February 17–18, 2026 | St. Petersburg, Florida

Drug Free America Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, is proud to host the 13th Annual National Prevention Summit on February 17–18, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

This two-day national convening brings together prevention professionals, educators, healthcare providers, policymakers, advocates, researchers, and community leaders to strengthen the role of prevention, treatment, recovery, and sound drug policy in protecting individuals, families, and communities. Registration includes venue parking, breakfast and lunch both days.

Register here!

Why the National Prevention Summit Matters

Substance use continues to impact communities in complex and far-reaching ways affecting mental health, physical health, family stability, workforce readiness, and public safety. The National Prevention Summit is designed to move beyond awareness and into action by equipping participants with the tools, strategies, and evidence needed to:

  • Reduce access to harmful substances

  • Reshape social norms that normalize or minimize risk

  • Strengthen prevention and recovery systems

  • Advocate for science-based, people-centered drug policies

  • Engage communities in meaningful, solutions-driven conversations

Our primary objective is to raise awareness about the profound impact of substance use while empowering attendees to implement effective, sustainable prevention and recovery strategies in their own communities.

Opening Keynote: Dr. Kevin Sabet

We are honored to welcome Dr. Kevin Sabet, co-founder and President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), as our Opening Keynote Speaker.

Dr. Sabet will share insights from his new book, One Nation Under the Influence: America’s Drug Habit and How We Can Overcome It, offering a powerful perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing drug policy today. His keynote will set the stage for a summit focused on advancing prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies nationwide.

Special Bonus: The first 100 registrants will receive a free copy of Dr. Sabet’s new book.

Featured Sessions & Speakers

The 2026 Summit will feature expert-led sessions that integrate neuroscience, prevention science, policy, trauma-informed approaches, and lived experience, including:

  • Brain-Based Prevention: Inspiring Kids to Protect Their Brains, Strengthen Executive Skills, and Empower Schools & Parents with Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S, Therapist, Prevention Researcher, Educator
  • Legal but Lethal with Kathleen Roberts, CEO, Community Coalition Alliance, Inc. and Elizabeth Nettles, COO, Community Coalition Alliance, Inc.
  • Health Promoting Relationships Toolkit with Lora Peppard, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC, Deputy Director for Treatment & Prevention, Director of ADAPT
  • Pending title with Bertha K. Madras, PhD, Professor of Psychobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
  • The Hidden Driver: How Moral Injury and Trauma Shape Substance Use—and What Prevention Can Do About It with Dave Closson, MS
  • Homeless and Addicted to Hope and Advocacy with Boomer Rose

Additional speakers and sessions to be announced—stay tuned!

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Available

Community Coalition Alliance is an official CEU provider through the Florida Certification Board (Provider Number: 5480-A).

CEUs are available for a wide range of credentials, including but not limited to:
MCAP, CAP, CAC, CBHCM, CBHCMS, CBHT, CPP, CPS, CMHP, CRPS, CRSS, CRRA, CGAC, CTTS, RRA, CRA, CWPI, CWCM, CWLC, CCWS, CCAM, CCHW, CDRS, CTPMP, NCPS, CTP, and IC&RC.

This makes the Summit an excellent opportunity for professionals to gain high-quality education while meeting licensure requirements.

Event Details

13th Annual National Prevention Summit
📅 February 17–18, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (both days)
📍 University Student Center
200 6th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Hotel Information

Convenient hotel options near the venue include:

  • AC Hotel St. Petersburg Downtown – 0.9 miles

  • Courtyard by Marriott St. Petersburg Downtown – 0.9 miles

  • Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg Downtown – 1.0 mile

  • Avalon Hotel Downtown St. Petersburg – 1.1 miles

  • Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown – 1.5 miles

We recommend booking early, as availability may be limited.

Register here!