Who We Are

Founded in response to the devastating crack-cocaine epidemic of the 1980s, CADCA was born from a nationwide need to mobilize communities against rising drug use. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush established the President’s Drug Advisory Council to address the crisis, which led to the recommendation to form a nonprofit dedicated to coordinating prevention efforts. By 1992, CADCA was established to unite coalitions, share strategies, and drive community-level solutions. In 1997, CADCA played a pivotal role in securing the passage of the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Act, the nation’s cornerstone program for preventing youth drug use.

CADCA represents over 7,000 community coalitions that involve individuals from key sectors including schools, law enforcement, youth, parents, healthcare, media, and others. We have members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 28 countries around the world.