U-ACT HONORED AT CADCA'S NATIONAL LEADERSHIP FORUM

On February 5th, the Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation, U-ACT, was one of 112 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 U-ACT is more prepared today to be an effective, sustainable coalition because of this training,” said Marry Barrios, Healthy Living Coordinator. “We look forward to applying our knowledge and strategies to ensure the youth in our community live drug free.”
 
Stemming from a DHH Louisiana Partnership for Success fund award, Northeast Delta HSA managed the formation of a collaborative coalition to address underage drinking and the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs in Union Parish. The U-ACT Coalition (Union Parish Alliance for Community Transformation) works to reduce the incidence of underage drinking and other data-driven priorities in Union Parish. This not only targets substance abuse, but also aims to have an indirect positive impact on depression, suicide, teen pregnancy, school failure and violence.

​Building upon the strong system of churches, community-based organizations and culturally-relevant local media to develop trust with parents and students, U-ACT is working to create a grass-roots movement that is both sustainable and measurable. Community leaders' willingness to partner and pool resources weaves all available human and financial resources together in the best interest of Union Parish citizens. An action plan has been developed to guide coalition efforts and raise awareness of its work, which includes participation in community events and working directly with Student Ambassadors. U-ACT members continue to offer their support and work with community partners toward the health and wellbeing of Union Parish.
 
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.
 
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About CADCA
The mission of CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) is to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions to create and maintain safe, healthy and drug-free communities globally.  This is accomplished by providing coalition development assistance and training, public policy advocacy, special events, media strategies and marketing programs.
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