Coalition Leaders Advocate for Increased Prevention and Treatment Funding on CADCA’s Capitol Hill Day

The Walter E. Washington convention center ballroom was packed with more than 2,600 coalition members to kick things off for CADCA´s Opening and Capitol Hill Day at the 18th Annual National Leadership Forum. A resounding level of support resonated with the field as they took to Capitol Hill to meet with more than 100 Members of Congress, or their staffs to advocate for increased resources for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and education programs.

Dr. Drew Pinsky, a board-certified addiction medicine specialist and noted television and radio personality, gave the keynote address at the Opening and Capitol Hill Day Plenary that set the tone for the day, as he expressed his support for the prevention work that coalitions do, and how humbled he was to address such a dedicated group of professionals.

Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-7th/IL) moved the audience as the first member of Congress to speak during the morning plenary. His eloquent words touched upon pursuing dreams and efforts for community health and well-being through prevention, while inspiring the group to shake-off adversity along the way to reach those aspirations.

Immediately following, Congressman Jim Ramstad (R-3rd/MN) took the stage and energized attendees as he continued his pledge to the field and his mission in Congress, to pass addiction and mental health parity legislation for insurance coverage. Additionally, CADCA presented Congressman Ramstad with its Congressional Leadership Award in recognition of his years of service to the prevention, treatment and recovery fields. Congressman Ramstad plans to retire at the end of the 110th session of Congress.

Capitol Hill Day attendees also benefited from hearing two staff members from Capitol Hill: Hilarie Chambers from Congressman Sander Levin’s office (D-12th/MI), and Martin Green from Congressman Mark Souder’s office (R-3rd/IN). Both provided advice and insight to the prevention field on how to have successful meetings on Capitol Hill.

Following the plenary session, coalition leaders and youth gathered in the Upper Senate Park for a rally on Capitol Hill that invigorated Forum attendees. Many held signs that resembled playing cards reminding the public that we must “Deal with Drugs” and “Deal with Underage Drinking.” Dr. Drew Pinsky was so inspired by the work that coalitions do, that he decided to extend his stay at the CADCA Forum to join the coalition leaders at the rally. Despite the cold weather, Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-1st/RI) “rallied the troops.” His remarks focused on his staunch support for addiction and mental health parity, and the need for increased funding for federal drug control programs.

During the rally, Doug Hughes, Executive Director of the Miami Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Community, and Takara Taylor, Youth Coordinator of
FACE IT in Bel Air, Md., addressed the cheering crowd. Both gave inspiring remarks on the importance of coalition work, as well as the importance of making your voice heard on Capitol Hill, to ensure that the programs we support as a field are funded at the highest level possible.

Capitol Hill Day concluded with a reception where coalition leaders shared their stories and experiences from the day. CADCA also presented Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-30th/TX) with its Congressional Leadership Award during the reception for her work to restore funding to the State Grants portion of the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Program by offering a floor amendment that passed with unanimous consent. She thanked everyone for their efforts that day, and talked with passion about her commitment to the prevention cause.

Long-time champion for substance abuse prevention, and original co-sponsor of the Drug Free Communities Act, Senator Charles E. Grassley (R-IA) was the final member of Congress to address the group. He touched upon a variety of subjects, including the resolution he co-sponsored with Senator Joseph R. Biden (D-DE), designating the week of February 10-16, 2008 as “National Drug Prevention and Education Week,” as well as his work to start a coalition in Iowa.

“Capitol Hill Day was a great success, and CADCA would like to thank everyone for their enthusiastic participation. Working together, we can continue to advocate for increased funding, and help to ensure that our communities remain, safer, healthier, and drug-free,” said Sue Thau, CADCA’s Public Policy consultant.

If you participated in a meeting on Capitol Hill and would like to know what else you can do, please click here or see CADCA's Capitol Hill Basics website at www.cadca.org.