News Release

D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Attends SAMHSA Conference to Explore the Successes of Prevention and Inspiring Action
February 5, 2025 — Members of the District of Columbia National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force, attended the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 21st Prevention Day. The event brought together over 4,000 prevention practitioners, advocates, scientists, leaders, and consumers from across the nation for a pivotal day focused on advancing substance use prevention. This year’s theme, "Telling the Prevention Story," highlighted the vital importance of empowering youth voices in the conversation around substance use prevention... MORE

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Belita Lynum, a civil operator with the Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO) team, speaks with a Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) representative during the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 21st Prevention Day, Feb. 3, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Md. This year’s theme, "Telling the Prevention Story," highlighted the vital importance of empowering youth voices in the conversation around substance use prevention. The event highlighted how engaging youth in policy discussions and initiatives can strengthen prevention efforts.

'Seniors are rising in the percentage of overdoses': D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Reach Seniors through Prevention and Wellness
December 30, 2024 — The D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Program continues to bridge the gap between the Department of Defense (DoD) and non-DoD institutions in the fight against illicit drugs and transnational threats to the District. This holiday season, members of the Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO) Civil Operators and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) coordinated with the Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center to discuss prevention and wellness tips in Ward 8... MORE

Members of the District of Columbia National Guard Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO) Civil Operators and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) coordinated with the Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center Dec. 16, 2024 in Washington, D.C. to discuss prevention and wellness tips during the holiday season in Ward 8.

National Guard Counterdrug Programs from DC, DE, and NJ Convene for Joint Annual Training
September 5, 2024 — To enhance effectiveness in combating drug-related crime and to stay at the forefront of best practices, 53 service members from the District of Columbia, Delaware, and New Jersey National Guard Counterdrug Programs gathered in Cambridge, Maryland, for joint annual training to get a wider scope and understanding of program best practices... MORE

U.S. Army Major Gen. John C. Andonie, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, addresses National Guard Counterdrug Program personnel attending annual training in Cambridge, Maryland, August 27, 2024. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and alignment with state and government leadership during the joint annual training of the National Guard Counterdrug Program.

National Night Out Brings D.C. Law Enforcement, National Guard and Community Together
August 8, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard Counterdrug Program participated in the Metropolitan Police Department's 41st annual National Night Out celebrations in Southeast Washington, D.C. The community-building campaign occurs the first Tuesday of August each year and is held by law enforcement agencies across the country... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard Counterdrug Program participated in the Metropolitan Police Department's 41st annual National Night Out celebration in Southeast Washington, D.C., August 6, 2024. The community-building campaign occurs the first Tuesday of August each year and is held by law enforcement agencies across the country.