Learn about Summer Media Camp for Youth at DCTV! July 30 to August 3rd

Free! Youth must be entering grades 7 through 11 in Fall 2012.  Learn more. 

Statement by ONDCP Director Kerlikowske on Congress' Passage of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act (S. 3187)

ONDCP Public Affairs:  Tel.: 202-395-6618
Email: MediaInquiry@ondcp.eop.gov

Director Kerlikoske

The Office of National Drug Control Policy commends Congress for passing the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, S. 3187, which requires 26 synthetic chemicals, including those commonly found in products marketed as "K2" and "Spice," to be considered Schedule I substances.  Schedule I substances are those with a high potential for abuse; have no medical use in treatment in the United States; and lack an accepted safety for use of the drug.

"I applaud Congress for coming together on this issue that is affecting so many of our young people. Research shows that parents are the most powerful force in the lives of young people," said Director Kerlikowske.  "Synthetic drugs like 'bath salts,' Spice, and K2 are a serious threat to health and safety.  I urge families to take time today to learn what these drugs are and discuss the harms that all drugs pose to young people in America."

As part of ongoing efforts to coordinate the Federal response to the drug threat, in February, the ONDCP joined The Partnership at Drugfree.org to introduce a kit for parents and adult influencers housing the tools they need to talk with their teens about this emerging threat and recognize the warning signs of use. The information kit includes a slidecast about synthetic drugs, a corresponding podcast and video, and a printable guide so parents can present details on what to look for, what the street names are and what the effects of these substances are to others in their community.  It is available at The Partnership at Drugfree.org website and is part of a "Parents360" community education program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Eighth Grade Students Recognized for Community Activism 

The John P. Gleason Award and the Dale A. Childs Award are  presented annually to eighth grade students attending Chester Academy, Gilbert H. Hood MS, West Running Brook MS, and Hampstead MS who demonstrate a commitment to community activism. Recipients are selected by each school.

In 2011 the Community Alliance for Teen Safety (CATS) lost John Gleason and Dale Childs, two of its most dedicated board members. (Learn more.)

In their memory, we wish to support the mission of CATS as well as encourage youthful efforts in community activism by awarding an eighth grader selected by his/her school based on the following criteria:

 1. Volunteer service to the community 

 2. Involvement in citizenship or character building organizations. 

 3. A good scholastic record.

 4. Participation in school activities. (Ex: sports, music, government)

 5. Faithful school attendance.

 6. Leadership qualities that motivate others to action for the benefit of the school community

The 2012 recipients are:

• Jessica Siegwalt of Hampstead Middle School received the Dale Childs Award,
• Samantha Newman of Chester Academy received the John Gleason Award,
• Alan Mendonca of Gilbert H. Hood Middle School received the John Gleason Award, and
• Ryan Cox of West Running Brook Middle School received the John Gleason Award.

The award certificates were presented along with a gift card in the amount of $150.00 to each recipient. 

Distracted Driving?

Abby Rugg

As a commuter, I drive a lot every day, and I see a lot of scary things. Cars are constantly breaking down, getting into collisions or near collisions, and drivers are often multitasking or simply a little less than vigilant. New Hampshire, I've noticed, isn't as scary as the heavy commuter traffic in Massachusetts, but it's also not innocent, and I think that unsafe driving combined with the heavy traffic on New Hampshire highways were the logic behind installing traffic message board on our highways. In theory, these traffic message boards are a great idea: reminders to stay sober, commute safely, and occasional traffic updates are helpful reminders to drivers, as far as I'm concerned. In reality, however, isn't there a chance that they're distracting drivers? I know I find myself staring at them to see if they will change so that I can read the whole message, and I'm sure other drivers do too. The message of driving safely and conscientiously is definitely one that needs to be conveyed to the general public: with drivers becoming increasingly distracted by GPSs, smartphones, and other interactive car devices, I appreciate that New Hampshire is making a conscious effort to raise awareness of safe driving habits. I only wonder if there is a better medium for these messages.

This is not to say that I think the message boards are ineffective by any means. When Chief Maloney died in April, the boards advised me to stay away from 101 if possible, and helped me avoid some pretty horrendous traffic. I like the thought that went into putting up these messages to convey information to large audiences with very little cost. But if experts could find a way to meld the messages conveyed by these traffic boards and another form of communication, would that be a more effective solution?

I've learned in my last month of commuting daily in heavy traffic the difference a second can make on the highway, and I've also had a lot of time to think about safe driving. Others, as I've seen, have not thought about it, so maybe these message boards are the best way to start a dialogue about safe driving habits. I'm certainly talking about it, so maybe I'm just way off-base, but I can't help but wonder: am I practicing safe driving habits by reading while I'm driving?

Abby Rugg is a former CATS youth member.  

Join the conversation!  What do you think about this topic?