Over 2700 Coalition Leaders Attend CADCA’s 19th Annual Forum

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More than 2700 substance abuse advocates from across the country joined CADCA for its 19th annual National Leadership Forum, held Feb. 9-12 at the National Harbor in Maryland. The event provided participants an opportunity to learn the latest strategies to fight substance abuse and to hear from nationally-known experts and policymakers.

Participants included community anti-drug coalitions of all regions of the country, addiction treatment professionals, researchers, educators, law enforcement professionals, faith-based leaders, government leaders and youth.

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.

“We are an addicted culture, but addiction is a symptom of the breakdown in communities. It’s something more than individuals getting into trouble,” Block said. “Evidence shows that strong communities have strong connectedness.”

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.

Participants also had a chance to make their voices heard at the Capitol Hill Day Rally, where the theme was “Rx for Prevention.”

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.