By Sujata Dand, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-613378.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Sujata Dand, KERA News: Inside the Dallas Independent School District's administration building about a dozen photographers and several more reporters crowded John Walters - the director of the White House drug policy office. Walters was in Dallas to learn more about the heroin epidemic that has already left at least 24 children dead.
John Walters, White House Drug Czar: I think the effort that we have here is more impressive because the community has come together.
Dand: Surrounded by DISD's superintendent Michael Hinijosa, officials from the police department, and Dallas County DA Craig Watkins - Walters acknowledged the need for more treatment centers for young people noting that they are extremely scarce nationwide.
Walters:Congress gave us half of the $200 million we requested. So, we have $100 million here We had information suggesting there were $100 thousand people a year sought treatment and didn't get it. We had an average treatment cost of $2000 - if you multiply you get 200 million. We asked the close the treatment gap unilaterally with a federal government investment.
Dand: The media frenzy was comforting to Fernando Cortez Sr. His 15 year old son died after overdosing on heroin earlier this year.
Fernando Cortez: It could be anybody's son, anybody's daughter. All it takes is once, and that's all it took for my son.
Dand: Walters wasn't specific as to when or if Dallas would receive additional funds for treatment. The Community Task force was hopeful. Sujata Dand, KERA News.