Welcome to the 2026 CADCA Annual National Leadership Forum!

CADCA's Annual Leadership Forum consistently delivers top-quality training that is both evidence-based and practical. The sessions provide coalition leaders with the tools, strategies, and inspiration needed to strengthen prevention efforts in our communities. It is also a great opportunity to meet with elected officials and share local public health priorities and issues.

- Jordan Esser, Assistant Director of Community Initiatives, DuPage County Health Department

Attending the CADCA Forum is a highlight of the year for me. I am grateful to CADCA for the opportunity at Forum to network, learn and to meet with our federal elected officials. Having a national, unified voice for substance use prevention is critical to our work and being a part of the CADCA Forum is a way for us to show our collective force

- Merilee Fowler, Executive Director, MATFORCE, Community Counts SACLAz

I look forward to attending Leadership Forum every year. My attendance journey began 25 years ago as a DFC grantee to Alabama NPN Representative to CAC Member . This journey has afforded me the opportunity to experience CADCA and its offerings in multiple capacities. Each experience has positioned me to serve as a voice for substance misuse prevention and the vision of CADCA. Creating healthier communities and positive change is foundational. Leadership Forum is what shaped the trajectory of my career and 25+ years later continues to provide insightful, action-oriented strategies, and best practices for me to build upon.

- Beverly Johnson, Director, Child & Family Services, Alabama Department of Mental Health

The Leadership Forum and National Coalition Academy were both energizing and practical. I came away with new ideas and real tools that have already helped us strengthen Arkansas's prevention work and partnerships back home.

- Tenesha Barnes, Deputy Director, Arkansas Opioid Recover Partnership

 

Join us from February 2–5, 2026 for the premier training event for community leaders, coalition members, and advocates committed to the prevention field. CADCA equips coalitions with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to create positive change in their communities, and this year’s Forum promises to be our most impactful yet. With over 4,000 attendees from across the globe, we will share insights, learn best practices, and network with like-minded professionals. Featuring over 100 workshops, plenary sessions with renowned speakers, and countless opportunities for professional development, the 2026 CADCA Forum is your chance to gain the resources needed to drive positive change. And the ever-popular SAMHSA Prevention Day and Capitol Hill Day will be highlights for all to experience.

This year's theme is Resilient Communities, Lasting Change. At its heart, prevention is about building communities that can withstand challenges and create healthier futures. In a time when prevention funding and priorities are in flux, Resilient Communities, Lasting Change highlights the steadfast strength of our coalitions and their ability to adapt, innovate, and lead. This Forum theme reminds us that resilience is not simply about enduring obstacles; it’s about transforming them into opportunities for lasting impact. The National Leadership Forum is where leaders from every corner of the country come together to exchange strategies, elevate best practices, and strengthen their role as changemakers. By standing resilient, our coalitions ensure that prevention remains a driving force in shaping safer, healthier communities for generations to come.

 

 


Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to be part of a global movement dedicated to substance misuse prevention. Aligned with CADCA’s vision of creating safer, healthier, and stronger communities everywhere, the Forum offers valuable resources and strategies to enhance your efforts. Engage in hands-on training, participate in dynamic discussions, and be inspired by success stories from coalitions that have made a tangible impact. Together, we can turn knowledge into action and create lasting change.