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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Talbert House holds press conference calling for increased measures
to reduce prescription drug abuseCINCINNATI, OHIO (June 1, 2004)-John Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and President Bush's "Drug Czar," joined several Ohio officials on Tuesday, May 25 at the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Center to call for increased measures to reduce prescription and illegal drug abuse in Cincinnati and throughout the state.
Director Walter's visit to Cincinnati is part of the White House's 25-Cities Initiative, which aims to reduce substance abuse in America's largest cities.Cincinnati is the 16th city visited by Walters as part of the Initiative. Local leaders, including members of the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati, have been meeting to develop a new coordinated strategy to reduce drug use in the region.
In addition to Walters, local leaders, First Lady of Ohio Hope Taft U.S., Representative Rob Portman, State Representative Tom Raga, and Kentucky Lt. Governor Steve Pence attended the press conference.
The Ohio Legislature is currently considering a bill, HB 277, which would establish and maintain an electronic database to monitor the misuse and diversion of controlled substances, and reduce the practice of "doctor shopping" in Ohio. Kentucky and Indiana already have similar systems in place. According to a recent survey, 25 percent of Ohio's youth report using a prescription drug for non-medical purposes.
The 25-Cities Initiative plans to take a local approach to a national problem by using data to determine key measures such as use of illegal drugs by youths during the past month and year, arrestee drug use data, and emergency room drug mentions, price and purity of drugs, among other issues.
"Talbert House has been helping solve tough social problems in the Cincinnati area for 40 years," said Talbert House President Neil Tilow. "We welcomed the opportunity to host today's visit and press conference with the U.S. Drug Czar and other key government leaders."
Since 1965, Talbert House's mission is to be a progressive, multi-service, community-based nonprofit agency. Talbert House serves a broad population and develops and delivers services in mental health, community corrections and substance abuse. These services have two basic purposes: to improve social behavior and enhance personal recovery and growth-www.talberthouse.org. For more information about the 25-Cities Initiative, visit www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov
