White House Drug Policy Director Kerlikowske to visit Fort Myers Senior High School

Gil Kerlikowske to Hear from Young People on Local Drug Issues During Visit to Alma Mater

Washington, D.C. – Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy and Congressman Connie Mack will host a roundtable discussion with several local high school students to listen to their observations regarding youth substance abuse and share tips on how to avoid negative influences and lead healthy lives. Director Kerlikowske is a 1968 graduate of Fort Myers Senior High School.

The 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health – the largest U.S. survey on drug use - shows the drug use in the United States has increased between 2008 and 2009 – with 1 in 10 youth ages 12 to 17 and 1 in 5 young adults ages 18 to 25 reporting drug use in the last month. The same survey also shows significant increases in drug use among young African American teen girls and Hispanic teen boys between 2008 and 2009.

A renewed focus on drug education is a major component of the Obama Administration's effort to implement a public health approach to reducing drug abuse and its consequences. President Obama’s Budget request includes increases for funding drug prevention programs and treatment programs. ONDCP has also revamped its National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign to include a broader focus on substances most often abused by teens, including prescription drugs, marijuana and alcohol.

This is open press.

Who: Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy
            Connie Mack, U.S. Representative (Florida)

What: Youth Roundtable, open press

When: Friday, February 18, 2011 (corrected date)
            11:15 a.m. EST

Where: Fort Myers Senior High School
               2635 Cortez Boulevard
               Fort Myers, FL 33901

RSVP:  Credentialed media must RSVP to gain access by sending an e-mail to mediainquiry@ondcp.eop.gov.