Letter to Gil Kerlikowske, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy

Letter

Dear Director Kerlikowske,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide suggestions for the 2012 National Drug Congrol Strategy. We applaud your ongoing commitment to seeking a blanaced, comprehensive, approach to reducing drug abuse and it simpact on communities across our nation. In particular, we have been encouraged by your efforts to address drug abuse epidemic, outlined in the 2011 National Drug Control Strategy and the 2011 Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan. We urge you to maintain your strong focus on prescription drug abuse as you develop the 2012 National Drug Control Strategy.

As members of the West Virginia delegation, we hear almost daily from a wide range of constituent -- including individuals, families, law enforcement officers, business owners, health care professionals and educators -- who have been affected by prescription drug abuse. Our nation's competitiveness and the heal of our economy are also at risk, as our current and future workforces are being harmed. We know you have personally spoken with many individuals and communities affected by prescription drug abuse, and therefore understand the heartbreak and devastation caused by this crisis.

Our constituents also are severely impacted by a lack of access to substance abuse treatment facilities, especially in situations where teens and families need residential treatment and supportive services. We are hopeful that the 2012 strategy will provide the needed direction to help ensure that individuals, children and families have access to timely and comprehensive drug abuse treatment and related services.

In moving ahead with a 2012 National Drug Control Strategy, a continued commitment to reducing prescription drug abuse is of real iimportance to our constituents and the entire State of West Virginia. The 2012 strategy should continue the Administrations focus on modernizing our prescription drug monitoring programs, supporting professional health training on the safe use a prescription drugs,and strengthening partnerships with law enforcement to crack down on pill mill operators, illegal interstate trafficking, and other criminal violations. With regard to law enforcement partnerships, we continue to strongly support efforts to reduce drug trafficking through the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program.

In closing, thank you for your ongoing efforts in reducing prescription drug abuse and its devastating impact on our nation. The 2012 National Drug Control Strategy will provide a timely and useful framework for continued focus on this crisis. We look forward to working with you in partnership to find real solutions for West Virginians and the nation.

Sincerely,

John D. Rockefeller IV Joe Manchin III
United States Senator United States Senator

Nick J Rahall, II Shelley Moore Captio David McKinley
Member of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress