FEDERAL DRUG CZAR VISITS

Federal drug czar John Walters made a stop in the Pittsburgh area
yesterday, visiting a substance abuse treatment center and meeting
with local civic leaders to discuss ways to reduce drug use and
improve treatment for addicts.

The visit by Walters was part of a White House initiative to formulate
drug-combating strategies in 25 of the nation's largest cities. They
include Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Minneapolis,
as well as larger urban areas such as New York, Philadelphia and Los
Angeles.

Walters' presentation to reporters, conducted beneath a sign inscribed
"The Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous," took place at a property
belonging to Strength Inc., a faith-based treatment program in
Wilkinsburg. The Rev. Marcus Harvey is chief executive of the program.

Walters did not offer details of the plan his office had develop with
the assistance of Pittsburgh civic and community leaders. However,
Walters said $100 million would be made available to states for a drug
treatment voucher program.