WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) – The White House announced on Friday that government officials from the U.S. and Mexico issued a declaration of drug demand reduction cooperation.

The declaration is a joint statement, which emphasized a commitment to reduce illicit drug consumption, acknowledging both the urgent need to work collaboratively with each other and with partners in the region.

The importance on both sides of the border to intensify prevention and treatment efforts, including measures to strengthen families and communities to help reduce the influence of criminal organizations and develop and sustain healthy lifestyles and attitudes, particularly among at-risk populations, such as young people were also highlighted.

The declaration was issued at the conclusion of the 8th U.S.-Mexico Bi-National Drug Demand Reduction Policy Meeting.

“The bi-national meeting and declaration on reducing drug abuse reflect a commitment by the United States and Mexico to intensify on-going drug control efforts and a recognition that by focusing on prevention and treatment of substance abuse disorders, we can significantly improve the public health and safety of our peoples,” Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy said.

“By combining what we know to be effective from science and addiction research, best medical practices, community-based programs, and law enforcement, we can drive down drug use and terrible consequences associated with it,” he added.

During the next twelve months, the two nations agreed to act independently and in coordination when possible to address each of the six areas of improvement that were highlighted in the declaration, which are:

Developing strong, resilient communities, on both sides of the border;

Providing more and better addiction treatment;

Expanding the use of screening, brief intervention and referral;

Implementing evidence based prevention techniques;

Improving the quality of health care for substance abuse;

and Promoting innovations in criminal justice to reduce recidivism and interrupt the cycle of drug use and crime.