Center plans spring conference in Vernon

VERNON — The Center for Prevention and Counseling announces its Spring Conference to be held at Red Tail Lodge, Vernon, on Thursday, May 31, from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m..
Featured keynote speaker is Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D., President and CEO, Smart Approaches to Marijuana. Dubbed by NBC News as “ the prodigy of drug politics,” author, consultant, advisor to three U.S. presidential administrations and assistant professor. Dr. Sabet has studied, researched, written about, and implemented drug policy for more than 20 years. He is currently the Director of the Drug Policy Institute at the University of Florida and the President of SAM: Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a non-profit organization he co-founded with Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Canadian-American Political Commentator, David Frum.
Dr. Sabet’s work as a government advisor began in the Clinton Administration as a researcher and he was the senior speechwriter on drug policy in the Bush Administration from 2002-2003. He returned to government in 2009 where he was asked to assist in drafting President Obama’s National Drug Control Strategy as a senior advisor. In 2011, he stepped down after being the only drug policy staffer to have served as a political appointee in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Kevin Sabet is the winner of numerous drug policy awards, a published author and featured in numerous publications. He received his Doctorate of Philosophy and Masters of Science from Oxford University and his B.A. with high honors in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
Additional presenters at this timely and informative conference include Diane Litterer, MPA, CPS, in the field of public health for over 25 years having developed state-of-the-art prevention programs receiving federal, state, county and local funding. Diane Litterer will talk about statistical marijuana trends in New Jersey along with the effects of vaping, THC potency issues and associated marijuana edible products.
Litterer manages the New Jersey Prevention Network, Lakewood, New Jersey, which oversees initiatives such as the Addiction Training and Workforce Development Project, which provides training for the addiction field; the Military Family Project serving service personnel and their families; the Training and Technical Assistance Program for the 17 Regional Prevention Coalitions; The Coalition for a Healthy New Jersey addressing chronic disease prevention through Get Active NJ and Tobacco Free for a Healthy NJ Initiatives; the IMPACT NJ Coalition working to reduce underage drinking, marijuana and tobacco use; and the W.I.S.E. Program which is a nationally recognized wellness program for Older Adults.
Jeanette Hoffman is an experienced public affairs consultant and statewide media spokesperson specializing in strategic messaging, crisis communications and public affairs campaigns. Servicing a broad range of corporate and non-profit clients, she has almost two decades of experience in advocacy, politics, policy and state government issues. As a media commentator in demand, Hoffman can be seen on several New Jersey television and radio stations discussing state politics and public policy. Jeanette has been featured and awarded in numerous prestigious outlets and she will present on engaging friends, family, co-workers and the media on marijuana issues.
Grace Hanlon, former Executive Director of the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism will provide updated information on developments in marijuana legalization in New Jersey and how to get involved and make a difference. Ms. Hanlon founded the Multi-Media production company Edvantage Media Group, serves on the Board of Trustees for Oaks Integrated Care, Preferred Behavioral Health Group, Jersey Shore Partnership and is an active volunteer and supporter of the Dynamite Youth Center specializing in drug free counseling to rehabilitate drug dependent adolescents and young adults through educational programs, advocacy, community services and family involvement.
Cost to attend is $60 and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration is required and payment must be received before May 25. Please note: no refunds after May 25. There are no additional fees for Continuing Education Credits (CADC, LCADC, LPC, CPS, MFT, Professional Development Hours or Pharmacist credits), all which are pending final approval. For more information, please contact Laura at Laura@centerforprevention.org or 973-383-4787 ext. 222 or go to http://weblink.donorperfect.com/SpringconferenceCC to register.