LISBON — The U.S. Department of State has selected Cassidy Pelchat of Lisbon to participate in the Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminar on “Building Communities of Hope: Collective Action to Tackle Addiction.” The seminar will take place in Cleveland, Ohio, from April 4 to 8.

The seminar will convene approximately 40 alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs who will bring unique skills and expertise in health care, social work, education, public policy, the arts and other sectors that are implementing substance prevention and recovery programs.

Participants will join subject-matter experts and U.S. government officials to discuss the challenges of communities affected by addiction, share their experiences in preventing drug demand and building substance abuse rehabilitation programs, and develop sustainable solutions to prevent drug use, decrease addiction stigma and aid in building communities of hope.

The seminar will be a hands-on, action-driven event to facilitate collaborations with emerging leaders that produce practical solutions and tools to support community resiliency. Participants will learn how various community resources can be leveraged to assist in the prevention of substance abuse and aid in rehabilitation and recovery.