Monday, December 29, 2014
In recognition of its support for local anti-drug and substance abuse prevention programs
The District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health has received the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) 2015 Outstanding State Member Award for its support of local anti-drug coalitions and substance abuse prevention programs.
In announcing the award, the CADCA said the Department has “greatly improved the prevention infrastructure in the District of Columbia.” Through the Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration (APRA), the Department supports four Prevention Centers that conducts prevention activities across all eight wards. The CADC noted that the Centers are “dynamic hubs that engage, support and connect key elements needed for promoting healthy children, youth and families in a drug-free city.” Since December 2011, more than 400 young people have been trained to support the Prevention Centers capacity building efforts which strengthens youth leadership and expands outreach to young people.
APRA also supports community capacity building initiatives such as a community social marketing program and developed the Prevention Policy Consortium made up of more than 15 District agencies and national leaders to bolster the substance use prevention infrastructure and system.
“We appreciate this national recognition of the critical prevention work taking place in the District with our community partners,” said Stephen T. Baron, Director of the Department of Behavioral Health.
The Department will receive the award during an Award Luncheon at the CADCA’s National Leadership Forum on Thursday, February 5, 2015.
For information about mental health and or substance use disorder treatment and services, go to www.dbh.dc.gov or call the 24/7 Access Helpline at 1-888-793-4357.