NACo Peer Exchange: Supporting Families Impacted by Substance Use
Sept. 23-25, 2026 | Union County, N.J.
About the Event
This fall, NACoRF will be hosting a Peer Exchange on Supporting Families Impacted by Substance Use in Union County, New Jersey. Join fellow county officials (September 23-25) for a special one-and-a-half day event, during which participants will connect with peers and national experts to explore multi-sector, local approaches to prevention, treatment and recovery. The event is designed for county leaders seeking to strengthen cross-agency collaboration, support vulnerable populations and improve health and development outcomes.
Up to 25 counties will be selected, with priority given to county teams. Space is limited; interested leaders must complete a brief application.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Open Call for Applications: Monday, June 29, 2026
- Application Deadline: Monday, July 27, 2026
- Announcement of Selected Counties: Monday, August 10, 2026
- Peer Exchange: September 23-25, 2026
Who should apply?
County elected officials, appointed county staff and department or agency leaders interested in addressing the intersection between substance use disorder (SUD) and children, youth and families (CYF) programs are invited to apply. Applicants should be open to sharing local challenges in a small group setting and demonstrate interest in exploring multi-sector collaboration.
NACo welcomes interdisciplinary county teams of 2-3 individuals (maximum of 3) to apply to attend the event. Please note that individual applicants from a county (1 representative) are welcome to apply, but applications from county teams (2-3 representatives) will be prioritized. County teams are encouraged to include:
- One elected official or designee, such as a commissioner, supervisor or county executive, or a senior staff member focused on health and/or human services policy
- One appointed county staff, department or agency leader focused on SUD policy and/or program implementation
- One appointed county staff, department or agency leader focused on CYF policy and/or program implementation
Is there a cost to participate?
No. NACoRF will provide a travel allowance for selected participants in accordance with the NACo Travel Policy. Additional details will be provided to selected applicants.
How do I apply?
Applications will open on Monday, June 29, 2026. Sign up below to be notified when applications launch.