National director shares new drug prevention strategies

Gil Kerlikowske, director of the U.S. National Drug Control Policy, will discuss new national strategies in drug control at 1:30 p.m., March 24, at ASU’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation, 500 N. Third St., in building 2, room 110. 

Kerlikowske will provide an overview of the Obama administration’s soon-to-be-released 2010 National Drug Control Strategy. He will discuss the administration’s emphasis on drug prevention, treatment, recovery, criminal justice and research priorities in these areas. The event is hosted by Arizona State University’s Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy.

“Director Kerlikowske's address at ASU is consistent with the university's broad commitment to bring attention to the critical need for comprehensive, effective and accessible approaches to behavioral health, including drug abuse,” said Michael S. Shafer, director of ASU’s Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy.

Kerlikowske coordinates all aspects of federal drug control programs and implementation of the President's National Drug Control Strategy. He brings 37 years of law enforcement and drug policy experience to the position, most recently with nine years’ service as Seattle’s Chief of Police. When he left, crime was at its lowest point in 40 years. Previously, Kerlikowske served as Deputy Director for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, where he was responsible for more than $6 billion in federal assets.

“President Obama's appointment of Gil Kerlikowske has signaled a new direction in the manner in which federal policy will approach the problem of drug abuse in our country,” Shafer said. “Blending smart law enforcement policies with proven public health approaches, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, under Director Kerlikowske's leadership, represents a new day in our country's approach to this most pressing issue.”

ASU’s Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy is a research and training center in the College of Public Programs. The Center conducts research, provides program development and evaluation services, and designs and conducts workforce development initiatives to improve policies and programs that affect people with substance use disorders or mental illness. For information, visit http://www.cabhp.asu.edu.

Admission is free. To RSVP or for information, contact Linda Williamson at (602) 496-1483 or linda.williamson@asu.edu.