Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety
Public Information Office
Contact: Kimberly J. Evans
555 Wright Way
Carson City, Nevada 89711
(702) 687-1300 fax: (702) 687-6798

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 1998
NEWS FROM: Office of Criminal Justice Assistance 98-117

Commission on Substance Abuse Education, Prevention,
Enforcement & Treatment to Hold Public Hearings

Public hearings to assess drug abuse problems in Nevada

The Commission on Substance Abuse Education, Prevention, Enforcement & Treatment has announced three public hearings scheduled on June 16, 1998 in Las Vegas, Reno and Winnemucca. The hearings will be held from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the following locations:

Las Vegas: Grant Sawyer Building, 555 E. Washington Avenue
Reno: Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, 1325 Corporate Boulevard
Winnemucca: Convention Center, 50 W. Winnemucca Boulevard

The Commission's objective for the hearings is to gather information relative to the social impact of alcohol, tobacco and other substance abuse in Nevada. Educators, treatment and prevention providers, criminal justice officials and the general public are all invited to testify at the hearings. Areas of testimony may include: possible legislation, statements of need, viable solutions to targeted problems, drug-free workplaces in the private and public sectors, health and welfare issues, use of tobacco products among minors or any other information relative to the social impact of substance abuse in Nevada.

The information will be used for the following purposes:

• For the development of a State Master Plan that will be submitted for approval by the Governor and available for the upcoming legislative session in January.
• For guidance in sponsoring legislation relative to the Commission's policies on the social impact of substance abuse.
• To provide an opportunity for those testifying to showcase the achievements of their programs.
• To provide an opportunity to identify drug and alcohol problems in Nevada communities so the Commission can take action to assist in resolving those problems.

Groups interested in presenting testimony should designate one presenter ; however, others within the group may respond to the Commission's questions. Please provide written testimony.

To schedule a time to testify at the hearings, or for further information, contact Karen Kennard at the Commission at (702) 684-8680.

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