Earlier this month, our Veterans Coalition Coordinator, Luke Moody, had the opportunity to travel to the Washington, D.C. area to attend the annual conference hosted by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

This year’s theme, Resilient Communities, Lasting Change, brought together more than 4,000 attendees from across the United States and internationally, including coalition leaders, prevention specialists, addiction treatment professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community advocates.

The conference featured more than 100 workshops and plenary sessions led by national prevention experts, covering current administrative policies and innovative strategies aimed at preventing drug and alcohol abuse. Luke also attended SAMHSA Prevention Day on Feb. 2, a dedicated day of programming focused on prevention strategies, emerging policies, and new innovations in the field.

The event included an exhibitor hall with receptions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities, allowing Moody to connect with fellow prevention leaders and share insights from our local Veterans Coalition. During Capitol Hill Day, attendees had the opportunity to engage with federal officials and discuss public health priorities. While in Washington, Luke met with the District Liaison for Claudia Tenney to discuss the ongoing work of our Veterans Coalition and explore opportunities to further support Veterans in our region.

The conference also featured several high-profile guest speakers, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Sara Carter, Kevin Sabet, and Greg Puckett, with each sharing perspectives on prevention policy, public health challenges, and the importance of community leadership in addressing substance use trends nationwide.

Attending the CADCA and SAMHSA conference not only provided valuable insight into national prevention efforts but also strengthened connections that will directly benefit the Veterans and families we serve.