Dr. Matthew Rossheim named CADCA “Advocate of the Year” and American Academy of Health Behavior Fellow
February 28, 2025 • News
With only a few weeks into the new year, Dr. Matthew Rossheim, Associate Professor of the College of Public Health (CPH), has already achieved two major career milestones in the field of public health.
Earlier this month, he was awarded “Advocate of the Year” by the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA), the largest substance use prevention non-governmental organization in the U.S. Next month, he will also be named a Fellow of the American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB) for the recognition of his contributions to the field of health behavior research and his demonstrated involvement in the organization.
CADCA’s Advocate of the Year
CADCA is a nonprofit organization that is committed to creating safe, healthy and drug-free communities globally. With over 300 community coalitions in 28 different countries, the organization strives to serve as a global leader in the fight to end drug use, an initiative very dear to Rossheim’s work.
Dr. Rossheim has been involved with public health research and advocacy for more than 15 years. He has been a speaker at previous CADCA trainings and is heavily involved with advocacy issues related to the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill authorized the production of hemp and removed hemp and hemp seeds from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s schedule of controlled substances. Rossheim explains that the bill has unfortunately resulted in retailers selling intoxicating cannabis products nationwide, regardless of state cannabis laws. “I have been working with numerous states on issues pertaining to the regulations of high-risk alcohol, cannabis, and Kratom products,” says Rossheim. “Legislators want to know how to effectively protect public safety, and I am able to share with them our latest research on the marketing, youth use, and harms of these products.”
The “Advocate of the Year” award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in substance use prevention. Recipients are recognized for their advocacy, innovative approaches, and commitment to creating drug-free communities. Dr. Rossheim was honored for his commitment as a leading public health expert at this year’s National Leadership Forum.
With over 14,000 professionals who are CADCA-trained, Dr. Rossheim recalls feeling honored to be recognized with this award. “This award really reflects the incredible work of many great communities and teams. Though formally trained as a researcher, I have had many great mentors and collaborators for policy advocacy. I am fortunate to have been able to help support CADCA’s work as a subject matter expert while they connect me with the decision makers who craft laws needed to protect families and communities.”
AAHB Fellowship
The AAHB was established to transform the health promotion and health education field from a teaching- and service-centered profession to a stronger research foundation. Discoveries are valued as a means for enhancing public health.
Rossheim began attending AAHB conferences as an undergraduate, and in recent years, became heavily involved as their Research Review Chair for the 2023 Annual Meeting. Last year, he served on the Board of Directors as the Conference Planning Chair and contributed to the organization of the 2024 conference. Rossheim has also served on the Professional Development and Mentoring Council for many years in addition to being involved in their Research Scholars & Mentorship Program, as a mentee and then mentor.
Once a member is named a fellow, they have the privilege to add “FAAHB” to their professional title. Dr. Rossheim will be recognized with the rest of the 2024 fellows’ class at the AAHB Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego, California in March.
“Dr. Rossheim’s recognitions speak to his contributions to the field of public health. We couldn’t be more honored that he is amongst our talented faculty,” says Dr. Shafik Dharamsi, CPH Dean.
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