Washington, D.C. (July 5, 2025) — The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) successfully hosted its quarterly Coffee Connections event on June 26, bringing together individuals, families, NCADD affiliates, and community leaders from across the country for a meaningful conversation on advocacy in the substance use and recovery field.
Held virtually via Zoom, the session featured a presentation by Denise L. Kolivoski, MBA, Executive Director of NCADD National, who outlined NCADD’s 2025 advocacy priorities. These priorities—focused on securing sustainable and equitable funding, advancing stigma reduction, and strengthening the behavioral health workforce—were developed through affiliate surveys, listening sessions, and national webinars.
Following the presentation, participants engaged in a collaborative discussion to share local advocacy strategies, tools, and emerging challenges. Summer Brancoccio, NCADD Board Member and President & CEO of the New Jersey Coalition for Addiction Recovery Support (NCAAR), presented effective resources NCAAR has developed to support grassroots advocacy across communities.
Participants also expressed concerns about the need for stable funding to sustain vital services, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between NCADD National and its affiliates.
Coffee Connections is a quarterly, virtual event series hosted by NCADD. Free and open to the public, it provides a platform for discussion, learning, and community-building on key issues impacting the field of substance use and recovery.