Local Executive Director Participates in National Panel Discussion with President George W. Bush

PHILADELPHIA, PA —  In recognition of the work that the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network has done and continues to do in combating drugs and violence, its Executive Director, Darryl L. Coates was invited by the President of the United States of America to participate in a national forum where the topic of discussion was the crisis of illegal drugs amongst teens and adolescents.

This notable event, which took place in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. focused on prevention, treatment, and enforcement as they relate to teens and the use of illegal drugs.

In 2002, President George W. Bush set a goal of reducing youth drug use by 25 percent over five years. As part of this program, a panel was convened on Monday, December 10, 2007 and Tuesday, December 11, 2007 to report on the progress and work around the country of individuals and agencies working to this end.

In attendance at this two day forum were President George W. Bush, John P. Walters, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Nora D. Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Arturo Sarukhan, Mexican Ambassador to the United States, Carolina Barco Isakson, Colombian Ambassador to the United States, Tom Bosenko, Sheriff, Shasta County, Anderson, CA, Steve Pasierb, President and CEO, Partnership for a Drug Free America (PDFA) (New York City, New York), Sue Webber-Brown, District Attorney Investigator, Butte County, Oroville, CA, Admiral Thad Wilson, 23rd Commandant of the United States Coast Guard and a number of President, Executive Directors and Administrators from various agencies and entities.

President Bush presented opening remarks stating: "I am pleased to be here with the men and women who have enlisted, have signed up, in our country's fight against illegal drugs." He further added "You battle an unrelenting evil that ruins families, endangers neighborhoods, and stalks our children. You're part of a mission that will shape our nation's future. You're fulfilling the highest calling of citizenship -- you're giving your fellow Americans the chance for a better life. And I thank you for your good and noble work."

The "good and noble work" of the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network was started in 1989 by then Executive Director and Founder James J. Mills who adopted the mission of promoting "community safety through services that reduce drug abuse and violence".

Early PAAN programs included initiatives such as the "Join-the-Resistance Hotline", Crisis Intervention Teams, a "Turn in Weapons" Initiative, Operation Peace in Philadelphia (OPP) and the Philadelphia Interdisciplinary Youth Fatality Review Team, which looked at the unintentional and intentional deaths of children (ages 0 to 21).

To better serve the Philadelphia Community, PAAN has added the following programs: Youth Violence Reduction Partnership (YVRP), Adolescent Violence Reduction Partnership (AVRP), Growing in the Female Tradition (GIFT), Truancy Prevention, On the Parenting Tip (OPT), School Safety Support and Pennsylvania Injury Reporting and Intervention System (PIRIS).

As Mr. Coates stated: "Our commitment to the people of our fine city is strong and our dedication to the principles and groundwork laid by our founder, James J. Mills is tireless. We stand ready to do our part to make Philadelphia a safe and enjoyable place for all of its residents and visitors."

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For more information about PAAN and/or its programs, please contact the organization by calling (215) 940-0550, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or visit www.paannetwork.org.