WASHINGTON, D.C., September 26, 2007 -- The Partnership for a Drug-Free America announced the recipients of the 2007 Guardian Awards at a ceremony held this morning at the United States Capitol. The Guardian Award is given annually by the Partnership in recognition of leadership on substance abuse issues and efforts to protect America’s families from the dangers of drug use. The award was presented by Stephen J. Pasierb, president and CEO of the Partnership, along with members of the organization’s Parent Advisory Board, a committed group of parents and caregivers from around the country who share family experiences with drugs and alcohol and help guide the development of Partnership tools and resources.

“We are proud to honor this group of legislators who are actively committed to supporting drug education, prevention and treatment,” said Pasierb. “These are true guardians of America’s families, and we are grateful for their efforts to ensure that our children have safer, healthier futures.”

Honorees from the U.S. Senate include Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE), Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS), Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA).

Members of the House of Representatives who will be honored include Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Rep. Rod Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA), Rep. Sandy Levin (D-MI), Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-WV), Rep. David Obey (D-WI), Rep. Ralph Regula (R-OH), Rep. José Serrano (D-NY), Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) and Rep. James Walsh (R-NY).

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The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a nonprofit organization uniting communications professionals, renowned scientists and parents. Best known for its national drug-education campaign, the Partnership’s mission is to reduce illicit drug use in America. Now in its 20th year, the Partnership helps parents and caregivers effectively address drug and alcohol abuse with their children by offering the tools, resources and support they need to help kids lead healthy lives. The Partnership depends on donations and support from individuals, corporations, foundations and government. The Partnership thanks SAG/AFTRA for their ongoing generosity.