12 December 2001

New White House Drug Czar Salutes Community Efforts Against Drugs

The new director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has congratulated community anti-drug activists on their successes in helping to reduce substance abuse and drug trafficking. John Walters, only confirmed to his post in early December, spoke to the Community Anti-drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) December 12.

In a press release issued by ONDCP, Walters praised the efforts of the CADCA members. "Their tireless efforts to prevent and reduce substance abuse are making important differences everyday, where it matters most: the neighborhoods in which they live, work, learn, play and pray," said Walters.

Walter's praise of the community-based anti-drug activities December 12 was followed by President Bush's signing December 14 of the Drug Free Communities Act. This new law will gradually increase the U.S. budget for community-based programs from the current level of $50 million annually to $100 million.

Further details of Bush Administration drug control policies are available at http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/

Further details about community-based anti-drug programs are available at http://www.cadca.org/

Following is the text of the ONDCP press release:

Office Of National Drug Control Policy

Wednesday, December 12, 2001

New White House Drug Czar Makes Debut Address to 1,200 Community Drug Prevention Activists; Unveils Two New Anti-drug Television Ads

Washington, D.C.- John P. Walters, the nation's new "Drug Czar," made his first major public address Wednesday morning at the 12th Annual National Leadership Forum, sponsored by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). Walters, confirmed by the United States Senate last week as the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) delivered keynote remarks during the conference's opening plenary session.

During his address, Director Walters congratulated the more than 1,200 leaders of community anti-drug coalitions from across the nation for their success in reducing youth drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse and encourage them to continue and renew their vital efforts at the local level. "The men and women attending this conference represent a true cross section of America. Their tireless efforts to prevent and reduce substance abuse are making important differences everyday, where it matters most: the neighborhoods in which they live, work, learn, play and pray," said Director Walters.

Director Walters also unveiled two new anti-drug television ads that will air in January, developed in conjunction with the Advertising Council. The ads, themed "You Get More When You Get Together," illustrate the power of community coalitions and promote greater involvement at the grassroots level. Encouraging viewers to start or participate in community anti-drug coalitions, the ads provide a toll-free number (1-877-KIDS-313) and a website address (www.helpyourcommunity.org).

Walters continued, "Initiatives like these help galvanize local communities to engage young people, teachers, coaches, and religious leaders in becoming involved with countering the use of illegal drugs. Community coalitions understand the unique concerns and needs of their neighborhoods and deliver resources and messages directly to homes, workplaces, schools and faith communities." Since 1997, the Drug Free Communities program has provided 464 coalitions with $95.1 million in grants. There are at least two funded coalitions in each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

More information on Drug Free Communities may be found at: www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov

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