ABOUT

About CPA
CPA is a member-driven, grassroots organization whose mission is to support prevention professionals in eliminating substance abuse. We are a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.
Since 1976, CPA has kept the needs and concerns of the prevention professional and the field of substance abuse prevention as its key focus, and today it continues to be the foremost voice for prevention in Pennsylvania.
History of CPA
1976
CPA is founded by a small group of dedicated and progressive thinking Prevention Specialists. 8 initial members
1977-1980
Organizational structure was developed by creating by-laws, a vision statement and a process for electing a board of directors.
1980
Update Newsletter is created to share information and encourage attendance at professional trainings and support members.
1982-1983
CPA Board begins to have regular monthly meetings in State College at Southridge Motor Inn.
1984
CPA adopted its logo and began co-sponsorship of the Wellness Institute with Wyoming Seminary.
1988
First Prevention Orientation Workshop presented at the Spring Office of Drug and Alcohol (ODAP) Conference.
1988-1989
CPA and Prevention Directors task force worked with consultants from PA Addictions Board to develop Prevention Specialist certification.
1989
Grandfathering process results in 233 Certified Prevention Specialists.
1989
CPA, represented on Drug and Alcohol Services Providers of PA (DASPOP) Board becomes more proactive legislatively.
1990
A CPA Field Issues Forum focused on informing the newly formed PA Student Assistance Program (PASAP) about prevention services.
1990
CPA assists PASAP development by providing CPA’s by-laws and organizational structure.
1991
CPA holds its first independent conference in Lancaster, with support from the Governor’s Drug Policy Council. 242 members
1991-2000
CPA membership increases. Annual conference coordinated and regional meetings and trainings are scheduled.
1998
CPA leads the campaign to generate over 8,000 letters to Senators Arlen Spector and Rick Santorum, which resulted in re-instatement of block grant funding.
1999
Harrisburg Legislative testimony regarding the need to reduce the use of tobacco products. Little funding was designated for prevention.
2002
CPA president joins State Initiative Grant (SIG) Advisory Board. CPA Web site is established to promote communication with the field. 271 members
2004
CPA is represented on Bureau of Drug & Alcohol Programs (BDAP) Prevention Workgroup.
2005
CPA president joins Performance Based Prevention System (PBPS) Workgroup. 265 members
2005-2006
CPA Board creates a Strategic Plan that includes steps to initiate and fund full time staff. CPA Board begins to meet at (smoke free) Hoss’s in State College.
2006
CPA celebrates its 30th anniversary at the Annual Prevention Conference. CPA president joins Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF SIG) Advisory Board. 235 members
2006-2007
CPA Board explores avenues for creating full time staff positions with the creation of budgets and job descriptions at strategic planning session.
2008
CPA begins development of a legislative initiative to bring the importance of prevention work to State lawmakers. 216 members
2009-2010
CPA begins the process of updating and revamping the CPA website. 175 members
2009
Revised Board of Directors to include State-wide Representatives as well as Regional Representatives.
2010
A legislative advocacy breakfast was held at our state Capitol. 192 members
2013
CPA Annual Conference enters the social media age with plenary sessions livestreamed and questions were tweeted. 153 members
2014
CPA membership vote to change bylaws to include "preventing risk-related behaviors". CPA awarded a PCCD SAEDR grant to develop consistent statewide prevention messages regarding opiate abuse
2016
CPA Celebrated our 40th Birthday with a dinner at our annual conference. Our conference was the largest in our 26 years of offering a conference.
Past Presidents of CPA
Phil Brown 1978-1983
Tom Cesarini 1983-1986
Joe Guardiani 1986-1987
Ellen Wolf 1987-1988
Joe Zbieg 1988-1989
Mary Beth Wolfe 1989-1990
Ken Healy 1990-1991
Patty Karn 1991-1994
Jackie Spaid 1994-1996
Suzanne Ralph 1996-2000
Lenore Rosencrans 2000-2000
Debby Fye 2000-2010
Kathy Muller 2010-2014
Jeff Hanley/Tammy Taylor 2014-2015
Jeff Hanley 2015-2017
Tammy Taylor 2017 - 2021