Drug Czar Visits Ft. Wayne

National Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske visited Ft. Wayne today as part of a round table discussion hosted by U.S. Representative Mark Souder. Kerlikowske is Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. About 40 members of law enforcement and the community from eight counties attended to contribute ideas on the current fight against drugs in Northeastern Indiana. "These are the grass roots organizers," Kerlikowske said of those who attended. Attendees constituted those in the trenches who fight drugs everyday. Among the issues discussed, the strain on law enforcement in battling drugs and children of addicts who often become addicted themselves. U.S. Congressman Mark Souder (R) says he was thrilled Kerlikowske chose to come to Northeastern Indiana. Souder had requested he come to hear about the range of drug issues plaguing the area. Souder formerly served on the Houses Narcotics Committee. In August of 2009, more than $80 million dollars in federal grant money has been awarded nationwide. Many communities in Northeastern Indiana have taken some of that money: Board of Commissioners of Tippecanoe Drug Free Coalition of Tippecanoe County (Lafayette , IN) Franklin County Community Foundation Stayin Alive, Franklin County (Brookville, IN) Community Action of Southern Indiana Grassroots Prevention Coalition of Clark County (Jeffersonville, IN) Sheridan Community Schools Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs (Noblesville, IN)