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  • Transforming Prevention: How Drug Free Clubs of America Empowers Youth

    Transforming Prevention: How Drug Free Clubs of America Empowers Youth
    2025/01/29

    In this inspiring episode of Pathways 2 Prevention, host Dave Closson sits down with Angie Ferguson, Executive Director of Drug Free Clubs of America (DFCA). Angie shares the story behind this innovative program, which empowers teenagers to remain drug-free through voluntary drug testing, peer-led initiatives, and positive reinforcement. From creating a built-in “out” for teens facing peer pressure to engaging parents and businesses, DFCA is transforming prevention strategies across the country.

    Angie and Dave dive into:

    The origin story of DFCA, sparked by a heartfelt conversation in a firehouse. How voluntary drug testing provides teens with a practical tool to refuse substances. The importance of peer-driven leadership and community involvement in fostering prevention. Challenges and lessons learned from 20 years of implementing and evolving the program. The program’s scalability and vision for the future, including addressing societal attitudes and supporting parents.


    Whether you’re a parent, educator, or prevention professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for fostering a culture of health and prevention.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    How DFCA makes prevention positive and empowering for teens. The role of community and business partnerships in sustaining prevention efforts. Practical tips for engaging youth and creating impactful prevention programs.

    Links and Resources Mentioned:

    Learn more about Drug Free Clubs of America: drugfreeclubs.com Upcoming Event: 12th Annual National Prevention Summit (February 17–18, St. Petersburg, FL): dfaf.org
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    45 分
  • Trauma and Addiction - A Global Perspective with Rocío Suárez Ordoñez

    Trauma and Addiction - A Global Perspective with Rocío Suárez Ordoñez
    2024/12/04
    Welcome to the Pathways to Prevention Podcast, where we explore transformative ideas, innovative approaches, and inspiring stories in substance misuse prevention and recovery. In this episode, Dave Closson sits down with Rocío Suárez Ordoñez, a psychologist, consultant, and global leader in women's substance use disorder treatment and recovery. Rocio serves as the Chair of Membership and Innovation for the Global Women's Network for Providers on Women's Substance Use Disorder Treatment, a con...
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    1 時間
  • Empowering the Next Generation in Prevention: From Youth Leadership to Prevention Advocacy

    Empowering the Next Generation in Prevention: From Youth Leadership to Prevention Advocacy
    2024/11/13
    In this inspiring episode of the Pathways to Prevention podcast, host Dave Closson sits down with Ariel Cohn, a dedicated Young Professionals Advisory Board member at the Drug Free America Foundation and prevention supervisor with DCCCA, a nonprofit in Kansas. Ariel shares her journey from a high school student curious about public health to a dynamic leader in youth substance use prevention and mental health promotion. Together, they discuss the importance of youth empowerment, how today’s y...
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    53 分
  • Youth Voices from the 11th Asian Youth Forum: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders in Substance Use Prevention

    Youth Voices from the 11th Asian Youth Forum: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders in Substance Use Prevention
    2024/09/30
    In this episode of Pathways to Prevention, host Dave Closson welcomes inspiring young leaders from across Asia who recently attended the 11th Asian Youth Forum, organized by the Fourth Wave Foundation. The event brought together youth from diverse countries, including Bhutan, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, to address pressing issues like mental health, substance use prevention, and community resilience.Throughout the episode, these passionate youth leaders share their unique experie...
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Prevention, Persistence, and the Power of Storytelling: Interviews from the NPN Conference

    Prevention, Persistence, and the Power of Storytelling: Interviews from the NPN Conference
    2024/08/28
    In this special episode of the Pathways 2 Podcast, recorded live at the National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference, we bring you two insightful conversations with leaders who are making a significant impact in the field of prevention.First, we sit down with Ben Stevenson, who oversees prevention and harm reduction services for Montgomery County, Maryland, and also runs his own consulting firm, Bess Consulting LLC. Ben shares his innovative approach to integrating youth empowerment with harm...
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    44 分
  • International Cooperation in Drug Abuse Prevention: Lessons from Serbia

    International Cooperation in Drug Abuse Prevention: Lessons from Serbia
    2024/07/03
    In this episode of the Pathways 2 Prevention podcast, we explore the critical role of international cooperation in drug abuse prevention with Branislava, a dedicated advocate from Serbia. Branislava shares her journey from law school to making a significant impact on drug policy and international collaboration. She provides a unique perspective on how listening, collaboration, and a multidisciplinary approach can drive meaningful change in the fight against drug abuse.Key TakeawaysBranislava'...
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    33 分
  • Challenging the Status Quo: Dr. David Patton’s Journey From Adversity to Innovation

    Challenging the Status Quo: Dr. David Patton’s Journey From Adversity to Innovation
    2024/06/05
    In this powerful episode, Dave Closson sits down with Dr. David Patton, an Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Derby, for an in-depth conversation about resilience, recovery, and the transformative power of lived experience.Dr. David Patton shares his journey from growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood in England to becoming an associate professor in criminology. He discusses the impact of social policies and economic changes on his community and how it shaped his desi...
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Empowering Change: The Transformative Story of Boomer Rose

    Empowering Change: The Transformative Story of Boomer Rose
    2024/05/01
    In this powerful episode of the "Pathways to Prevention" podcast, Dave welcomes Boomer Rose, a fervent advocate and inspiring figure in the realms of prevention and recovery. Boomer shares his profound journey from overcoming personal adversities including addiction, incarceration, and homelessness to becoming a leading voice in community transformation. His story highlights the importance of lived experience in crafting interventions that truly resonate with vulnerable populations.What You'l...
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    59 分