Pubdate: Sun, 16 Jul 2000 Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO) Copyright: 2000 Denver Publishing Co. Contact: 400 W. Colfax, Denver, CO 80204 Website: http://www.denver-rmn.com/ Author: Kelley Baca DENVER DRUG CZAR READY FOR CHALLENGE Brickner's Job Will Be To Coordinate Efforts To End, Prevent Addiction A longtime crusader in fighting substance abuse is looking forward in his new role in the war on drugs. Adam Brickner, 39, of Denver will become the city's first drug coordinator on Aug. 15. His first task will be to recruit allies. "One of the first objectives I will focus on is formalizing an advisory board," Brickner said. Brickner was appointed last week by Mayor Wellington Webb, who had announced last year that he would name a drug coordinator. "We were trying to find someone who had experience in coordinating in the state, federal and local arenas," said Andrew Hudson, Webb's spokesman. Brickner "definitely has experience in all of those areas." The drug coordinator position is the first of its kind in Denver, though there are about 450 drug-coordinator positions throughout the country, Brickner said. "The job proposes a new challenge for me," Brickner said. "It's right up my alley because of the work I do now in drug treatment and coordinating information." Brickner works in the Denver Drug Court, where he manages information among drug court judges and treatment centers. Bill Ritter, Denver district attorney, was co-chairman of the drug strategy committee. "He has seen firsthand the ravages of drug addiction," Ritter said. "He understands how important it is for a community to address substance-abuse problems at every level -- at the enforcement, education and treatment levels." The city's drug strategy includes educating people, adding treatment centers and expanding Denver's drug courts. "Treatment is an issue in communities because most are unaware of opportunities for help," Ritter said. Brickner "is very intelligent, particularly about treatment issues. He has a real sense for the seriousness of drug use." Until next month Brickner will also manage the Continuum of Care Center, which offers employment, help in budgeting, and mental health and educational programs to help offenders get their lives on track. - --- MAP posted-by: John Chase