The National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) and its component group, the National Prevention Network (NPN), have announced their Call for Applications for the 2016 National Exemplary Awards for Innovative Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Practices, and Policies.

Since its inception over two decades ago, the program identifies and honors outstanding achievements in substance abuse prevention throughout the United States.

The 2016 Exemplary Awards recognize exceptional substance abuse efforts, to include programs, policies and practices. These awards serve to focus national attention on the field of substance abuse prevention. They are intended to showcase “grassroots,” evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs and strategies that have been evaluated and may be replicated by others.  

CADCA member MATFORCE received a 2015 Exemplary Award for its strategies to address prescription drug abuse in their Arizona county.

“MATFORCE being awarded the 2015 Exemplary Award from NPN was a great honor,” said Executive Director of both MATFORCE and Community Counts, Merilee Fowler. “The work that has been done to reduce prescription drug abuse in our county has been through the combined efforts of physicians, area hospitals, pharmacists, educators, treatment providers, media partners, and many others in our community.  This honor has showcased the work that can be accomplished by a true coalition of people working together to address a problem.”

As the field matures and expands, proven prevention strategies and practices are tailored to new populations and locations and adapted to address emerging problems and trends. Organizations that have implemented programs resulting in specific changes or outcomes—at either the individual, program, or community levels—are encouraged to respond to this Call for Applications.