WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, February 6, 2013, U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) received the Congressional Leadership Award from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) for his unwavering commitment to keeping America’s youth drug and alcohol free.
Rogers was joined by Senator Bob Casey, U.S. Reps Michael Fitzpatrick and Frank Wolf in receiving this honor for their work in helping to strengthen drug prevention and treatment programs across the country.
“In Kentucky, we’ve been fighting the prescription drug abuse battle for over a decade now. When we were making impressive strides in moving Appalachia forward, seemingly out of nowhere, pain pills and pain clinics started showing up and began destroying families and home lives and creating a sense of despair throughout the region,” stated Rogers. “So we went to work in southern eastern Kentucky to tackle the problem from the top-down and from the bottom-up.”
“Through programs like Operation UNITE, we got after the drug pushers, got our users help, and got our kids hooked on fishing, shooting hoops and committing to drug-free lifestyles. While much work still lies ahead, I am confident that through the support of organizations like CADCA, we can change the drug culture and make it possible for others to overcome this life-destroying addiction.”
CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America), is the national membership organization representing over 5,000 coalitions and affiliates working to make America’s communities safe, healthy and drug-free. CADCA’s mission is to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions to create and maintain safe, healthy and drug-free communities globally. CADCA’s Congressional Leadership Award recognizes outstanding members of Congress who have championed legislation and strategies to protect and enhance the federal role in substance abuse prevention, education, treatment and research.
Rogers joined with former Representative Mary Bono Mack to form the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse in 2009. Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents.