Published in the August 12, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Leaders from the Melrose Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition attended the recent Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America Mid-Year Training Institute with over 2,000 substance abuse prevention and treatment specialists from across the country in Las Vegas July 17-21. The week-long training, held at The Mirage, teaches participants how to address one of our nation’s biggest public health challenges – youth drug use.
CADCA’s Mid-Year Training Institute is a one-of-a-kind intensive training opportunity, offering more than 70 half-day and two-day courses geared towards helping participants find solutions to their community’s toughest substance abuse problems.
“The Mid-Year is a unique professional development opportunity for anyone trying to prevent and reduce drug abuse, and its related problems, in their community,” said General Arthur T. Dean, CADCA’s Chairman and CEO. “After four days of intensive training, participants return to their communities with new skills and strategies, and a clearer roadmap to create environments where young people can thrive.”
This year’s Mid-Year featured a number of renowned experts in the field of substance abuse and prevention, with keynote remarks by Dr. Moira O’Neil, senior researcher and director of interpretation at the Frameworks Institute. The training event covers a wide range of topics – everything from how to prevent prescription drug abuse and reduce heroin use to how to create tobacco-free environments, reduce impaired driving and develop policies to reduce marijuana use, synthetic drug use and underage drinking.
The Mid-Year also welcomed nearly 200 youth from around the country who take part in CADCA’s youth-led, adult-guided civic engagement training, the National Youth Leadership Initiative NYLI), where they learn how to become drug prevention advocates and powerful community leaders.
Coalition member Bob Savarino had this to say about the conference: “The CADCA Training Institute provided the opportunity to attend a variety of valuable and informative workshops, led by content experts who addressed issues relevant to the important work of local coalitions. Meeting and networking with coalition members from around the country was also very beneficial, as we were able to share information and ideas relative to experiences in our individual communities.” Alicia Reddin, Veterans Services Officer for Melrose and Wakefield, and also a member of the coalition said, “As human services professionals our jobs are shifting and becoming more dynamic, and trainings like this allow us to grow as well as expand our skills. Human services is a field that runs on passion – we do more with less and make the best of every situation. Having a professional network that can support us is key to the success of the Melrose Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.”
As the coalition’s federal grant funding comes to an end in September, the coalition is looking for sustainable ways we can continue to bring the comprehensive and effective substance abuse prevention education and awareness to Melrose. Mayor Dolan has already pledged his support for the coalition by making the Coalition Coordinator a city-funded position.
This fall the coalition looks forward to bringing new and exciting initiatives geared towards parents of adolescents on youth marijuana use and warning signs for substance use.
For more information on the coalition please contact Lauren Dustin at 781-979-4128 or ldustin@cityofmelrose.org.
