Raising Awareness of Drug Endangered Children

By Tracy Russo

Attorney General Eric Holder launched a public awareness campaign at a Federal Interagency Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Task Force event to bring attention to the challenges faced by children and families affected by drug abuse and highlight the work being done across the country to address these issues.

Following opening remarks by Deputy Attorney General James Cole, Administrator Michele M. Leonhart of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) moderated a panel discussion, featuring Attorney General Holder and celebrity actors Jim True-Frost (“Prez”), Wendell Pierce (“Bunk”) and Sonja Sohn (“Kima”) from the HBO hit series, The Wire.  Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Gil Kerlikowske delivered closing remarks.

Focused on protecting children from drug abuse and exploitation, the public awareness campaign will emphasize the important role law enforcement officials, health professionals, educators and community leaders play in helping first responders identify whether a child is endangered by drugs, as well as the resources available to assist vulnerable children.