Another year has come and gone, and as we move forward into 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the progress that we made last year. The 2024 Annual Report theme, The Power of Prevention, captures what we and our coalitions have achieved in communities across the country and around the world.

On February 26, youth leaders from the Kansas Youth Prevention Action Council (KYPAC) took to the Kansas State Capitol to participate in Kansas Prevention Advocacy Day.

We are thrilled to share that CADCA has been officially approved as a registered civil society organization within the Organization of American States (OAS). This recognition, granted by the Permanent Council of the OAS in December, will allow CADCA to participate in international drug policy discussions and collaborate with like-minded member states on substance use prevention initiatives.

CADCA recently wrapped up its 35th Annual National Leadership Forum, taking place February 3-6, in National Harbor, MD. The event brought together approximately 4,300 prevention professionals including nearly 600 youth attendees to participate in hundreds of education sessions and events and engage in countless networking opportunities.

Every year, CADCA hosts a Dose of Prevention Challenge in partnership with the Consumer Healthcare Products Association’s Stop Medicine Abuse campaign. We are excited to announce the 2024 winner and runners-up of the 2024 Dose of Prevention Challenge.

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is rapidly reshaping educational experiences in areas previously limited to traditional methods, such as healthcare and safety training.

In recent years, CADCA has expanded its coalition-building efforts across Latin America, with a particular focus on empowering youth leaders to tackle pressing community issues.

Held on November 14-15, the event brought together 125 attendees to provide support to families affected by the fentanyl crisis through specialized tracks, workshops, and resources.

On October 26, CADCA partnered with the City of Alexandria on Drug Take Back Day, part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) 27th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, to encourage residents and the broader community to safely dispose of their unexpired or unwanted medications.

Between January 2016 and March 2024, there were more than 47,000 opioid related deaths in Canada, highlighting the need for practical, community-based solutions to address this crucial matter.

On Saturday, September 14, CADCA hosted its 3rd Annual Youth Empowerment Conference in Puerto Rico, bringing together nearly 100 attendees dedicated to addressing key issues like the opioid epidemic, fentanyl, and tobacco prevention.

As we observe National Substance Use Prevention Month this October, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made as a nation while acknowledging the challenges that remain.

The annual CADCA Drug-Free Kids Campaign Awards Dinner stands as a hallmark event in the ongoing fight against substance misuse, bringing together leaders, advocates, and influencers committed to creating a safer, drug-free future for America’s youth.

I spent 2 1/2 life-altering days with the Connecticut Governors Prevention Project—as it was like looking into the mirror, as they are a microcosm of CADCA.