The Governor’s Prevention Partnership (GPP) proudly announces that Neha Shanavas, a member of their Youth Advisory Board has been honored nationally with the prestigious Outstanding Youth Leader Award from CADCA. CADCA’s Outstanding Youth Leader Award recognizes a youth leader who has made significant strides in prevention within their community.
This recognition was celebrated at CADCA’s 35th Annual National Leadership Forum, February 3-6, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. CADCA represents over 7,000 community coalitions that involve individuals from key sectors working to prevent substance misuse.
“Neha Shanavas embodies the spirit of leadership and dedication that we need in our communities,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “Her commitment to substance use prevention not only inspires her peers but also strengthens the fabric of Connecticut. I commend her for this well-deserved recognition and encourage all young leaders to follow in her footsteps.”
Neha is a Molecular and Cellular Biology major at UCONN, who has distinguished herself not only through her academic excellence but also through her extensive involvement in preventing youth substance use with the GPP Youth Advisory Board, which is funded by Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). She was part of GPP’s initiative to bring Deterra Drug Deactivation pouches and prevention information to nearly 60,000 families in Greater Hartford and New Haven. Neha was also a member of GPP’s Speaker’s Bureau where she has advocated for youth substance use prevention in Connecticut and nationally. She led efforts in last years SB1 to allow drug deactivation kits to be co-dispensed with opioid prescriptions.
“Neha’s journey exemplifies the powerful role youth can play in fostering positive change,” said Kelly Juleson and Roland Harmon Co-Presidents of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership. “Her dedication and leadership has paved the way for fellow youth leaders to tackle the urgent challenge of addressing substance misuse in their communities and advocating for prevention. We are thrilled that our partnership with DMHAS has led to a Connecticut youth leader being recognized with this national designation.”
“Neha represents the best of what youth leadership in prevention looks like. Her dedication to helping others and creating a healthier environment for her community is commendable,” said General Barrye L. Price, Ph.D., CADCA President and CEO. “CADCA is proud to recognize her with the Outstanding Youth Leader Award, and we look forward to seeing the difference she continues to make.”
The Governor’s Prevention Partnership is committed to empowering youth like Neha in their advocacy efforts and remains dedicated to creating a healthier and safer community for everyone. For more information about joining the Youth Advisory Board of GPP, visit GPPCT.org.
