Juneau -- Wednesday, the Alaska House designated March, 2000 as Sobriety Awareness Month by voting unanimously to pass Senate Concurrent Resolution 12.

"The Sobriety Movement has been adopted by different groups and communities across the state, and focuses on the solution to the substance abuse problem that has affected all Alaskans," said the sponsor of SCR 12, Senator Jerry Ward (R-Anchorage/Kenai). "Alcohol and drug abuse has been identified as the single most destructive health problem in Alaska. SCR 12 encourages those who have embraced sobriety, and raises awareness of the Sobriety Movement."

Mike Williams, former president of the Alaska Federation of Natives Sobriety Movement, was presented with a copy of SCR 12 during an Alaska Native ceremony prior to this year's Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Williams carried the resolution in his sled during the race as a way to help highlight sobriety as a solution to substance abuse.

"SCR 12 is a very positive resolution, and highlights the solution for substance abuse rather than the problem," said Ward. "It reinforces the commitment Alaskans make to a clean and healthy lifestyle."

SCR 12 now goes to the Governor for signature.

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= Jerry Ward, 43 K