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White House Drug Policy Director Hails Success
“To see your program and to listen to the stories about the hard work of your very dedicated staff, I think the entire Phoenix area should be applauding the work that you do—and the successes that you have already had,” said National Drug Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske, on Wednesday, March 24 following a visit to TERROS, a community-based Phoenix-area substance abuse and mental health counseling agency, and COPE Coalition.
During his visit, the nation’s drug czar was briefed on the collaborative efforts by both organizations to provide a continuum of care that includes prevention, treatment, and recovery to the Phoenix community.
Director Kerlikowske is responsible for developing the Obama Administration’s National Drug Control Strategy, which seeks to foster healthy individuals and safe communities by effectively leading the Nation’s effort to reduce drug use and its consequences.
The collaboration between TERROS and COPE Coalition is an example of the holistic approach to preventing and treating substance abuse that is a key principle of the Nation’s drug strategy, according to the Director.
“In the administration’s drug control strategy that is coming out is a real emphasis and focus on prevention, treatment and on recovery success stories,” Kerlikowske stated. “TERROS is a hometown success story.”
A unique TERROS peer recovery coaching program was recognized for having a positive impact on the community. Recovery coaches are living proof of success and serve as positive role models, helping clients realize that recovery from substance abuse is possible. Since its inception in 2007, four coaches, who are undergoing their own recovery from drug addiction, have helped more than 550 families valley wide.
In addition, COPE Coalition received accolades for creating a pilot program and hosting an inaugural Alcohol-Free Quinceañera in Maryvale. The popular coming-of-age cultural celebration for more than a dozen young women and their families typically would have included alcoholic beverages. The collaborative efforts of COPE Coalition and several community partners proved that a fun and memorable event could be organized without alcohol. The 2010 COPE Coalition Alcohol-Free Quinceañera is currently in the planning stages.
Director Kerlikowske stated that the outcomes achieved in Phoenix are evidence of the positive results that are possible when the prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement communities work together to address local drug problems.
“I haven’t met anyone at any socioeconomic or demographic level that has not been touched or affected by the drug problem—a friend, a colleague, a relative, a co-worker. And yet, if we look at where we can put money to invest, we know there are quality prevention programs that work,”
