MAMA BRINGS PROGRAM TO PENDLETON

Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse is touring the state with a message
about drugs that's different from the norm.

MAMA Executive Director Sandy Burbank is traveling with two people
registered in the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program. Burbank was among
the founders of MAMA in 1982. The founders quest is reducing the harm
from drug use. Their presentation will be at 7 p.m., Oct. 1 in Room M8
of Morrow Hall on the Pendleton campus of Blue Mountain Community College.

Although no presentation is planned in Hermiston, the group will stop
there if people call (503) 233-4202 to arrange meetings.

MAMA was founded by seven women who were concerned about the misuse
and abuse of all drugs - not just the ones declared illegal. The
group's approach is one of personal responsibility and informed
decision making, not just for illegal drugs, but for those that can be
obtained legally as well.

MAMA seeks to have all drugs judged by the same standards, including
alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, and develop a drug policy based on
science and reason.

"If people are abusing drugs, we need to find out why, then address
the cause," Burbank wrote on the group's Web site. "For some it will
be through drug education or treatment. For others it will require
training in social skills so they can find satisfaction in their lives
without resorting to substance abuse."

Accompanying Burbank are Jack Thomas and Alice Ivany, who are
registered in the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program. They'll discuss
why they and 17,000 other Oregonians use the program, which, while
accepted legally, remains surrounded by controversy between federal
and state laws.

Before their Hermiston visit and Pendleton presentation, the group is
visiting Hood River and doing a presentation in The Dalles. After
leaving Pendleton, they'll head for scheduled meetings in La Grande
and presentations in Baker City and Ontario.

For more information about MAMA, visit www.mamas.org or call (503)
233-4202.