2026 CADCA Leadership Forum

Representatives from the Scarsdale Action For Youth (SAY) Coalition attended the annual CADCA Leadership Forum in Washington, DC, joining over 4,000 participants focused on best practices in substance‑use prevention and youth engagement. The event featured more than 100 workshops, plenary sessions, and professional development opportunities centered on this year’s theme, Resilient Communities, Lasting Change. In a time when prevention funding and priorities are in flux, the theme underscored how coalitions adapt and innovate to strengthen communities and sustain long‑term prevention efforts.

SAY members also participated in Capitol Hill Day, meeting with Congressman Latimer and staffers for Senator Gillibrand to stress the importance of continued youth substance use prevention funding that supports youth education and healthy, pro‑social activities. Students advocated for effective prevention strategies and shared their personal experiences. Scarsdale High School student Nell Rompala, president of the STAY (Students Take Action for Youth) club, highlighted the club’s accomplishments in a conversation with Congressman Latimer, who expressed interest in learning more about the coalition and club. SAY members expressed  gratitude for this opportunity and agreed that this valuable experience will help us to continue the critical work of youth substance use prevention and drive our mission to support and advocate for youth in being informed, developing skills, and building resilience to make safe and healthy decisions and to connect youth with substance use prevention efforts in our community.