HC-HK Members Attend a National Substance Abuse Prevention Conference

THE HEALTHY COMMUNITIES-HEALTHY KIDS COALITION ATTENDS NATIONAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION CONFERENCE IN AUSTIN, TX

 Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition Members: Hilary Kumnick, Michele, Ouellette, Haddam Resident State Trooper James Connelly, Killingworth Resident State Trooper Matthew Ward, and Coalition Staff: Cheryl Chandler and Kathryn Glendon from Haddam-Killingworth, CT joined more than 1,700 substance abuse prevention specialists from across the country for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America's (CADCA) 2013 Mid-Year Training Institute in Austin, Texas July 21-25.

CADCA’s Mid-Year Training Institute is a unique training opportunity designed specifically for community-based substance abuse prevention organizations. Attendees participated in a variety of lecture and hands-on sessions to expand their knowledge in prevention science and improve their skills in implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce drug and alcohol use. This year’s Mid-Year, held at the Hilton Austin & The Austin Convention Center, featured a number of renown experts in the field of substance abuse prevention research, such as social change expert Pennie Foster-Fishman, a professor in the Department of Psychology and a Senior Outreach Fellow in University Outreach and Engagement at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.; and Pam Hyde, Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The theme this year was “Big Ideas for Social Change.”

“We were fortunate to be able to spend a week with other similar organizations from across the country, learning and honing our skills so we can more effectively prevent drug and alcohol abuse,” says Kathryn Glendon. “We have returned reenergized with new strategies under our belt to tackle drug use and its associated problems in Haddam-Killingworth, CT.

Our coalition learned the latest information on emerging drugs like bath salts and spice as well as strategies to tackle prescription drug abuse, underage drinking, tobacco use and marijuana use.

The coalition recently worked on social norms campaign to change the misperception of drug use in the community, hosted a neighborhood gathering to educate community members on the latest drug trends, promoted developmental assets and social host laws. To learn more or for more information visit www.hc-hk.org.

The mission of the Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition is to engage Haddam and Killingworth youth and adults in efforts to educate, implement strategies, and change policy to advance the wellness of the community.