Oregon Alcohol Education Committee

The state first took interest in alcoholic treatment and alcohol education in 1943 when the Temperance and Rehabilitation Division of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission was created. In 1961 the Alcohol Education Committee of the Mental Health Division replaced the Temperance Division. This committee was to publicize the effects of alcohol and tobacco (OL 1961, Chapter 706 section 7). In 1967 narcotics were added to the concerns of the committee and it was renamed the Alcohol and Drug Education Committee (OL 1967, Chapter 263). In 1971 the Committee became the Oregon Alcohol and Drug Education Council and was to advise the Mental Health Division on policies and goals in addition to publicizing the effects of drugs and alcohol. The Council was renamed the Oregon Council on Alcohol and Drug Problems in 1973 (OL 1973, Chapter 740) and consisted of committees on Drug Problems, and Alcohol Problems, and later, a Drug Diversion Subcommittee (OL 1977, Chapter 87). This Council was abolished in 1985 and replaced by the Governor's Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs. The Governor's Council is to assess the economic and social impact of alcohol and drug abuse, make recommendations on a state plan for prevention and intervention, and gauge the effectiveness of the plan. In 1985 the office of Programs for Alcohol and Drug Problems was moved to the office of the Director of the Department of Human Resources to facilitate further development and wider coordination of state alcohol and drug services. An assistant director in charge of these programs was assigned the administrative duties and functions of the Mental Health Division relating to alcohol and drug abuse prevention, treatment and education. The assistant director was also to report to the legislature on the accomplishments of this new office, develop, programs and identify the needs of special or minority populations.