About NRADAN, Inc.
The National Rural Alcohol and Drug Abuse Network, Inc., (NRADAN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the needs of rural America, including programs and professionals that serve rural clients, wherever they may be. NRADAN’s goal is to reduce the incidence and prevalence of substance-use and addictive disorders in rural communities, and its objectives include the following:
1. Provide resources for rural alcohol-and-other-drug-use professionals and communities and for programs who serve rural residents and clients.
2. Offer continuing education for allied healthcare professionals focusing on
rural communities and clients.
3. Share timely information on resources and key issues facing rural communities.
4. Promote excellence throughout rural America with training, evidence-based programming, and promotion of networking among rural personnel
Our History
Brief highlights of the founding and history of NRADAN, Inc., and the National Rural Institute on Alcohol, Drugs, and Addictions (NRIADA)
First Institute
1983
Larry Monson, Paul MIadnick, and Michael Early collaborated and planned the first Institute.
NRADAN, Inc Founded
1991
NRADAN, Inc., gains IRS standing as a private foundation.
First Annual Awards
1991
First Harold E. Hughes Awards of Excellence awarded at the 1991 Institute.
Conference Location Change
1998
The site of the annual Institute moved from UW-Eau Claire, to Menomonie, Wisconsin, on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
First NRADAN, Inc Board Retreat
2019
Recognizing the expanded work that needed to be planned and completed, the board held its first retreat in August 2019.
Renaming to Recognize Expanded Needs within AODA
2019
"National Rural Institute on Alcohol and Drug Abuse" renamed the "National Rural Institute on Alcohol, Drugs, and Addictions".
Pandemic Impacts
2020
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, for the first time since its beginning, the Institute was cancelled.
We're going virtual!
2021
COVID-19 remained a force to be reckoned with during 2021. So, we practiced our pivoting skills and hosted a fully virtual event.