CADCA Connection
Welcome to CADCA Connection, the best way to hear about the latest from CADCA and the prevention field.

Highlights from the 2025 Kansas Prevention Collaborative ...
The annual Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC) Conference took place in mid-October, bringing together prevention professionals, coalition leaders, and community partners from across the state of Kansas for two days of learning, connection, and c...

Highlights from the 2025 Kansas Prevention Collaborative Conference
The annual Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC) Conference took place in mid-October, bringing together prevention professionals, coalition leaders, and community partners from across the state of Kansas for two days of learning, connection, and collaboration.

From Campus to Community, CADCA and University of Guayaquil Lead the Way in Ecuador
CADCA is proud to announce a new framework agreement for interinstitutional cooperation with the University of Guayaquil, marking an important milestone in advancing substance use prevention and community coalition development in Ecuador.

Working Together to Prevent Medicine Misuse
October is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month and an important reminder that prevention starts at home and in our communities.
CADCA News & Coalition Updates
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Coalitions in Action: 1P Kids Succeed Coalition
Earlier this year, a new coalition formed in Payette County, Idaho with a vision to help kids grow up safe, healthy, and ready to succeed.

How Assessment Paved the Way for Williamstown’s Smokefree Ordinance
How did Williamstown use assessment and data to successfully pass the region's first comprehensive smokefree policy?

CADCA Coordinates Letter to Congress in Support of Closing the Hemp Loophole
This week, 81 national and state public health, medical, law enforcement, and consumer protection organizations signed onto a letter urging Congress to include language in the final FY 2026 Agriculture appropriations bill to close the hemp loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill.

Takeaways from the National Conference on Tobacco or Health
In August 2025, five CADCA staff members attended the National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH) in Chicago, Illinois. As one of the largest national gatherings for tobacco prevention professionals, the conference brought together leaders, practitioners, and advocates to share strategies and strengthen connections across the field.

Conducting Store Assessments in Alcohol Outlets
Through the Retail Alcohol Data (RAD) Collaborative, 31 community coalitions across 15 states visited 2,368 stores to collect data on alcohol pricing, placement, and promotion.

Spotlighting Youth-Led Prevention Across the Nation
At CADCA’s 2025 Mid-Year Training Institute in Nashville, seven youth leaders from the Voices of Youth program presented the projects they’ve been building over the past year. Through hands-on training and mentorship, youth participants design and implement projects addressing substance use and mental health challenges where they live.

Launching Enhanced Technical Assistance in Arkansas
At this year’s Mid-Year Training Institute, CADCA introduced a new offering: Enhanced Technical Assistance (TA) for 11 coalitions in Arkansas. This is an exciting step forward in how we support coalitions in their journey.

How Strong Internal Communication Supports Successful Coalitions
Earlier this summer, CPHSS’s Zara Petkovic and Laura Brossart led a webinar to guide attendees through the research behind CADCA’s Coalition Competencies and provide insights on how coalitions can begin building stronger internal communication processes.

A Look Back at CADCA’s 24th Annual Mid-Year Training Institute
From July 20-24, prevention professionals from across the globe convened in Nashville, TN for CADCA’s 24th Annual Mid-Year Training Institute. With more than 2,100 attendees, including over 400 youth attendees, the conference offered hundreds of educational workshops and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Terrance Cole Sworn in as New Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration
On July 23, 2025, Terrance Cole was sworn in as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator. Cole, a former Naval Officer, has 31 years of law enforcement experience, including 22 years at the DEA. During his tenure as a DEA Special Agent, he served in a variety of domestic and international posts, including Colombia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.

President Trump Signs HALT Fentanyl Act into Law
This week, President Trump signed the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, also called the HALT Fentanyl Act into law. This important legislation permanently designates all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs.

Coalitions in Action: Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together
Since its start in 2016, the Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (BOAT) Coalition has made a name for itself as a powerhouse for prevention and building community connections. What started as a taskforce addressing opioid misuse has grown into a well-rounded, youth-focused coalition grounded in public health, compassion, and evidence-based practices.

