WV Officials Tackle New Drug Threat

WSAZ-TV reports that the West Virginia Controlled Substance Advisory Board is looking to add the painkiller Tramadol to the list of controlled substances.

Tramadol is a mild to moderate painkiller but can be addictive. If the drug is added to the controlled substances list, it would be tracked by medical professionals and limitations would be placed on the refills. The House Health and Human Resources Committee has already given its OK, although not everyone thinks it's a problem.

Fayette County delegate, Dr. Margaret Anne Staggers, is also an emergency room physician. She told WSAZ that adding Tramadol to the list doesn't make sense.

"I've never seen anyone coming to the hospital asking for help withdrawing from this drug," Staggers told WSAZ. "I just don't see it as a problem."

New Partnership for a Drug-Free America Chairman Named

The Board of Directors of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America today named Patricia "Pat" F. Russo Chairman of the national non-profit organization that exists to help parents prevent, intervene in and treat drug and alcohol use by their children.

Russo assumes the Chairmanship effective February 1st from Roy J. Bostock, who was named Chairman in 2002 after the sale of Bcom3 Group Inc. to the Publicis Group. Bostock, Chairman of Yahoo!, Vice Chairman of Delta Airlines and a Director of Morgan Stanley, will remain an active member of the Partnership board, working closely with Russo to further the organization's commitment to helping parents protect their children against the risks of drug and alcohol use. Bostock was preceded in the Chairman role by James E. Burke, former Chairman of Johnson & Johnson.

"With Pat Russo joining us as Chairman, the Partnership is reaffirming its commitment to effective, groundbreaking communications. We are poised to complete our evolution into the premier online and community education resource helping parents safeguard their children from the risks of drugs and alcohol," said Bostock. "Pat's track record in business is exceptional, her leadership style is impeccable and her integrity is second to none. She is precisely the type of leader the Partnership needs to guide the organization in this new decade as it meets the needs of America's families. "

"Adolescent addiction is one of the most complex, yet preventable, public health challenges facing our nation today. It is a keystone issue that can devastate families, drives rising healthcare costs and educational failure, and ultimately impacts this nation's ability to compete around the world," said Russo. "I was drawn to this role because the Partnership is a non-profit organization that is thoughtfully and rigorously managed. Its national programs and deep resources on drugfree.org are grounded in scientific and consumer research, insightful communications strategies, and meticulous execution. I am excited to be joining an organization that is doing such effective, life-saving work."

Beer Tax Increase Would Pay For Substance Abuse Programs

Increases in state taxes on beer and alcohol are once again on the agenda in Charleston, as well as an attempt to write the West Virginia Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being into state law.

WBOY-TV in Charleston reported Thursday that lawmakers are targeting a rise in taxes on beer by at least 2 cents a can as a way to pay for substance abuse programs. That's the idea of House Health and Human Resources Committee chairman Don Perdue, D-Wayne. Another proposal, by Sen. Dan Foster would increase cigarette and tobacco taxes to force people to quit, WBOY-TV said.

Putting the WV Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being into law could help the six-year-old organization receive more funding, WBOY-TV said.

These and other moves by lawmakers and Gov. Joe Manchin are taking place against a worsening financial picture for the State of West Virginia. Manchin's proposed budget already cuts 5% due to the economic climate; there were already $197 million in cuts that had already been announced.

In his State of the State Address on Wednesday night, Manchin said West Virginia would continue its fight against drug abuse. He said that he had made it a priority to give additional funding and resources.

"We are seeing results," he told lawmakers in Charleston.

More information about Manchin's State of the State address, and responses from lawmakers, can be found here. The text of the speech is here.

Campaign Focuses on Underage Drinking

A new 30-second commercial from the Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition is telling youth about the dangers of underage drinking.

The commercial was produced by Beyond Marketing of Wheeling and began airing on local TV stations and on cable channels in December. The commercial is paid for with Drug Free Communities Support Program Funds.

Are You A Binge Drinker?

The Marshall County Anti-Drug Coalition's new 30-second commercial focuses on the dangers of binge drinking.

It asks: Are you a binge drinker?

The commercial was produced by Beyond Marketing of Wheeling and began airing on local TV stations and cable channels in December. The commercial is paid for with Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant funds through the West Virginia Governor's Office and the West Virginia Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being.