CRCHY Staff and Students attend CADCA's National Leadership Forum

Nearly 2,700 substance abuse prevention and treatment specialists from throughout the country convened at The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)’s 26th Annual National Leadership Forum last week at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

CADCA’s National Leadership Forum is the nation’s premier training event for substance abuse prevention and treatment professionals and researchers, featuring more than 70 training courses to help participants learn effective strategies to address drug-related problems in their communities. This four-day training event brings together community drug prevention 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. Topics ranged from how to address the heroin and opioid epidemic, to marijuana use among youth, to how to reduce tobacco use and underage drinking.

“Attendees leave our Forum with the inspiration, information, and strategies they need to make their communities safe, healthy, and drug free.” said CADCA Chairman and CEO Gen. Arthur T. Dean.

Attending on behalf of The Council Rock Coalition for Healthy Youth (CRCHY), a community nonprofit whose mission is to prevent and reduce youth substance use, were Debbie Moskovitz, Director, Youth Coordinators Donna Foisy and Barbara Gross, and CR South High School students, Sarah Foisy, Samantha Lavelle, and Stephanie Krauss. A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Washington, D.C. office of Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick on Capitol Hill. Students informed the Congressman of what they were doing to reduce and prevent substance use amongst their peers; activities include peer-to-peer messaging, circulating drug facts, and promoting a drug-free lifestyle. “Speaking with Congressman Fitzpatrick and other leaders who would listen, I felt like I was making a difference in my community. We explained why it is important to support substance abuse prevention through legislation such as the Drug-Free Communities Support Program, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), and the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act(STOP)”, said Sarah Foisy.

CRCHY looks to bring new individuals, businesses, and organizational partners to the table to accomplish its goals. Coalition meetings are held monthly, on the 4th Thursday of each month at the Northampton Library, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. For more information about CRCHY, visit

www.CRCHY.org