The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) announced today that registration is open for the National Prevention Network Conference to be held September 13 -15 in Buffalo. The conference, to be held at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in downtown Buffalo, offers an opportunity for addiction specialists and researchers from across the nation to network and discuss best practices in alcohol and substance use prevention. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about prevention in an era of health systems reform, emerging drug issues and trends, building prevention partnerships and collaborations, prevention-focused media messaging, and prevention workforce development.

“Preventing addiction is a community-wide effort,” said New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “I want to thank the substance use disorder prevention providers from across the state for their commitment to prevention and the work they do with communities to prevent underage drinking and drug use. We are excited to host this national conference, where we will all learn from each other about evidence-based prevention techniques and can share our successful prevention strategies with other states.”

The conference will feature multiple presentations and workshops all focused on the conference theme: “Advancing a Prevention Agenda in an Era of Health Systems Reform.” The keynote address on 9/13 features Dr. Jeff Levi, Professor of Health Management & Policy at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, where his work focuses on the intersection of public health, the health care systems and the multi-sector collaborations required to improve health. 

NYS OASAS will also be hosting a special reception at 5 p.m. on 9/13 to honor long-time Western New York prevention supporters Bob and Mindy Rich. This event is co-sponsored by the University at Buffalo, Visit Buffalo Niagara and Independent Health. 

“As New York State’s most comprehensive research university, and as a national leader in addictions research, UB is very proud to serve as co-sponsor of this event honoring Buffalo’s own Bob and Mindy Rich,” said Kenneth Leonard, PhD, Director of the UB Research Institute on Addictions. “In addition, we look forward to many of UB’s research professionals offering their expertise at workshops throughout the conference.” 

Click here to register for the conference. 

New Yorkers are always encouraged to visit the State’s Talk2Prevent website, where parents, educators and community members can find resources to help prevent alcohol misuse and drug abuse including a Parent Toolkit, prom and graduation tips, information to prevent underage drinking on college campuses, and educational materials.

New Yorkers can find help for addiction and hope by calling the State’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (467369). New Yorkers can find an OASAS-certified substance use disorder treatment provider any time by using the OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard. For help with accessing care and insurance coverage, New Yorkers can visit the Access Treatment page on the OASAS website.