Statement from U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission Drug Trafficking Working Group

During his recent visit to Moscow, Director Kerlikowske met with Victor Ivanov, Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation, for the second meeting of the Drug Trafficking Working Group of the U.S. - Russia Bilateral Commission. The meeting solidified a commitment between the United States and the Russian Federation to work collaboratively on the global drug problem and resulted in the adoption of a framework agreement that outlines the way forward to address drug trafficking and other drug control issues.

"I am pleased the Working Group recognizes the value of joint law enforcement investigations in addressing the production and trafficking of illegal drugs,” said Director Kerlikowske. “Additionally, we have agreed to cooperate on stopping the money flow generated by this illicit trade, and our respective financial investigation units are important members of this working group. Given the Obama Administration’s emphasis on preventing and treating domestic drug use, I also welcome the establishment of a demand reduction subcommittee and look forward to exchanging best practices, information, and personnel in these areas and others. The United States believes these exchanges will be beneficial to both countries and will improve the health and safety of our peoples."

Director Kerlikowske was joined on the U.S. delegation by U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Beyrle, and officials from the National Security Council, Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Dr. Westley Clark, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, gave a presentation on prevention and treatment efforts in the United States, which included a discussion of drug treatment courts that provide alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders with substance abuse problems.

Read the statement.

White House Drug Policy Director Hails Expansion of Insurance Coverage for Addiction Treatment

New regulations requiring private group health insurance plans to offer benefits for treatment of substance abuse disorders that are comparable to benefits for other illnesses will help remove a barrier to treatment for millions of Americans, National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Gil Kerlikowske said today.

The rules, issued January 29th by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, are expected to be finalized in the spring. They will take effect for plan years beginning on or after July 1, 2010. The rules prohibit group health insurance plans – typically offered by employers – from restricting access to care for mental health or substance use disorders by limiting benefits and requiring higher patient costs than those that apply to general medical or surgical benefits.

The rules begin to implement the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. The law applies to employers with 50 or more workers whose group health plans offer mental health or substance use disorder benefits.

View the press release.

Administration's FY 2011 Budget Proposal Demonstrates Balanced Approach to Drug Control

The President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 National Drug Control Budget requests $15.5 billion to reduce drug use and its consequences in the United States. This represents an increase of $521.1 million (3.5 percent) over the FY 2010 enacted level of $15.0 billion. "The new budget proposal demonstrates the Obama Administration's commitment to a balanced and comprehensive drug strategy," said Director Kerlikowske.

View the press release, FY 2011 Drug Control Budget Funding Highlights report and the program highlights factsheet.

Director Kerlikowske Helps Break Ground on New Transitional Housing Facility for Homeless Female Veterans

Federal and local officials broke ground on Operation Home Front, a new transitional housing facility, run by the Center for Drug-free Living, for homeless female veterans and their children in Cocoa, Florida. "Far too many brave women who served their country are returning home with physical, mental health, and substance abuse problems that impact their ability to maintain strong families," said Director Kerlikowske. View more remarks in the press release.

Director Kerlikowske and other Federal and local officials at ground breaking for Operation Home Front.

Director Kerlikowske and White House Official Visit Women’s Treatment Facility

While in Orlando, Director Kerlikowske and Tina Tchen, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Council on Women & Girls visited a drug treatment center that serves women and their dependent children.  During their visit, Director Kerlikowske and Tina Tchen received a tour of the facility, including the on-site child care and listened to clients talk about their journey from drug abuse to treatment and recovery.   The facility is operated by the Center for Drug Free Living.

Director Kerlikowske and Tina Tchen, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Council on Women & Girls visiting a drug treatment center