STATE OF INDIANA
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
INDIANAPOLIS
FOR: ADDRESSING INDIANA'S DRUG ABUSE CRISIS
TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME, GREETINGS.
WHEREAS, Indiana's drug abuse crisis tears apart families and imposes an overwhelming burden on the medical community, social services, and the State of Indiana as a whole;
WHEREAS, from 1999 to 2009, Indiana saw a 500% increase in the rate of drug overdose deaths;
WHEREAS, drug abuse is a chronic problem that often originates from prescription medication usage and has been linked to the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C;
WHEREAS, 21% of Indiana's teenagers have admitted to using a controlled prescription for non-medical reasons;
WHEREAS, the number of Child in Need of Services ("CHINS") cases are 26% higher than this time last year;
WHEREAS, it is vital to Indiana's citizens, families and children to take immediate steps to reverse this dangerous trend of drug abuse;
WHEREAS, a comprehensive approach including law enforcement, drug abuse prevention and drug abuse and mental health treatment is essential to effectively curb drug abuse in Indiana.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael R. Pence, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Indiana, do hereby order that:
The Governor's Task Force on Drug Enforcement, Treatment and Prevention ("Task Force") is hereby established as an advisory body reporting directly to the Office of the Governor.
a. The purpose of the Task Force is to identify solutions to Indiana's drug problem that take into account the many factors and stakeholders involved in combating drug abuse, including the areas of law enforcement, prevention, and treatment. By bringing together a diverse group of experts and seeking input from individuals impacted by the drug problem in Indiana at various levels, the Task Force will assess the resources and programs available statewide, encourage collaboration among agencies and identify local models that may be extended to other areas of the state.
b. The Task Force shall:
i. Evaluate existing drug abuse resources and existing drug abuse commissions across the state;
ii. Identify effective strategies so federal, state and local law enforcement can partner together to combat drug abuse;
iii. Analyze available resources for treatment and identify best practices for treating drug addiction;
iv. Identify programs and/or policies which are effective in preventing drug abuse, including early youth intervention programs.
c. The Task Force shall begin meeting in September 2015.
d. The Task Force shall hold regional meetings in the state to hear from local government leaders, substance abuse treatment providers, medical professionals, law enforcement, community leaders and others affected by drug abuse.
e. The Task Force shall make recommendations to the Governor on how to combat drug abuse in a holistic manner based on the Task Force expertise, research, and testimony received during the meetings.
f. The Task Force shall include the following members appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Governor:
i. One representative of the Governor's Office
ii. Commissioner of Indiana State Department of Health
iii. Commissioner of Indiana Department of Correction
iv. Director of Indiana Department of Child Services
v. Superintendent of Indiana State Police
vi. Secretary of Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
vii. Chief Medical Consultant of Indiana State Department of Health
viii. One representative from the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council
ix. One representative from the Indiana Supreme Court
x. One physician with expertise in treatment and addiction
xi. One representative of the Indiana Sheriffs' Association
xii. One judge recommended by the Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court
xiii. One representative of the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police
xiv. One representative of the emergency medical services community
xv. One representative of faith-based and community outreach
xvi. One representative from the Indiana Minority Health Coalition
xvii. One representative from the insurance industry
xviii. Four members of the Indiana General Assembly
g. The chairperson and co-chairperson shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
h. Members of the Task Force shall serve on a voluntary and unpaid basis.
i. The Task Force shall be staffed by the Indiana Judicial Center ("IJC") and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute ("CJI"), and other involved agencies will contribute staff to assist.
j. All other Executive Branch agencies shall assist with the Task Force as needed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I, Michael R. Pence, have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Indiana on this 1st day of September 2015.
Michael R. Pence
Governor of Indiana
Posted: 09/16/2015 by Legislative Services Agency
DIN: 20150916-IR-GOV150294EOA
Composed: May 05,2024 6:26:13AM EDT
A
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