8 Clay Counts Coalition members Attend CADCA’s 25th Annual Mid-Year Training Institute in Orlando

Eight members of the Clay Counts Coalition were among the  2,500 attendees, including 365 youth, gathered at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida, from July 12-16 for CADCA’s 25th Annual Mid-Year Training Institute, a milestone anniversary for one of the prevention field’s longest-running training conferences. Representing Clay County were Kate Larson, Caydence Jesen, Hayden Hackworth, Julie Doyen, Craig and Dana Rickley, Matt Weller, and Lori Martin.

This year’s theme, Powered by Purpose, reflected a field moving from resilience to forward momentum, fueled by clarity, confidence, and a shared mission. For five days, coalition leaders, prevention professionals, public health experts, and youth advocates from across the country came together for hands-on training, peer connection, and strategies to bring back to their communities. 

The Opening Plenary set the tone, featuring Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, ONDCP Director Sara Carter, DEA Administrator Terrance C. “Terry” Cole, and Senator Ashley Moody, who spoke to the current fentanyl crisis and the collaboration needed to address it. 

Across hundreds of training sessions, attendees dug into the issues shaping prevention work today, including: 

• Youth engagement and leadership development

• Coalition sustainability and grant funding 

• Data-informed prevention and evaluation 

• Emerging and evolving drug trends 

• AI and other innovative tools for coalition work

To join with The Clay Counts Coalition to create a stronger and more resilient community, contact Community Mobilizer Lori Martin at the Clay County Health Department.