CASAC Staff & Other Drug Prevention Leaders Learn the Latest Strategies at CADCA Forum

Joining more than 2,500 alcohol and drug prevention and treatment advocates from communities across the country, Mirelle Freedman, CASAC Executive Director and Jennifer Bliska, CASAC Coalition Coordinator, brought their energy and passion to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Feb.11-15, for CADCA´s 18th Annual National Leadership Forum. The event provided an opportunity to learn the latest on key substance abuse issues and to hear from nationally-known experts and policymakers.

Participants included community anti-drug coalitions of all regions of the country, addiction treatment professionals, researchers, educators, law enforcement professionals, faith-based leaders, government leaders and youth.

The Forum kicked off with a riveting keynote address by Dr. Drew Pinsky, a board-certified addiction medicine specialist and host of VH-1’s Celebrity Rehab, who thanked community coalition leaders for their tireless efforts to reduce youth alcohol and drug use.

“I love CADCA, I love you, you humble me!” Dr. Pinsky told attendees. “You guys do the real work.”

Dr. Pinsky stressed the importance of addressing the rising prescription drug abuse rates, calling on coalition leaders to help educate the nation about the real dangers of abusing prescription medicines.

“I am sick of hearing of a young person dying because of a drug overdose and people saying, ‘oh well, it was doctor prescribed,’” he stressed. “It’s a major cultural problem…kids don’t perceive the harm of taking these drugs.”

Ms. Freedman had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Pinsky following his address. She related how a few years ago, prior to a presentation at Trinity College, a community person bemoaned the fact to her that there is always funding for enough beds in prison for drug users but never enough beds for treatment. Later that day at the rally at the U.S. Capitol, Dr. Pinsky reiterated Ms. Freedman’s words to loud cheers and applause.

Participants also heard some inspiring words from Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, who discussed the Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Underage Drinking, and John Walters, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

In addition to hearing key leaders, attendees sharpened their skills and learned new strategies at the more than 100 workshops at the Forum, which touched on a wide range of topics—from environmental strategies to reduce youth marijuana use to the latest research on alcohol abuse prevention.

The Forum ended with an awards luncheon honoring Former Congressman Rob Portman, who was instrumental in the development and funding of the Drug-Free Communities Act. The former Director of the Office of Management and Budget recalled how the idea for the Drug-Free Communities program was born and urged coalition leaders to continue to advocate for programs like these.