Coalition Academy unites community members together against substance abuse

Community members and public health professionals are joining forces to battle substance abuse at the 2015 Coalition Academy on Sept. 30. 
 
The annual all-day conference, hosted by PreventionFIRST! at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, will feature Ann Barnum, Vice President of Community Strategies at Interact for Health, as its keynote speaker. She will speak on opioid prevention and its impact on coalitions and local communities in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

The academy is an opportunity for people in the community and coalition leaders to learn more about substance abuse prevention and public health. There will also be a heavy emphasis on coalition development and what those coalitions can do within their communities, such as changing policies and norms.

There will be three different presentation tracks for attendees: media and promotion of prevention, coalition development and the public impact of substance abuse prevention. Local speakers and leaders will share the effective strategies they're using in their communities.

“Effective prevention is always what we are trying to strive for,” says PreventionFIRST! Executive Director Mary Haag. “Substance abuse has been around for a long time, but it has to hit home before someone will want to take action. We want to make sure we make this applicable so people can go back and use these strategies in their communities.”
 
The 2015 Coalition Academy will take place 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. A continental breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee.
 
Do Good:

• There is still time to register for the 2015 Coalition Academy. Tickets are $50 for the general public.

• Join a coalition in your own community and help prevent substance abuse.

• Support PreventionFIRST! by making a donation.