LETTER TO THE HONORABLE STANSFIELD TURNER FROM JOSEPH A. CALIFANO, JR.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83-00156R000300050047-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 20, 2006
• Sequence Number: 47
• Publication Date: May 16, 1979
• Content Type: LETTER

/Ti/~:EtiV-0bF9oi56Rbbbk
The Honorable Stansfield Turner
Director
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, D.C. 20505
Dear Admiral Turner:
As you may know, I recently announced that HEW is. undertaking
a major initiative to combat alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
A copy of my speech on the occasion of that announcement is-
enclosed.
It is now estimated that seven percent of all American adults-
ten million people--are problem drinkers. Each year, the
social costs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse--from health
costs, social services, traffic accidents and crime---amount.
to tens of-billions of dollars. In addition, this is a
major problem which saps the efficiency and productivity
of our Nation's work force.
As the Nation's leading employer, the Federal Government
must be particularly concerned with the impact of alcohol
related problems on people's capacity to work. In recogni-
tion of this, the Congress has already enacted legislation
requiring all Federal agencies to develop for their employ-
ees appropriate programs of prevention, treatment and re-
habilitation for drug abuse and alcohol related problems.
However, the response to this mandate by Federal agencies
has been uneven, with some agencies having very effective
programs and some having no program at all.
I am writing to urge you to establish, if you have not already
done so, one of the most effective types of programs for
dealing with alcohol problems--a work-based Employee Counsel-
ling Service (ECS). These programs focus on early iden.tifica
tion and treatment of employees who may need or desire help
with alcohol-related or other personal problems. These
programs have shown that as many as seventy percent of those
who accept treatment can be restored to effectiveness at
work. At the same time, health care costs can be contained.
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The programs have been found to be very successful by the
GAO, the Interagency Committee on Federal Activities for
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and by several Federal
agencies which have such programs. They are also supported
by the office of Personnel Management (OPM).
I am convinced that ECSs work. I have, therefore, recently
stepped up our efforts to make these programs available
to all employees at HEW, and to promote similar programs
among employees in the private sector, among State and'-,,'-
local governments--and among all Departments and. agencies.
at the Federal level.
If you do not already have such a program, I urge you to
consider creating one. OPM has primary responsibility for
implementing Federal policy in this area and., through its.._
Employee Health Services Branch, will respond to your re
quests for technical assistance in establishing or improving
such programs. Please feel free to contact Donald A.
Phillips, Manager, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Program, Office
of Personnel Management at 254-5720. I have also asked
John DeLuca, Director of the National Institute on Alcohol
Abuse and Alcoholism, to make staff. available to assist you.
Please feel free to contact Mr. DeLuca at 5600 Fishers Lane,
Room 16-105, Rockville, Maryland 20857, [phone], if
you would like such assistance.
Sincerely,
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Approved For Release 2006/12/27: CIA-RDP83-00156R000300050047-9
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