Greg TenEyck, director of public affairs, Eastern Division, Safeway, Inc., addresses the New York Stock Exchange at the launch of the Campaign's @Work Program. Safeway is one of the companies joining the effort.

Calling on the nation's employers and unions to help keep kids drug free, ONDCP Director John Walters officially launched the Campaign's "Parents.The Anti-Drug. @Work Program" on February 19 from the most visible symbol of American business—the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Walters capped the announcement by ringing the Closing Bell^TM.

Walters challenged every employer in America to educate employees about youth drug prevention. Substance abuse can have a tremendous effect on a company's bottom line due to absenteeism, turnover and decreased productivity. As part of a larger initiative to involve America's businesses in youth drug prevention, the @Work Program offers employers an easy way to provide free youth drug prevention resources to parents where they spend much of their time—at work.

"When family problems reach the workplace, someone pays the cost—often employers," said Walters. "Employers can make a difference in their businesses and in the lives of their employees by providing them with information on youth drug prevention. I encourage every employer to take advantage of the opportunity to share our resources with their employees."

Walters was joined at the NYSE by representatives of leading corporations, unions and businesses who have agreed to share youth drug prevention information with their employees and workers.

"The NYSE is proud to partner with the ONDCP and John Walters in support of programs that help keep kids drug free," said Dick Grasso, chairman and CEO of the NYSE.

The Campaign's new Web site, www.TheAntiDrug.com/atwork, offers materials designed for employers, unions and human resource professionals. The site includes newsletter articles, parent tips, access to posters and other resources for employers to distribute in the workplace.

Companies that have committed to the workplace initiative include Capital One, Cellular One Group, DKNY, Safeway, Inc.,TMP Worldwide and Warner Reprise.

"The Campaign already involves the nation's premier civic, government, volunteer, public health, youth-serving, multicultural and media organizations," said Walters. "Bringing in leading corporations and business organizations is a natural extension that will boost our efforts and effectiveness in reaching youth and families in innovative ways."