During this hour-long broadcast Emerging Drug Trends, hear what’s going on now, and what’s on the horizon from people in-the-know. Find out how to tailor prevention messages and see how a coalition of coalitions worked together to quickly make a new drug illegal in their state.

Key Concepts:

  • Find out what drug threats are out there now and what may be the next big thing
  • See how working together with other coalitions can help achieve goals
  • Learn how data can help you spot the next trend

Originally Aired: February 24, 2011

Host & Panelists

Mary Elizabeth Elliott

(Host) Vice President of Communications, Membership, and Information Technology, CADCA

Gary Boggs

Special Agent, Executive Assistant, Office of Diversion Control, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Gary Boggs began his law enforcement career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in Orlando, Florida in 1977, where he was assigned to the Patrol Division and to the Street Drug Unit.

In 1985, he became a Special Agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was transferred to the Detroit Field Division Office. In 2003, he was transferred to DEA Headquarters, where he was assigned to the Office of Special Intelligence as the Unit Chief over classified programs.

In 2006, he was promoted to his current position as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Diversion Control. As the Executive Assistant, Boggs coordinates day-to-day operations of the Diversion Control Program; develops policy and budget proposals; provides briefings to members of Congress; and conducts liaison with industry. Special Agent Boggs holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia Southern University.

Judy Cushing

President and Chief Executive Officer of Oregon Partnership, Portland, OR

A national leader in substance abuse prevention and treatment, Judy Cushing has devoted 30 years to community, state, and national efforts to combat drug and alcohol abuse and to shape public policy.

Cushing has served on numerous national committees and boards including the Executive Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the President’s Advisory Commission on Drug-Free Communities. She regularly addresses nationwide conferences on emerging alcohol and drug issues, public policy, and media advocacy.

In 1993, Cushing founded Oregon Partnership where she serves as President and CEO. Cushing studied at Oregon State University, Southern Oregon University and the Faculty Development Institute at Boston University.

She resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband of 44 years; they have three children and eight grandchildren.

Debbie Meripolski

Executive Director at the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Dallas, TX

Debbie Meripolski has worked at the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Dallas since 1998. She oversees a broad range of services aimed at preventing drug problems before they occur, intervening when they do, and promoting recovery for those who are already addicted.

Funds raised to support these programs come from government grants, the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, corporate and private foundations, special events, and individual donations. One of the Council’s areas of special expertise is community mobilization. It plays key leadership roles in the Dallas Area Drug Prevention Partnership, the Alliance on Underage Drinking, and Tobacco-Free North Texas.

Meripolski has a degree in Health and Human Services Management, and has spent most of her professional career in nonprofit management and health education.