New York, NY (March 11, 2009)— The nonprofit Partnership for a Drug-Free America supports President Obama and Vice President Biden in choosing Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske as the next Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

“Chief Kerlikowske’s deep understanding of the broad-ranging impacts of substance abuse on public safety, communities and family health is a tremendous asset to ONDCP and the field,” said Steve Pasierb, president of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. “The Partnership looks forward to working with Chief Kerlikowske and his team in a renewed effort to address the most pressing threats to our nation’s youth, including the intentional abuse of prescription and over the counter medicines, and to continue the outstanding progress made on illicit drugs like methamphetamine.”

A 36-year veteran of law enforcement, Kerlikowske is steeped in drug enforcement and supply issues, and his work with nonprofit and community organizations including Fight Crime: Invest in Kids and The Salvation Army demonstrate his understanding of the importance of reducing demand for drugs in the United States and ensuring that help is available for those who need addiction treatment.

“The fields of substance abuse prevention, treatment and law enforcement are fortunate to have the author of the legislation to create ONDCP, Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., in the White House,” added Pasierb. “Like the Partnership, he understands the devastating impact of addiction on families across the country and knows that there is much work ahead to reduce the enormous costs of untreated addiction.”

ONDCP plays a critical role in establishing federal drug policy and ensuring that government agencies work together toward common goals. The Partnership works closely with ONDCP on the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign and other important public education efforts, including the recent launch of the first national campaign to curb meth use in Native communities.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a nonprofit organization uniting parents, renowned scientists and communications professionals to help families raise healthy children. The Partnership motivates and equips parents to prevent their children from using drugs and alcohol, intervene when drug and alcohol use is present and find help for family and friends in trouble. The Partnership’s site, drugfree.org, translates current research on teen behavior, addiction and treatment into easy to understand tips and tools and connects parents with expert advice and support. For parents who need help starting and maintaining conversations with their kids about drugs and alcohol, Time To Talk, a nationwide parents’ movement, offers empowering tips and tools at TimeToTalk.org. The Partnership depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and government. The Partnership thanks SAG/AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity.