"We've got a lot of challenges to meet. . . but in the end . . . we cannot succeed in any of these challenges unless first we deal with the problems of crime and violence and gangs and drugs. For, in the absence of safety, people are not free. . . If you are imprisoned from within by drugs, or from without by a fear that you can't even walk down the street without looking over your shoulder, this is not a free country and you are not a free person."

White House Leadership Conference on Youth, Drug Use and Violence. President Clinton made a personal plea to students today to help him end the scourge of drug abuse and violence in America. Accompanied by the newly sworn-in National Drug Policy Director and member of his cabinet Gen. Barry McCaffrey, the President announced a major campaign with pharmaceutical companies to fight substance abuse.

--President Clinton, Conference Remarks, March 7, 1996

A valuable partnership. Today, the President announced that in conjunction with the White House National Drug Policy Office, fifteen major pharmaceutical companies will launch a $33 million campaign to distribute drug abuse education and prevention material to 400,000 doctors' offices across America.

Presidential leadership and corporate responsibility. Today's announcement provides another example of strong Presidential leadership working with responsible corporations to help meet America's challenges. As with other Presidential initiatives on issues such as television violence, school uniforms policies and educating our children for the 21st century, this cooperative effort will help ensure that our nation's children can reach their highest potential.

A strong record. Over the past three years, the Clinton Administration has made tremendous progress in bringing crime and drug abuse under control.

• Less crime. The violent crime and murder rates across the country are falling.

• Fewer guns for criminals. President Clinton fought for and signed the Brady Bill, which has prevented over 60,000 convicted felons and other prohibited purchasers from buying a handgun. The President's Crime Bill banned 19 of the deadliest assault weapons and their copies, but specifically protects over 650 legitimate sporting weapons.

• More police on the street. President Clinton's Crime Bill also created the COPS program, which is putting 100,000 new community police officers in cities, towns, and rural areas. In just over one year, funding for over 31,000 new police officers was provided.

• President Clinton has made the National Drug Policy Director a full Cabinet-level position.

• The Clinton Administration has provided states and localities resources to make treatment and prevention available with expanded drug courts, boot camps, and treatment in our criminal justice system.

• The Administration is fighting gang activity and youth violence through HHS' Youth Gang Initiative Program and the Community Schools Program.

• Initiated a National Drug Media Literacy Campaign for parents, youth and communities.