02/09/2000 01:35 PM Senate HES

                                                                                                                                
              SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 12                                                                               
 Relating to declaring March 2000 as Sobriety Awareness Month.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
CHAIRMAN MILLER announced SCR 12 to be up for consideration.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MS. ANGELA MOSS, aide to Senator Ward, sponsor of SCR 12, declares                                                              
March 2000 as sobriety awareness month.  Alcohol and drug abuse has                                                             
been identified as the single most destructive health problem in                                                                
Alaska.  Its devastating effects have been felt within every                                                                    
racial, ethnic, and economic background.  SCR 12 reinforces                                                                     
Alaskans' commitment to a clean and healthy lifestyle.                                                                          
Number 465                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
MS. PAMELA WATTS, Executive Director, Advisory Board on Alcoholism                                                              
and Drug Abuse, stated support for SCR 12.  She said March has been                                                             
proclaimed DD awareness month since 1995 in recognition and                                                                     
appreciation of the example set by citizens who believe in and                                                                  
support a life of sobriety.  Alcoholism and drug abuse has had a                                                                
negative impact on our society, but most unfortunately on our                                                                   
families and communities.  Our high national ranking in child abuse                                                             
and neglect is significantly impacted by alcohol and drug abuse.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The cost to Alaska in terms of human and financial resources is                                                                 
staggering.  This resolution reflects the mission, strategies, and                                                              
goals of the Advisory Board's state plan for alcohol and drug abuse                                                             
services.  The Board strongly supports individual, organizational,                                                              
community, and statewide efforts toward prevention and intervention                                                             
of alcohol and drug abuse problems.  The Board recognizes the                                                                   
efforts of those who lead the way.  They appreciate the leadership                                                              
of the Legislature in paving the way for continued reenforcement of                                                             
the improved quality of life for all Alaskans.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Number 585                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
MR. ERNIE TURNER, Director, Division on Alcohol and Drug Abuse,                                                                 
stated support for SCR 12.  He fully endorsed the previous                                                                      
testimony.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR WILKEN moved to pass SCR 12 out of committee with                                                                       
individual recommendations.  There were no objections and it was so                                                             
ordered.