GC Drug-Free Communities Coalition Members Attend CADCA’s National Leadership Forum

Representatives from Garrett County’s Drug-Free Communities Coalition joined more than 3,000 substance misuse prevention specialists and advocates from throughout the country for CADCA’s (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s) 30^th Annual National Leadership Forum.

“We were so excited to spend several days with other similar organizations from across the country, learning and honing our prevention skills so our community can be a better place, one that doesn’t suffer from the harms of substance misuse,” said Kendra McLaughlin, coalition member and Director of Health Education at the Garrett County Health Department. “We are coming back reenergized with new strategies under our belt to tackle substance use in Garrett County.”

In addition to McLaughlin, Sandy Miller, coalition member and Prevention Supervisor at the health department, and Steve Miller, coalition member and community advocate also attended the forum. Heather Berg, Outreach Worker at the health department, and Debbe Owston, Liquor Control Board Administrator and coalition member, each received a scholarship to attend the National Leadership Forum.

CADCA’s Forum covered a wide range of topics – everything from how to prevent prescription misuse to addressing electronic cigarettes use, trending marijuana issues, and how to develop policies to reduce underage drinking. The coalition representatives heard from the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Director of the Drug Enforcement Agency, a reporter from the New York Times, as well as U.S. Representatives and Senators.

The Garrett County Drug-Free Communities Coalition has been in existence since 2009 and has seen a steady decline in teen substance use rates as a result of collaboration among the community sectors. The coalition’s mission is to reduce and prevent substance abuse, accomplished by promoting youth substance abuse prevention strategies, adding or improving treatment and recovery opportunities, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

For more information about the coalition, contact the current chair, Lisa Thayer Welch at 301-334-1974 or health department staff support to the coalition, Kendra McLaughlin or Sandy Miller at 301-334-7730.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

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Pictured at CADCA’s National Leadership Forum are Garrett County representatives from left to right, Steve Miller, Kendra McLaughlin, Debbe Owston, Heather Berg, and Sandy Miller.