Executive Order  No. 78: Establishing a Drug Program Review Board, and defining its powers and duties

WHEREAS, the catastrophe of drug abuse is a menace to the children of this Commonwealth demanding a massive counter-effort by public officials and private citizens; and

WHEREAS, innovative local programs utilizing community resources, embodying self-help concepts and emphasizing youth-oriented approaches must be developed if we are to successfully check the further spread of drug abuse and provide relief to those already addicted; and

WHEREAS, many such community based programs already exist but need greater state financial assistance to increase their effectiveness and many more such programs must be developed in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Division of Drug Rehabilitation in the Department of Mental Health is authorized to fund such programs but it is essential that informed and expert advice be furnished the Division for the purpose of evaluating program funding needs, continuously monitoring local program effectiveness and determining those areas of the Commonwealth in the greatest need of assistance;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Francis W. Sargent, Governor of the Commonwealth, by virtue of the authority vested in me as supreme executive magistrate, do hereby order as follows:

1. There is, hereby established a Drug Program Review Board which shall consist of twelve members who shall be appointed by the Governor and who shall serve at his pleasure. The Governor shall from time to time, designate the Chairman of the Board.
2. It shall be the responsibility of the Board to advise the Division of Drug Rehabilitation in the establishment and operation of local drug control programs to be financially assisted by the Division. Such programs shall be locally administered, involve participation by the young and stress youth-oriented approaches. The programs shall have as their objective drug use prevention and assistance to those already addicted to drug use.
3. The Board shall make recommendations to the Division for local program improvement, shall survey the need for local program funding, evaluate the effectiveness of local programs and determine those areas of the state in need of increased financial assistance for the purpose of funding local drug control programs.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston this eighth day of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventy and of the Independence of the United States of America, one hundred and ninety-fifth.

Francis W. Sargent

Acting Governor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

John F. X. Davoren

Secretary of the Commonwealth