Thank you to everyone who joined us on September 24th to celebrate NHADACA’s 40th Anniversary! We were grateful to share the latest updates from NHADACA, recognize the important work of New Hampshire’s substance use and behavioral health workforce, and welcome Lori Manson of ADEPT Institute of Maine for her engaging keynote, “Leveling Up on Problem Gambling.” It was a wonderful day of connection, recognition, and celebration of 40 years of advancing the addiction profession in New Hampshire.

Celebrating 40 Years

The morning began with coffee and networking before members and guests gathered for NHADACA’s annual membership meeting. A special presentation by Jacqui Abikoff and Dianne Castrucci highlighted NHADACA’s history and the people, partnerships, and accomplishments that have shaped the organization over four decades.

From its beginnings to its role today as a statewide leader in education, workforce development, advocacy, ethical standards, and leadership, NHADACA’s history reflects the evolution of New Hampshire’s substance use profession itself.

Today, NHADACA supports addiction professionals throughout their careers through education and training, credentialing support, professional development, scholarships, and initiatives focused on workforce wellbeing. The organization’s work continues to center on one goal: strengthening the workforce that supports prevention, treatment, recovery, and the broader substance use continuum of care.

Recognizing Leadership and Service

The celebration also provided an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations whose contributions have strengthened the profession and the communities they serve. NHADACA recognized board members for their service and announced the results of the Board of Directors election. Annual awards honored excellence in the field, including celebrating the Emerging Professional in Healing & Recovery Award winners Gabriella Straube, Kim Botana, and Laina Reavis, Counselor of the Year winner Lisa Spurrell, Lifetime Advocacy Award winner Charles "Chucky" Rosa, President’s Award winner Kari Salema, Outstanding Team of the Year Award winner New Hampshire Training Institute on Addictive Disorders, Peer Recovery Support Worker of the Year Award winner Samantha Ross, and Hero Award winner Greater Nashua Mental Health.

These recognitions serve as a reminder that NHADACA’s work is ultimately about people - the professionals who dedicate their careers to supporting others and the colleagues, mentors, supervisors, and organizations that help them grow.

Looking at the Future of the Workforce

The morning program also featured guest speakers Kimbly Wade of the New Hampshire Bureau of Drug & Alcohol Services and Jessica Williams of the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, bringing additional perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing New Hampshire’s behavioral health and substance use workforce.

Their participation reinforced the importance of connection across the field. As the needs of New Hampshire communities continue to evolve, so too must the workforce supporting them.

For NHADACA, that means continuing to create opportunities for professionals to learn, connect, develop their skills, pursue credentials, and remain engaged in the work.

Learning About an Emerging Area of Need

Following lunch and a raffle, attendees participated in the afternoon keynote, “Level Up on Problem Gambling in New Hampshire,” presented by Lori Manson, IGPS, Problem Gambling Services Coordinator at ADEPT Maine.

Manson explored the changing landscape of gambling, including the growing accessibility of online gambling and the ways gambling-related harm can intersect with substance use.

Participants learned about problem gambling and gambling disorder, risk factors that overlap with substance use disorder, brief screening tools, and strategies for having sensitive, nonjudgmental conversations about gambling. The session also highlighted resources and opportunities for professionals who want to become more involved in addressing gambling-related harm in New Hampshire.

The keynote offered an important reminder that supporting the substance use workforce means staying responsive to emerging issues and expanding professionals’ knowledge so they can better recognize and respond to the needs of the people they serve.

Thank You to Our NHADACA Community

A milestone like 40 years does not happen without a community behind it.

NHADACA extends its sincere appreciation to the members, board members, presenters, sponsors, donors, and partners who helped made the 40th Anniversary Celebration possible.