GOVERNOR RISCH RELEASES 90-DAY REPORT
FROM DRUG CZAR

BOISE – Governor Jim Risch made public the 90-day report from his Drug Czar today.  Jim Tibbs, appointed on July 11 by Risch as the state’s first Drug Czar, is charged with the responsibility “to oversee the coordination of all drug initiatives within the State of Idaho.”

“The Drug Czar has hit the ground running, as I knew he would, and I appreciate his good work on this critical issue.  His report not only shows what he has been doing, but also provides recommendations in three core areas.  There are several items that I will act on today as we continue our battle against substance abuse,” said Risch.

The action items approved by Governor Risch include the following:

• Seeking codification of the Office of Drug Policy and the position of Drug Czar in the next legislative session;
• Ordering an assessment of Idaho Code to determine what statutes are needed to allow for the immediate medical evaluation of a child or children that are found inside of a drug production environment;
• Directing the Drug Czar and state agency directors to develop a Drug Free Workplace policy for state employees; and
• Authorizing the Drug Czar to organize a Task Force to investigate, report and make recommendations to fight the abuse of prescription drugs in Idaho.

“These are important first steps as we work to stem the tide of substance abuse and protect our children and communities from drugs,” Risch said.

The recommendations outlined in the report call for a centralized approach of treatment and education programs; fiscal responsibility for money spent on programs; and locally driven efforts to combat substance abuse.

“Our work here is not done.  With over 133 government sponsored programs in Idaho, there are many more efficiencies to be found to better fight substance abuse and stop drugs in our communities,” said Tibbs.  “It is critical that we continue to reach out to local voices and frontline providers to build the partnerships necessary to get the job done.”

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Note: 90-day report is attached and the Executive Order creating the the Drug Czar position..

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