Bill Clinton

“ Coupled with programs like D.A.R.E., these efforts offer us real hope for freeing America's communities from the tragedy of substance abuse and the crime and violence they spawn. By doing so, we will give our children the safe and healthy future they deserve. ”

“ Drug abuse costs our Nation more than 14,000 lives and billions of dollars each year. A recent study by the Department of Justice confirms that drug use continues to be a factor in crimes such as burglary, auto theft, assault, and murder, and that one in six offenders commits a crime just to get money for drugs. ”

“ Because of alarming statistics like these, we must focus our efforts not just on those already addicted to drugs, but on all our young people, so that we can reach them before they are exposed to these illegal substances. Working in partnership with parents, teachers, and communities, the D.A.R.E. program conveys to children at an impressionable age a strong message about the dangers of substance abuse and strives to give them the tools and motivation they need to avoid those dangers. ”