Opening Remarks
Dr. Nelba Chavez
Administrator, Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration,
Department of Health and Human Services, USA
Dr. Chavez greeted the participants on behalf of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Donna E. Shalala, who also shares a strong commitment to bi-national drug demand reduction. As Dr. Chavez pointed out, this conference underscores the reality that one nation cannot confront this problem alone. She noted that the participating experts have played roles in practically every major recent advance in prevention, treatment, research, and education. In her view, this effort marked the first bi-national step in implementing Alliance Point One -- that is, to "reduce the demand for illicit drugs through the intensification of anti-drug information and educational efforts, particularly those directed at young people and through rehabilitative programs."
Our shared objective is to open up a joint dialogue leading to larger solutions.
Despite a reduction in U.S. drug use, Dr. Chavez noted that drugs continue to be a threat to youth. This is why SAMHSA is making a significant investment in prevention programs in the border states. This is also why Mexican support of programs that work with the children who live on the border is critical. She mentioned the other objectives of the conference, including those of strengthening research cooperation, exchanging technical information, increasing public awareness, and developing improved prevention and treatment programs. She identified the conference sessions as demonstrating that our two nations are committed to these cross-cutting issues, with special emphasis on youth, community participation, special populations, workplace, HIV/AIDS, and violence. She emphasized that our shared objective is to open up a joint dialogue leading to larger solutions.
