Bridging The Gaps Of Arkansas Coalition Headed To CADCA's National Leadership Forum

TEXARKANA, Ark. - Feb. 6, 2017 - PRLog -- Representatives from Texarkana, Arkansas, are headed to the Washington, D.C., area to join approximately 3,000 substance abuse prevention specialists and advocates from throughout the country for CADCA's (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's) 27^th Annual National Leadership Forum.

"We are so excited to be able 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 drug and alcohol abuse," says Barbara Pitts Riley, Program Director and Coalition Leader. "We plan to come back reenergized with new strategies under our belt to tackle underage drug use in Texarkana, Arkansas."

CADCA's Forum will cover a wide range of topics – everything from how to prevent prescription drug abuse and the abuse of synthetic drugs and marijuana to how to create tobacco-free environments and develop policies to reduce underage drinking.

The coalition has recently impacted the community by hosting a youth leadership summit for youth leaders for Texarkana and Ashdown. These youth were equipped with the skills needed to foster positive change with their peers.

The coalition representatives will hear from several federal leaders including Michael Botticelli, former director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) who will both receive CADCA's National Leadership Award at the event. Bridging The GAPS of Arkansas coalition members will also meet with U.S. representatives and senators at the Forum's Capitol Hill Day event on Wednesday, Feb. 8.

The Bridging The GAPS of Arkansas Coalition meets on the first Thursday of each monthly at 11: 30 p.m.

CADCA's National Leadership Forum, the nation's largest training event for community prevention leaders, treatment professionals and researchers, will take place at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center Feb. 6-9. Visit the Forum website for details about training sessions, speakers, and special events at cadca.org/events/forum2017

Bridging The GAPS of Arkansas is committed to creating healthy communities through positive social activities. More information www.btgarkansas.org