On Tuesday January 6, 2004, White House Drug Czar John Walters, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) visited Pacifica House, a residential drug and alcohol treatment program of Behavioral Health Services (BHS) located in Hawthorne.  Director Walters visited Pacifica House during his Los Angeles trip regarding the ONDCP’s 25 Cities Initiative.

Director Walters met extensively with residents and staff at Pacifica House, asking them questions regarding prevention and treatment, discharge and aftercare, outcomes, barriers to access for clientele and providers, and for ideas to reduce the problems of drug use.  “He was very easy to talk with.  He encouraged and seemed very interested in feedback from staff and residents regarding substance abuse treatment,” stated Mike Millard, Program Director of Pacifica House.     

While in Los Angeles, Director Walters also hosted a press conference at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration Building, made a presentation at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting, and attended the Los Angeles area 25 Cities Initiative meeting, held at the BHS Corporate Office in Gardena.   The ONDCP’s 25 Cities Initiative will work with the leadership of 25-targeted cities in areas of prevention, treatment, and public safety to enhance cooperation and reduce problems of drug use in each city, which includes Los Angeles. 

“The overall goal for Los Angeles is to develop a collaboration among prevention, treatment and recovery programs, criminal justice, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to address alcohol and other drug use among youth- ages 12-24,” stated Larry Gentile, President/CEO of BHS, and 25 Cities participant.  “We already have a system of care for adults in Los Angeles County, and will begin the planning and establishment of a similar system for youth this year.”

For information about BHS or Pacifica House visit http://www.bhs-inc.org/

For information about the 25 Cities Initiative visit http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/metroindicator/index.html