New York National Guard hosts anti-drug group training at Latham headquarters

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LATHAM, NY (02/11/2015)(readMedia)-- The New York National Guard is hosting training for 50 members of community anti-drug groups from fourteen states at Division of Military and Naval Affairs headquarters this week.

Members of the press are invited to visit the training on Thursday morning, Feb. 12.

WHO: Members of the New York National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, a national group headquartered in Alexandria Virginia, and trainers from the Community Anti Drug Coalition of America, along with local anti-drug activists from 14 states.

WHAT: The New York Counter Drug Task Force, which assists local community anti-drug groups with administrative and planning support, is hosting the Community Anti Drug Coalition of America's National Coalition Academy, a comprehensive training program developed by CADCA's National Coalition Institute and offered without charge through a partnership with the National Guard Bureau. Coalitions participating in the Academy learn about creating and maintaining partnerships, sustainability, cultural competence, assessment, prevention planning and implementation and evaluation.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb 12, 2015

WHERE: 330 Old Niskayuna Rd, Latham, NY

Media Opportunity:

Members of the media will have the opportunity to interview New York National Guard Counter Drug Personnel and members of community based organizations participating in the training.

For access to this secure military facility contact Major Al Phillips at 518-786-4518. Members of the press should be prepared to provide their credentials and photo ID.

Background:

New York National Guard Counter Drug Task Force:

The National Guard Counter Drug Task Forces supports local and state law enforcement agencies to detect, interdiction, disruption, and curtailment of drug trafficking activities and use through the application of military unique skills and resources.

National Guard Counter Drug Task Force Soldiers and Airmen who have been trained in intelligence analysis assist law enforcement agencies in developing information about drug trafficking which can be used in enforcement. The task force also provides specialized military equipment like night vision equipment to helicopter support when required.

The National Guard Counter Drug Civil Operation Specialists help coach community coalitions in the implementation of better processes to help make coalitions more effective in reducing substance abuse. This is accomplished through using the planning and administrative skills Soldiers and Airman are trained in.

Community Anti Drug Coalition of America

The Community Anti Drug Coalition of America, or CADCA represents people working to make their communities safe, healthy and drug-free. CADCA has members in every U.S. state and territory and working in 18 countries around the world. Special programs within CADCA support returning veterans and their families and train youth leaders to be effective agents of change –all through the coalition model.

CADCA's network of more than 5,000 community coalitions bring together key leaders within the community to address local conditions from underage drinking to prescription drug abuse. Coalitions are comprised of parents, youth, educators, law enforcement, the faith community, healthcare providers, social service providers, civic and government officials, business leaders, members of the media and other concerned citizens.

ADCA's evidence-based environmental model focuses on changing laws, policies, practices, systems and and attitudes.. By delivering state-of-the-art training, developing resources and tools that practitioners can use in the field, advocating for coalitions and substance abuse prevention on Capitol Hill and educating the public about key issues, CADCA helps to reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems-one community at a time.

CADCA is led by it's CEO and Chairman, retired Army General Arthur Dean .