WELCOME!

On behalf of the membership of the National Prevention Network (NPN), a component group of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), we welcome you to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for our 25th Annual NPN Prevention Research Conference. State prevention directors together with representatives in territories, jurisdictions and tribes, have worked hard to develop a conference agenda that will tell you that “Prevention is The Keystone to America’s Health”.  We graciously thank the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, the SAMHSA-Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, community partners and sponsors for making this conference possible.

September 2012 marks the 25th anniversary of the conference. This year, we have encountered many challenges in providing prevention services in our communities which have tested our hearts and minds. Those challenges should not lessen our beliefs that Prevention works.  Let’s rejoice in the celebration of state of the art prevention research and quality programs that continually enrich the lives of the children and families. During this 25th year anniversary, may we reflect on the stepping stones we have followed down the path leading to healthier communities and continue our work to maintain the provision of prevention services as they are the keystone to our healthy communities. 

Pittsburgh is a city that is rich in unique features such as the inclines, museums, culture, and a multitude of learning opportunities.  We hope that you will come to Pittsburgh with an open mind, stretch your imagination and expand your knowledge as we come together to be updated on the most current programs, policies and practices presented by our nation's researchers and practitioners.  We encourage participants to focus on this year's conference theme “Prevention: The Keystone to America’s Health”.
Thank you for taking time to join us. It is your diligence, commitment, and passion to the prevention field that will continue to improve the health and safety of our nation's children, families and communities.

Garrison E. Gladfelter Jr.
Pennsylvania NPN / Conference Tri-Chair
Director, Division of Prevention
Bureau of Drug & Alcohol Programs
Pennsylvania Department of Health

Donald K. Hallcom, Ph.D.
New Jersey NPN / Conference Tri-Chair
Director of Prevention and Early Intervention 
NJ Department of Human Services
Division of Addiction Services

Jessica Hawkins
Oklahoma NPN / Conference Tri-Chair
Director, Prevention Services
OK Dept. of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services