Prince George’s County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
National African American Drug Policy Coalition Charters New Chapter in
Prince George’s County, Maryland
The National African American Drug Policy Coalition (NAADP https://www.naadpc.org) chartered a new local chapter in Prince George’s County, Maryland recently. The event included a lavish reception at Bowie State University. Several elected officials were on hand to support the new Prince George’s Drug Policy Coalition chapter including: Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair, Tom Dernoga, County Councilmember Tony Knotts, Prince George’s State’s attorney, Glenn Ivey, School Board member, Linda Thornton Thomas, and President of the Maryland Black Mayors Association, Eugene Grant. Rasheim Wright represented Congresswoman Donna Edwards’ office. Judge Horace Dawson and Richard Moody, representing Prince George’s County Public School Superintendent William Hite was in attendance as well.
A number of Bowie State University administrators attended the event, including, President, Dr. Mickey Burnim, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Roosevelt. Dawson and Tammi Thomas, Director of University Relations and Marketing. Dr. Antoinette Coleman, Dean of Professional Studies at Bowie State University welcomed all of the attendees. Dr. Mickey Burnim, President of Bowie State University gave brief remarks. Senior Judge Arthur Burnett provided background information on the National African American Drug Policy Coalition.
Judge Arthur Burnett presented the charter to the Prince George’s County chapter interim President, Dr. Valencia Campbell. Mr. Derrick Coley, representing County Executive Jack Johnson presented a Proclamation to Dr. Campbell recognizing the new chapter. The Proclamation encouraged all citizens to “recognize the importance of this chapter and to increase their awareness and understanding of drug addiction”.
Steering committee members for the new chapter include: Patricia Smoot, Deputy State’s attorney for Prince George’s County, attorney Carolyn Saxon, Carolyn Cason, Director of Addictions, attorney Jesse Clarke, Dr. Antoinette Coleman Dean Bowie State University, Helen Ballard, and Debra Rowe.
The National African American Drug Policy Coalition is a unique collaborative initiative to address the problem of drug abuse in the African American community with each member organization contributing distinct intellectual content, practices and procedures for eradicating the deleterious societal effects of drug abuse.
Further, coalition members, by and through their respective missions, share a common desire for the implementation of policies and practices related to drug abuse that:
• Embrace the protection of the nation's children.
• Reduce crime and improve public safety and order.
• Enhance public health.
• Promote the wise and efficient use of scarce public resources.
Best Practices for Health Warning Labels on Marijuana Products Article