PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – On Feb. 6, ACAP’s Drug Free Aroostook Coalition was one of 160 community coalitions honored during a graduation ceremony at CADCA’s (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) National Leadership Forum, just outside of Washington, D.C. The coalitions received a graduation certificate for completing CADCA’s National Coalition Academy,a rigorous training program designed to increase the effectiveness of community drug prevention leaders.
“We are so proud of our coalition for investing the time and resources to take advantage of the best community coalition training in the world. To graduate from this year-long intensive course is no small feat and Drug Free Aroostook is more prepared today to be an effective, sustainable coalition because of this training,” said Chris Haskell, community educator for ACAP. “We look forward to applying our knowledge and strategies to ensure the youth in our community live drug free.”
The coalition recently worked on the very successful ad campaign, “Just because it’s legal, doesn’t mean it’s safe,” targeting the legalization of adult-use marijuana and the harm that can result. In addition, the coalition made presentations to various community organizations on marijuana edibles and what the adult use marijuana law states.
They also worked with Aroostook County middle schools to present an evidenced based program call Prime for Life, educating students about high and low risk choices.
CADCA’s National Coalition Academy (NCA) is a comprehensive, year-long training program developed by CADCA’s National Coalition Institute. The NCA incorporates three, week-long classroom sessions, a web-based distance learning component, an online workstation where participants network and share planning products and free ongoing coalition development technical assistance. To graduate, coalitions must complete a rigorous curriculum. They must participate in all components of the NCA and complete five essential planning products that serve as the foundation of their comprehensive plan for community change.
CADCA’s National Leadership Forum is a four-day event packed with opportunities to learn the latest strategies to address substance abuse and hear from nationally-known prevention experts, federal administrators, and concerned policymakers. The Forum brings together approximately 3,000 attendees representing coalitions from all regions of the country and internationally, government leaders, youth, prevention specialists, addiction treatment professionals, addiction recovery advocates, researchers, educators, law enforcement professionals, and faith-based leaders. It is the largest training event for the prevention field.
ACAP is celebrating 45 years of making life better in Aroostook County. ACAP provides the people of Aroostook County with services and resources that help individuals and families achieve greater economic independence. As a leader, or in partnership with others, ACAP provides guidance to the community in responding to emerging human needs in the areas of community health, early care and education, energy and housing, and workforce development services.
For more information on ACAP, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact the agency at 771 Main Street, on the web at www.acap-me.org, or by calling 764-3721.
