Scott County, IN – Representatives from Scott County were joined by thousands of substance abuse prevention specialists and advocates from across the country for CADCA’s (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s) 31st Annual National Leadership Forum held virtually.
“Once again, we are reenergized with new strategies under our belt to tackle alcohol and other drug use in Scott County. It was exciting to spend several days virtually with other coalitions from across the country, learning and honing our prevention skills so our community can be a better place, one that doesn’t suffer from the harms of substance use,” says Lori Croasdell, CEASe Drug Free Communities Coordinator.
Scott County’s EMPOWER Youth Coalition members attending the conference included Austin High School’s Nicholas Henderson and Ella Rahe, as well as Scottsburg High School’s Johnathon Perkinson and Logan Weilbaker.
Our CEASe and EMPOWER Coalition Leaders met virtually with Indiana United States Congressmen at the Forum’s Capitol Hill Day event, including Senators Todd Young and Mike Braun and Representative Trey Hollingsworth. The youth informed our federal legislators on Scott County’s Drug Free Community initiatives and Indiana DFC outcomes, as well as advocated on behalf of Scott County and Indiana’s 24 Drug Free Communities Coalitions.
Austin high school Sophomore Ella Rahe shared, “My favorite part of the conference was meeting our federal senators for the first time and learning of all the great work other coalitions are doing all around us.” Scottsburg High School Senior Logan Weilbaker added, “Even in the midst of a pandemic when so much has changed, it was encouraging to see so many people from across the country, especially Indiana, coming together virtually to advocate for national drug control policy.” Scottsburg Junior, Johnathan Parkinson concluded “My favorite part of the conference was speaking with our federal senators and representative and learning how their efforts support our state.’
Any Scott County teenager in 6th through 12th grade can join the EMPOWER Youth Coalition. They meet virtually for now. Please contact DFC Youth Coordinator, Melinda Lowry at melinda.lowry@scottcountypartnership.org or check out EMPOWER Scott County on Facebook and Instagram.
