Kansas Prevention Leaders Advocate for Substance Use Prevention and Promote Mental Health at National Forum

TOPEKA - More than 27 Kansas prevention leaders, including youth and young adults, recently represented the state at the 36th Annual CADCA National Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., February 2-5, 2026. The group joined prevention experts from across the country to advance substance use prevention and mental health promotion efforts.

The Kansas delegation - comprising prevention professionals, coalition members, and youth advocates - participated in training sessions, networking events, and policy discussions to strengthen community-based prevention strategies and met with members of the Kansas Congressional Delegation and their staff, including Representatives Tracey Mann, Derek Schmidt, Sharice Davids, and Ron Estes, as well as Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall.

Key topics included:

• The importance of stable and sustainable federal funding for substance use prevention
• Considerations related to marijuana legislation and community impact
• The need to expand access to mental health services, particularly in rural and frontier communities

Kansas youth and young adult participants played a central role in the advocacy efforts, sharing real-world perspectives on prevention initiatives and underscoring the importance of continued investment in community-driven strategies.

"This is one of my favorite times of year," KDADS Prevention Program Manager Stephanie Rhinehart, LMSW, said. "Seeing the hard work and advocacy of our Kansas coalitions represented on a national stage is incredibly meaningful. Our youth and young adults demonstrate remarkable professionalism and dedication to prevention efforts across our state."

Participation in the CADCA National Leadership Forum highlights Kansas' continued commitment to evidence-based prevention, collaboration with community partners, and strengthening protective factors that promote behavioral health and well-being across the lifespan.

For more information about substance use prevention efforts in Kansas, visit the Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC).