Washington,
Nov 19 -
Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) has nominated the Honorable R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), for the 2011 Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service. Bono Mack nominated Director Kerlikowske for this prestigious award to help recognize his proven leadership in the nation’s fight against illicit drugs.
The American Medical Association (AMA) annually recognizes elected officials and career government employees nationally for their outstanding endeavors with the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service. The honorees for this prestigious award, named after the founder of the AMA, has to contribute greatly to the public health through elected and career government service. The AMA solicits nominations for this award, which is presented in seven categories of public service.
Please see Congresswoman Bono Mack’s nomination letter for Director R. Gil Kerlikowske:
Dear Chairman Roy Pfautch,
I appreciate the opportunity to nominate the Honorable R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), for the 2011 Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service. Director Kerlikowske is a proven leader in our fight against illicit drugs.
Since his installation as the head of the ONDCP, there has been broad consensus that Director Kerlikowske brings a thoughtful, serious and passionate approach to addressing our nations’ illicit drug issues. He works diligently and in a bipartisan manner, with Congress and federal agencies, to truly fulfill the agency’s mission.
With Director Kerlikowske’s strong background in law enforcement, crime and violence reduction and prevention, he brings a wealth of experience to the important role in which he serves. Director Kerlikowske’s outstanding Federal leadership in establishing policies and programs to fight illicit drug use, trafficking, manufacturing and crime and violence should be recognized first and foremost for protecting the health and well-being of individuals and families across the nation, especially our youth.
Reports, such as the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, show that the problem of illicit drug use continues to grow and evolve. For example, more and more young adults and teens show a preference for abusing prescription drugs – they are easy to get and seem less dangerous than “street” drugs. Prescription drug abuse kills thousands of teens each year, yet many people are unaware of this menace. I have long worked to address this issue. Director Kerlikowske recognizes these types of trends and has worked diligently to develop initiatives to curb this and similar growing problems – he continues to be a true leader and partner in the fight against drugs.
Director Kerlikowske heads a pivotal battle to keep individuals, families and our communities at large safe and healthy. Again, I am honored to nominate Director Kerlikowske for the 2011 Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service, for his diligent leadership in protecting our public’s health.
####
