NEWPORT — Northeast Kingdom Learning Services recently had the opportunity through the Regional Prevention Partnerships Grant to send a staff member to CADCA’s National Leadership Forum in D.C.
Local Prevention Specialist Ally Howell attended alongside many state-wide colleagues to learn and share what Vermont needs to make substance use and misuse prevention a priority in communities.
“This was an excellent opportunity to learn from great work happening in coalitions and communities all over the nation facing the same struggles we are here in the NEK,” Howell said.
She says workforce development, high poverty, and high rates of substance use and misuse are some of these key issues.
CADCA’s National Leadership Forum is a 4-day conference packed with multiple adult and youth-oriented opportunities to learn the latest strategies to fight substance misuse and hear from nationally-known experts and policymakers with a full day dedicated to Capitol Hill events.
Workshops Howell attended ranged from engaging the next generation, to how to build a teen center with no money.
“I’m proud to report that Vermont was well represented by bringing on one of the largest numbers of youth in the nation,” Howell said. “It was inspiring to hear the successes and passion as well as challenges from young people all across the state. Despite the tough work we are faced with there’s a lot of potential and hope.”
For more information and to get involved in local prevention efforts, contact [email protected]
