The 13th Annual National Prevention Summit, taking place February 17–18, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida, is more than a professional convening—it’s a moment of action, collaboration, and national leadership in prevention and recovery.
Hosted by Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, this two-day Summit brings together prevention professionals, educators, healthcare providers, policymakers, advocates, researchers, and community leaders from across the country. Attendees will move beyond awareness and into action—gaining science-based tools and real-world strategies to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and community resilience.
A National Convening Designed for Impact
Substance use continues to affect communities in complex and far-reaching ways—impacting mental and physical health, family stability, workforce readiness, and public safety. The National Prevention Summit is intentionally designed to respond to these challenges by equipping participants with evidence-informed, practical approaches they can implement immediately in their own communities.
The 2026 agenda features expert-led sessions that integrate:
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Neuroscience and prevention science
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Trauma-informed and recovery-centered approaches
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Policy and systems-level solutions
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Lived experience and community leadership
Registration includes parking, breakfast, and lunch both days, making it a convenient and high-value opportunity for professionals at every level.
Featured Opening Keynotes
The Summit opens with nationally recognized leaders whose work has shaped prevention and drug policy conversations across the United States.
Day One Opening Keynote: Kevin A. Sabet, PhD
Co-Founder and President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)
One Nation Under the Influence: America’s Drug Habit and How We Can Overcome It
Dr. Sabet will set the stage for the Summit with a timely and thought-provoking look at the current drug landscape and the path forward for science-based prevention and policy.
Bonus: The first 100 registrants will receive a free copy of his new book.
Day Two Opening Keynote: Bertha Madras, PhD
Professor of Psychobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Countering Drug Myths: Marijuana and Psychedelics
Dr. Madras will open day two by addressing pervasive drug myths and misinformation—providing attendees with research-backed insights essential for effective prevention and public education.
View the agenda and speakers here.
Launching a National First: Inclusive Recovery Communities of Tampa Bay (IRCTB)
A defining moment of the 2026 Summit will be the official press event launching the Inclusive Recovery Communities of Tampa Bay (IRCTB) initiative.
This announcement will celebrate the first tri-county Inclusive Recovery Community (IRC) model in the United States, launching right here in the Tampa Bay region. The IRCTB initiative represents a groundbreaking, community-driven approach that centers recovery, inclusion, and cross-sector collaboration as essential components of long-term substance use solutions.
Launching IRCTB during the National Prevention Summit underscores the event’s commitment to not only discussing solutions—but actively advancing them. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness and engage with a model poised to influence recovery systems nationwide.
Register here!
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:
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AC Hotel St. Petersburg Downtown – 0.9 miles
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Courtyard by Marriott St. Petersburg Downtown – 0.9 miles
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Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg Downtown – 1.0 mile
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Avalon Hotel Downtown St. Petersburg – 1.1 miles
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Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown – 1.5 miles
We recommend booking early, as availability may be limited.
