From February 3 to 6, 2025, community leaders, health professionals, and youth advocates gathered in National Harbor, Maryland, for the 35th Annual National Leadership Forum organized by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). The event, one of the most influential gatherings in the field of substance abuse prevention and community development, emphasized grassroots leadership, strategic coalition-building, and evidence-based public health interventions.
Celebrating over three decades of impactful work, the forum drew thousands of attendees from across the United States and abroad. The program included intensive training sessions, networking opportunities, and keynote addresses by experts in public health, policy, and community organizing—all designed to strengthen the capacity of local coalitions to address substance use and promote healthier environments.
Empowering Communities from the Ground Up
This year’s forum placed a strong focus on community empowerment, recognizing that sustainable change often begins at the local level. Participants explored ways to mobilize community assets, enhance civic engagement, and design culturally relevant interventions tailored to local challenges.
Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including opioid misuse prevention, youth engagement, behavioral health strategies, and the intersection of substance use with broader social determinants of health such as housing instability and economic disparity.
“Our goal is to equip every coalition leader here with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships they need to return home and make a difference,” said General Arthur T. Dean (Ret.), Chairman and CEO of CADCA. “This forum is about building a national movement rooted in community strength.”
Training the Next Generation of Leaders
A notable aspect of the forum was its emphasis on youth leadership. CADCA’s youth training track provided students and young advocates with opportunities to develop public speaking skills, policy literacy, and campaign development techniques. Youth-led sessions highlighted successful local initiatives and encouraged cross-generational dialogue on prevention efforts.
The importance of youth engagement in drug prevention and mental health awareness was underscored in several workshops. Participants were encouraged to create action plans that incorporate youth perspectives and leadership into their coalitions back home.
Policy Advocacy and National Impact
In addition to training and networking, the forum served as a springboard for legislative advocacy. On CADCA’s Capitol Hill Day, hundreds of attendees met with members of Congress to advocate for continued funding and supportive policies for community-based prevention programs.
Key policy issues included securing resources for substance abuse prevention in underserved communities, improving data-sharing between health and law enforcement agencies, and expanding access to school-based prevention programs.
Through this effort, CADCA aims to bridge the gap between federal policymaking and local implementation, ensuring that community voices are reflected in national health strategies.
Evidence-Based Strategies and Innovation
Speakers at the forum highlighted the importance of using data-driven approaches to prevention. Presenters showcased new research on the effectiveness of community coalitions in reducing youth substance use and promoting long-term behavior change.
Workshops also introduced innovative tools and technologies for tracking program outcomes, enhancing community outreach, and evaluating public health initiatives. These strategies aim to increase accountability, improve targeting of resources, and amplify the impact of coalition efforts.
A Commitment to National Public Health
Throughout the forum, CADCA reaffirmed its commitment to public health and safety, with a clear message that empowered communities are key to solving the nation’s substance abuse crisis.
The organization continues to support over 5,000 community coalitions worldwide, providing training, technical assistance, and advocacy resources. By promoting collaboration across sectors—public health, education, law enforcement, and business—CADCA fosters a united front against the complex issues contributing to drug abuse.
As the forum concluded, attendees left with renewed energy and a shared commitment to making their communities healthier and more resilient.
