Contest to Find “5 New Practices to Prevent Substance Misuse”

SAVE LIVES, WIN MONEY –

June 21, 2021 – With drug use rising, society requires new prevention approaches. The not-for-profit Center for US Policy (CUSP), in partnership with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and the North Carolina-based not-for-profit Community Impact NC (CINC), announced a national contest to identify the “Top 5 Emerging Practices to Prevent Substance Misuse.” “We are searching for initiatives that account for COVID and its consequences, and show promise in preventing substance misuse,” said Michael C. Barnes, CUSP chairman.

As part of the nationwide contest, CADCA will solicit its 5,000 community coalition members to identify successful prevention best practices that they used during the pandemic.

“The community coalitions that CADCA represents have been resilient and innovative in responding to COVID and its ongoing impacts,” General Barrye L. Price, PhD, CADCA’s President and CEO, said. “We look forward to sharing information on effective ways communities have adjusted their efforts to prevent substance use and misuse before it starts.”

The North Carolina-based not-for-profit Community Impact NC (CINC) is collaborating with CUSP to encourage adaptation and innovation in prevention, CINC will host a free, national webinar on September 24, 2021 to describe the “Top 5 Emerging Practices to Prevent Substance Misuse” and the winning organizations’ approaches to data collection and sustainability.

“Despite public health restrictions and, in some cases, budget cuts, prevention efforts carried on with resilience and creativity,” Anna Godwin, CEO of CINC, said. “We are eager to learn and educate other prevention professionals about agile strategies that reflect constant shifts in health, social, and economic circumstances.”

Contest entrants must be US-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations or local government agencies. Submissions are due on August 2, 2021. Winners will be selected by a panel of 5 everyday people who are not affiliated with CUSP, CINC, or contest entrants. Winners will be announced on September 24 during CINC’s webinar.

Prizes include a $5,000 grant to the first-place winner, a $2,500 grant to the second-place winner, and a $1,000 grant to the third-place winner. All honorees will be recognized during CUSP’s fall 2021 campaign to advance sustainable new approaches to substance misuse prevention.

CUSP defines “substance misuse” as excessive or problematic use of a mind-altering substance (such as alcohol, nicotine, or an illicit substance), including use of such a substance by someone under 21 years-old; and use of a medication other than as prescribed or indicated on its federally approved label.

For more information on the “Top 5 Emerging Practices to Prevent Substance Misuse” contest and to apply, visit www.centerforuspolicy.org/prevention