CADCA recently wrapped up its 35th Annual National Leadership Forum, taking place February 3-6, in National Harbor, MD. The event brought together approximately 4,300 prevention professionals including nearly 600 youth attendees to participate in hundreds of education sessions and events and engage in countless networking opportunities. Nearly 2,200 attendees took to Capitol Hill to participate in more than 260 meetings with members of Congress and advocate for the importance of investing in prevention and advancing prevention-forward policies.
The first day kicked off with SAMHSA’s 21st Annual Prevention Day, offering attendees the latest research and trends shaping substance misuse prevention. Rear Admiral Chris Jones, Pharm.D., Dr.P.H., M.P.H., participated in a panel where youth leaders Olivia Gonzalez, Mason Watters, and Kashyap Rajesh were given the opportunity to ask pressing questions about the current state of prevention. The day continued with educational sessions focused on lifting youth voices in prevention, engaging communities in effective prevention, understanding childhood determinants of substance use, and much more.
On Tuesday, CADCA rolled out its Coalition Competencies, a new framework that is designed to help strengthen coalition’s efforts. Developed in partnership with the Center for Public Health Systems Science at Washington University, these competencies are the result of more than three years of dedicated research and collaboration. They provide coalitions with a roadmap for increasing their effectiveness.
On Wednesday, CADCA hosted a plenary session featuring Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY-20th), Representative Madeline Dean (D-PA-4th), and Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17th). Their remarks reinforced that prevention is a bipartisan issue requiring collective action. Rep. Dean emphasized the importance of supporting individuals and families impacted by substance misuse, stating that “every person’s son and daughter deserves a chance at recovery.”
Thursday morning’s membership breakfast featured Ryan Leaf as the keynote speaker, where he recounted his transformation from a professional NFL star to an advocate for recovery. He shared his struggles with substance misuse and the impact it had on his career, personal life, and relationships, and highlighted the importance of seeking help and starting his recovery journey.
Forum also served as a time to celebrate outstanding coalitions and leaders. A special graduation ceremony was held to recognize and honor the newest graduates of the National Coalition Academy, State Coalition Academy, Opioid Coalition Academy, and Coalition Business Academy.
Additionally, CADCA presented prestigious awards to the following individuals demonstrating exceptional impact in the substance misuse prevention field:
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Honorable Paul Tonko (D-NY-20th)
The Honorable Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Prix national du leadership
Anne Milgram, Former Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration
Outstanding Youth Leader Award
Neha Shanavas
Avocat de l'année
Dennis Trask
Dr. Matthew Rossheim
Prix national de l'actualité
Ryan Leaf
Prix du meilleur État membre
New York
Prix Dose de prévention
Orange County Drug Free Coalition
Prix du ruban bleu
Coalition en bref : One Voice of Hunterdon, Inc.
Coalition de l'année : Johnston Prevention Coalition
We look forward to seeing you next year at the 36th Annual National Leadership Forum, February 2-5!
