About

Prevention: pre•ven•tion (n): The act of preventing or impeding.

The definition of prevention, although simplistic, cannot truly be defined in general, common, ‘geographic' terms. In fact, effective grass roots prevention of substance abuse has no boundaries or borders. As communities, we all face this common enemy on a daily basis and we must do what we can to make clear, concise, community cultural change to combat it.

For the past few years, Community Connections, Inc. (CCI) has worked with state agencies and community coalitions alike to develop a network of partners that work toward a common goal... preventing substance abuse and the related problems associated with this disease. Through the assistance of CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America), CCI has developed a state association that links new and existing CADCA members together so that we can all join together to combat this and other community based issues. Starting back in 2003, CCI recieved a grant from SAMHSA to develop coalitions within its Drug Free Communities Mentoring Program in Nicholas, Greenbrier and Raleigh Counties. One of the main objectives was to start a statewide CADCA Association. This was not possible... UNTIL NOW!

Through specific funding from the Bureau of Behavioral Health and Health Facilities: Division on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, West Virginia has a way to link all counties in West Virginia to a national resource on buidling effective community coalitions.

CADCA is a membership organization with multiple state associations and over 5000 anti-drug coalitions, each working to make their communities safe, healthy, and drug-free. The organization began in 1992 as an offshoot of the President's Drug Advisory Council. The goal was to support the creation of local coalitions by helping to share ideas, solve problems and provide a national voice for the needs of coalitions. CADCA's mission is to build and strengthen the capacity of community coalitions to create safe, healthy and drug-free communities. The organization supports its members with technical assistance and training, public policy, media strategies and marketing programs, conferences and special events. CADCA is continually working with these coalitions to realize its vision of: An Organization of Excellence Building Drug-Free Communities.)

CADCA's job is to help community coalitions throughout the United States continue their heroic work. CADCA is THE national presence for community coalitions. They are the central advocating body for the Drug Free Communities Act and have continually worked to restore proposed cuts to other programs that are vital to saving America's youth.

In addition, the Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute provides technical assistance to make sure that more coalitions are maximizing their effectiveness and making the best use of taxpayer dollars. (Jefferson County's coalition is was one of the first coalitions in the nation to complete the Institute in 2006 and now all new coalitions funded under the DFC workplan are required to go through this rigorous process. For more information on CADCA and the Institute, visit www.cadca.org.

Together, through CADCA, West Virginia carries a large voice in the field of prevention across community boundaries, state lines, and national agendas. Through "Coalitions for a Better West Virginia (WVCADCA)" coalitions can unite to address problem issues too big for one coalition to handle alone. Membership for the state association is free and partial stipends are given annually that allow communities and individuals within West Virginia the opportunity to become CADCA members and be a part of a very special and elite group.

Statewide marketing of this Association is through the www.coalitionsforabetterwv.org website and can also be found on Facebook by clicking here. www.facebook.com

Every year, a state conference/training is held to update members on the latest prevention techniques and geared towards unity of CADCA coalitions and members from throughout the state.