DRUG POLICY PROJECT: Raises public awareness of the need for more cost-effective and humane policies to address the problem of drug abuse. Work groups are active on issues related to addiction treatment, drug abuse prevention, issues affecting children and families and legal reforms. A Speakers Bureau is available to address civic groups on drug policy issues. To request a speaker contact the Drug Policy Project staff at 206-267-7001 or at dpp@kcba.org. The DPP works with a coalition of other community organizations. For more information and Task Force Reports visit the Drug Policy Project Page.

ACTIVITIES: Through its Drug Policy Project, the King County Bar Association has been examining a public health approach to drug abuse, promoting:

• Expanded access to good quality treatment, improved case management and the broadening of treatment opportunities to include mental health care, work-readiness and vocational training, literacy training, housing and the fostering of peer and family supports;
• Reforms and improvements to drug abuse prevention and drug education programs that ensure the implementation of evidence-based methods, stressing youth development in general and the maintenance of healthy behaviors and healthy relationships rather than a fear-based approach to drug use that too often relies on misinformation or partial information;
• A shift from the principal reliance on criminal sanctions as a response to drug use toward greater availability of effective addiction treatment, drug education and research.

Committee Chairpersons: Chair works with Drug Policy Project Director and staff

Mark Aoki-Fordham, 2008-2009 Committee Chair

MEETINGS: Task forces meet at various times and locations.

Committee Chairs:  Please read the "Letter to Section Chairs" from former President Eileen Concannon.