| Drug Prevention Act Introduced | |
With strong bipartisan support, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) introduced a sweeping measure to direct substantial new resources toward drug treatment, education and prevention programs that many experts agree are vital components of a successful overall strategy to combat illegal drugs.
The measure - the Drug Education, Prevention and Treatment Act of 2001 -- is cosponsored by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sens. Joe Biden (D-Del.), Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.).
"To succeed in the battle against drugs, our nation cannot merely focus on the supply side. We must provide a substantial commitment to reduce the demand for these harmful substances that are poisoning our society," Hatch said at a press conference in the Senate where he and Leahy unveiled the measure. "We need to do more to prevent America's youth away form the destructive path of drug abuse. We also must find ways treat those who have become trapped in addiction."
The measure also enjoys support from President George W. Bush. "I am extremely pleased that this bipartisan bill has a friend in the White House," Hatch added. "President Bush has indicated on several occasions -- and in the plan he unveiled last fall -- that he also believes in a comprehensive drug control strategy."
New Resources for Prevention
Hatch's measure contains several significant prevention and treatment provisions. For example, it authorizes new resources for school and community-based drug prevention programs that have been proven to be effective and are research-based. This bill also provides additional funding for eligible community-based organizations, including youth-serving organizations and other community groups, to implement after-school or out-of-school programs that include a strong focus on developing character. Another important aspect of the bill is its authorization for funding of community-based organizations that provide counseling and mentoring services to children who have a parent or guardian who is in prison."We want all who can help to be in a position to help," Hatch said. "These drug education and prevention programs seek to get everyone in all communities involved."
The bill also authorizes funding for the National Institutes of Health to continue its research toward identifying more effective research-based prevention and treatment programs. Learning how to treat drug addiction effectively is an essential component of America's battle to conquer drug abuse.
"While I am confident these innovative drug education and prevention programs will help reduce the number of children who decide to use drugs, we also need to ensure that those who are addicted receive treatment," Hatch noted.
To address this issue, the bill includes grants to states to provide residential treatment facilities, some specifically designed to treat drug addicted juveniles.
Treatment for Inmates
It also includes authorizations for funding to provide drug treatment services to inmates. This funding will go a long way in ensuring safer neighborhoods in Utah and across the country, and a more productive society once drug addicted offenders are released from incarceration.Hatch unveiled his legislation at a press conference in the nation's Capitol. Among those who spoke in favor of this approach was Salt Lake County Sheriff Aaron Kennard.
"The most important aspect of this legislation is the recognition that, in addition to aggressive law enforcement, we must commit ourselves to reducing the demand for illegal drugs," Kennard said.
"This legislation accomplishes that goal by giving local officials sufficient resources to prevent youth from using drugs and to provide treatment to those who have fallen prey to these substances," he continued. "This legislation perfectly complements our ongoing efforts to crack down on those who manufacture and sell drugs in our communities. In Utah, I know this legislation will help our effort to curb the use of illicit drugs such as methamphetamine and ecstasy."
The Hatch-Leahy measure enjoys broad support from the law enforcement community, treatment professionals, local governments and community organizations. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which Hatch chairs.
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