FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2022
East Providence Prevention Coalition
Media Contact:
Bethanie Rado
East Providence Prevention Coalition honored at CADCA National Leadership Forum
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI— On Monday, January 31, the East Providence Prevention Coalition (EPPC) was one of 178 community coalitions honored during a graduation ceremony at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s (CADCA) 32nd Annual National Leadership Forum.
The East Providence Prevention Coalition received a graduation certificate for completing CADCA’s National Coalition Academy, a rigorous training program designed to increase the effectiveness of community substance use and misuse prevention leaders.
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.
“It was an incredible opportunity to be present along with the other Coalitions that have demonstrated immense dedication to their communities by participating in the NCA. Through the Academy, myself along with Coalition staff and members, had the opportunity to learn how to be an effective agent for community change and bring sustainable prevention programming and strategies to the residents of East Providence,” expressed EPPC Director Madeline Marlow. "I am so proud of the work the East Providence Prevention Coalition has done in the community and am truly honored to accept the NCA diploma on their behalf.”
The coalition has recently worked on several programs in East Providence schools which include a successful Red Ribbon Week campaign in each elementary school, “Hidden In Plain Sight” demonstrations to both Middle Schools, and presenting “Circles & Silence'' to East Providence High School Juniors and Seniors. EPPC is also working on initiates aimed to increase community engagement and awareness by running a “Family Meals Monday” social media campaign encouraging family engagement around the dinner table with weekly recipes and topics that prompt healthy conversations between adults and kids and have created public service announcements for impaired driving and over-the-counter and prescription medication safety.
CADCA’s National Leadership Forum is a four-day event packed with opportunities to learn the latest strategies to address substance use and misuse. Attendees have the opportunity to hear and learn from nationally prevention experts, federal administrators and concerned policymakers. Forum brings together approximately 2,500 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.
EPPC was afforded the privilege of bringing four youth to the forum including Hunter Roman, Jordan Marlow, Brandon Doherty and Benjamin Sherman, who are all part of East Providence Youth Council (EPYC), led by EPPC’s Youth Coordinator Bethanie Rado.
They spoke to Senator Whitehouse and aides to Senator Jack Reed and Congressman David Cicilline about their concerns for prevention and mental health funding and marijuana legalization and thanked them for their ongoing support.
"I just want to thank the East Providence Prevention Coalition for providing me and my peers with this opportunity. I also want to thank our national congressional representatives for taking the time to meet with us and listening to youth concerns and for supporting prevention efforts in East Providence and throughout Rhode Island,” said Jordan Marlow. “I was really impressed that Senator Whitehouse met with us and listened to my story.
“I also learned a lot of things that I cannot wait to bring back to my school (EPHS) and peers,” Jordan Marlow said. “We can be the Townies that end substance misuse and stigma around mental health concerns if we can promote these changes together."
“Experiencing what others go through because of substance use plays a huge role in prevention,” said Brandon Doherty. “Kids don’t often get the chance to really see what happens to themselves or the people around them because of what they’re doing.
“Being able to share stories and personal experiences here at the Forum and with our government leaders can be the biggest difference in making change happen,” Doherty added.
About EPPC
The East Providence Prevention Coalition is a citizens group dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, The Coalition develops proactive strategies through collaboration with community partners in both the public and private sectors. You can learn more about EPPC and how you can join by calling 401-435-1923, emailing eppc@eastprovidenceri.gov or visiting our Facebook page @EPPreventionCoalition
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.
