BELLOWS FALLS — The Greater Falls Prevention Coalition (GFPC) joined five other community prevention coalitions in attending the 23rd National Leadership Forum and Prevention Day in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4-7.
Director Frannie Waldron and Media Coordinator Chad Simmons represented GFPC.
Organized by the Community Anti-Drug Coalition Association (CADCA) in conjunction with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the forum was an opportunity for community coalitions to hear the latest research surrounding prevention, community building, and youth leadership.
Highlights included a dynamic presentation on binge drinking and addictive behaviors, and inspirational workshops on youth-led prevention efforts, the GFPC said.
Shifting marijuana policy was front and center during the four-day forum. GFPC staff participated in several discussions around national and state marijuana policy and how policy changes could affect communities. Specifically, the prevention field is concerned with what's in store for public health and safety, state and federal budgets, and law enforcement.
Particular emphasis was given to the growing body of research showing the effects of marijuana use on the developing teen brain and understanding the connection between changing policy, increased availability, decreased perception of harm (i.e., assumption of low risk) and increased use.
This is especially timely as Vermont state legislators discuss decriminalizing marijuana, according to a GFPC press statement.
GFPC and the other Vermont coalitions met with staff members of Vermont's Congressional delegation: Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch. The discussion covered the importance of investing in prevention efforts such as the Drug Free Communities Act and Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act, and increased research related to health effects of substance use.
Sen. Leahy has spoken in support of Drug Free Community funding.
The meetings also provided an opportunity to address marijuana policy at the federal level. During a conversation with Brian Seeley, Counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee (chaired by Sen. Leahy), it was made clear that Leahy wanted clarification from the Obama Administration on how it would respond to Washington and Colorado, which recently legalized the possession of marijuana under 1 ounce, the GFPC said.
Not everything was about business. GFPC was one of 90 coalitions from across the country that celebrated graduation from the CADCA National Academy, a three-week intensive training educating coalition staff on prevention science and community engagement.