunity to learn the latest strategies to fight substance abuse and to hear from nationally-known experts and policymakers.

The Forum kicked off with a riveting keynote address by award-winning author and community reconciliation expert, Peter Block, who explained the importance of community connectedness to the health and well-being of youth and adults.

Capital Hill Day began with an inspiring plenary featuring legislative updates from key congressional leaders. That afternoon, attendees rallied in Upper Senate Park on legislation and funding issues. After the rally, over 1,000 attendees stayed on Capital Hill for their congressional appointments to educate their legislators.

In addition to hearing key leaders, attendees sharpened their skills and learned new strategies at the more than 100 workshops at the Forum, which touched on a wide range of topics—from environmental strategies to reduce underage drinking and prescription drug abuse to how to apply scientific research to community practices.

The Forum ended with an award’s luncheon honoring national and state leaders, and community coalitions. CADCA’s highest honor, the National Leadership Award, was presented to Congressman Sander Levin (D-MI), who co-authored the federal Drug Free Communities Act and has been a longtime supporter of the community coalition field.

This article is taken from the new CADCA online publication – THE CADCA EDGE