Last week, we continued our Competencies in Focus webinar series with a deep dive into the Community Engagement competency. Led by Zara Petković from Washington University in St. Louis’ Center for Public Health Systems Science, Dr. Brett Maricque from the McDonnell Genome Institute at Washington University School of Medicine, and CADCA Trainer Kristina Clark, the session explored what it takes to build meaningful relationships that support long-term prevention success.  

CADCA is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 National Leadership Forum Awards. Every year, CADCA recognizes exceptional individuals that have made significant contributions to the field of substance use prevention and community coalition leadership.

CADCA and Upstream Kansas are proud to introduce the members of the Kansas Youth Prevention Action Council.

Across Africa, coalitions are bringing together communities to improve prevention and promote healthier futures. Through local partnerships, education, and outreach, these groups are implementing evidence-based strategies to address the unique substance use challenges facing their communities. 

On Oct. 24, the National Association of Attorneys General released a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees urging for the closure of the hemp loophole, created by a provision in the 2018 Farm Bill that has resulted in the proliferation of hemp-derived THC and other intoxicating products throughout the country.

What does it really mean for your coalition to be ready to implement a new strategy, program, or policy?

The annual Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC) Conference took place in mid-October, bringing together prevention professionals, coalition leaders, and community partners from across the state of Kansas for two days of learning, connection, and collaboration. 

CADCA is proud to announce a new framework agreement for interinstitutional cooperation with the University of Guayaquil, marking an important milestone in advancing substance use prevention and community coalition development in Ecuador.

October is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month and an important reminder that prevention starts at home and in our communities.  

Earlier this year, a new coalition formed in Payette County, Idaho with a vision to help kids grow up safe, healthy, and ready to succeed.

How did Williamstown use assessment and data to successfully pass the region's first comprehensive smokefree policy?

This week, 81 national and state public health, medical, law enforcement, and consumer protection organizations signed onto a letter urging Congress to include language in the final FY 2026 Agriculture appropriations bill to close the hemp loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill.

In August 2025, five CADCA staff members attended the National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH) in Chicago, Illinois. As one of the largest national gatherings for tobacco prevention professionals, the conference brought together leaders, practitioners, and advocates to share strategies and strengthen connections across the field.

Through the Retail Alcohol Data (RAD) Collaborative, 31 community coalitions across 15 states visited 2,368 stores to collect data on alcohol pricing, placement, and promotion.

At CADCA’s 2025 Mid-Year Training Institute in Nashville, seven youth leaders from the Voices of Youth program presented the projects they’ve been building over the past year. Through hands-on training and mentorship, youth participants design and implement projects addressing substance use and mental health challenges where they live.