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Updated: 21/XII/01
Drug Czar Salutes Community Efforts Against Drugs
New White House Drug Czar Makes Debut Address to 1,200 Community Drug Prevention Activists; Office Of National Drug Control Policy
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: 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:
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