Just a few minutes ago, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy notified me of this tremendous honor. My profound thanks to everyone who supports my work — and to my family, who are my biggest cheerleaders and source of joy and strength.

Dear Dr. Thurstone,

This summer, we asked stakeholders across the country to nominate Advocates for Action —- people who are making a difference in their communities through their work to reduce drug use and its consequences. We received over 200 nominations reflecting incredible diversity, creativity and dedication to making our communities safer, healthier and more productive. It is my pleasure to notify you that you have been selected as an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Advocate for Action due to your exemplary work in furthering the goals of the President’s National Drug Control Strategy. As recognized by your nomination by HIDTA Director Tom Gorman, your research on youth substance addiction and advocacy of evidence-based prevention have helped contribute to ONDCP’s efforts to promote safe, healthy and drug-free communities.

As an Advocate for Action, we invite you to join Director Kerlikowske in Washington, D.C., to have your story told as part of the release of the Strategy late winter/early spring 2013. In addition, each month a different Advocate for Action — one for each chapter of the Strategy — will be profiled on the ONDCP web site. We will feature a blog telling your unique story and describe how your work furthers the National Drug Control Strategy.

Thank you again for your exemplary work to reduce drug use and its consequences. Attached you will also find a short letter of congratulations from Director Kerlikowske.

Best,

Katie Greene
Associate Director
Office of Intergovernmental and Public Liaison
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy