DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION PROGRAM PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Pete Visclosky announced that
legislation signed into law by the President includes $800,000 for
anti-drug programs in Northwest Indiana.

As part of his efforts to fight and prevent crime in Northwest
Indiana, Visclosky secured the funding for Indiana National Guard's
Drug Demand Reduction Program, which will provide support to several
drug-prevention programs for area students in Northwest Indiana.

"The Drug Demand Reduction Program offers educational programs to
prevent Northwest Indiana students from using drugs, which is a
critical first step in reducing drug use and crime in our area," said
Visclosky. "This funding is a much-needed investment in our
community, our children, and our quality of life."

As part of the anti-drug programs, the Indiana National Guard
provides drug education to over 20,000 elementary, middle school, and
high school students throughout Indiana's First Congressional
District, with over 25 schools in Lake County alone. The primary drug
education program, known as "Stay on Track" is an interactive program
that involves students, teachers, parents, and guardsmen, and helps
students develop the skills needed to make smart decisions about
their health and their future. Additional programs to "Stay on Track"
include programs such as "Checkmate Drugs," "Learning for Life
Program," and "Mobile Team Challenge." The funding was part of the FY
2008 Defense Appropriations bill that the President signed into law yesterday.

"More students in Northwest Indiana will say no to drugs because of
Congressman Visclosky's support for this anti-drug program," said Lt.
Col. Joseph Luckett, who will oversee the Drug Demand Reduction
Program. "The Indiana National Guard is better able to serve our
communities because Congressman Visclosky is part of the team
dedicated to combating illegal drug use."