NCJ Number
84591
Date Published
1982
Length
57 pages
Annotation
This transcript presents a congressional hearing held in November 1981 to clarify the nature and scope of the Federal executive branch's efforts to formulate a comprehensive, coordinated, long-term Federal drug strategy, as required by law.
Abstract
Congressman Leo Zereretti questioned the Administration's resolve to place a high priority on efforts to reduce drug abuse and drug trafficking, while other committee members note the Administration's strong stance regarding crime control. Dr. Carleton Turner, White House drug policy advisor, stated that the Administration intends to mobilize the Federal Government, State governments, local governments, the business community, and the forces of voluntarism to combat drug abuse. These efforts will aim to reduce the spread of drug abuse by reducing the demand for and supply of drugs and will focus on preventing drug abuse among young people. William Mayer, M.D., Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services, noted that the National Institute on Drug Abuse has been directed to develop an interdepartmental task force to coordinate the multiple departmental drug abuse activities. Dr. Mayer also noted that data collection and dissemination and technical assistance will remain at the national level, while some functions will continue to be delegated to State and local governments through the Block Grant Program. Questions and answers from committee members and the text of prepared statements are included.