(Washington D.C.)- The Partnership for Drug-Free America (Partnership) today presented select members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate "Guardian Awards" to honor each Member's active commitment to protecting children and families from substance abuse. U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) received a Guardian Award presented by Partnership CEO Stephen J. Pasierb. In addition, the Macomb County Prevention Coalition will present an award in Levin's name to Dana Gire for his excellent work as the Prevention and Training Coordinator at the Macomb County Office of Substance Abuse.

"We presented the 2006 Guardian Award today to a dedicated legislator who remains committed to the critical issues of drug education, prevention and treatment," said Pasierb. "Throughout his 24 years in Congress, Congressman Sandy Levin has been a champion of substance abuse prevention programs.  From Drug-Free Communities, to the Safe and Drug-Free School Program, to the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, and underage drinking prevention, Congressman Levin has been an advocate for sending consistent prevention messages to youth from all corners of the community."
 
U.S. Rep. Levin said, "I am honored to receive this award. The Partnership's anti-drug media campaign has and continues to play a significant role in our ongoing efforts to end illicit drug use in youths. The Partnership is an essential partner in our multi-pronged approach to combat substance abuse in Michigan and across the country."

U.S. Rep. Levin is the co-author of the Drug Free Communities law which provides federal "seed" money to local community anti-drug coalitions. This law, enacted in 1997, currently supports more than 700 coalitions across the country. Mr. Levin is actively involved at home with the numerous anti-drug coalitions in southeast Michigan. He is also a strong proponent of the anti-drug media campaign which in some advertisements refers people to the coalition in their area.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America - http://www.drugfree.org/ - is a coalition of volunteers for the communications industry, who for the past 19 years have produced the anti-drug media education campaign.

"I am thrilled that Dana will receive an award recognizing his hard work in the anti-drug community. Because of his efforts, more people will be armed with the resources they need in fighting substance abuse," concluded Levin.

Gire will receive the award on Friday at the Macomb County Prevention Coalition's annual breakfast. The Macomb County Prevention Coalition (MCPC) serves as an umbrella organization for ten local community coalitions, which represent every municipality in Macomb County. Coalition membership includes youth, parents, businesses, elected officials, media, schools, as well as organizations serving youth, law enforcement, religious organizations, civic groups and health care professionals. Macomb Family Services, Inc. serves as the lead agency for the Coalition. For more information on MCPC, please visit http://www.mcpcweb.org/
 

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