MRS. EASLEY: WE CAN BEAT DRUGS

LUMBERTON -- Mary Easley urged Robeson County community leaders on Monday to
continue their active approach to fighting drug and alcohol abuse among
teen-agers.

Easley, the wife of Gov. Mike Easley, was the speaker at the annual Red
Ribbon Campaign luncheon at the Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural
Center. The campaign's goal is to present a commitment toward a drug-free
community.

Palmer Prevention Inc., the Lumberton National Guard Armory and the Robeson
County Sheriff's Office sponsored the event.

Easley told the crowd of more than 400 people that it may be hard to focus
on drug prevention given the recent events in the national news. But, she
said, it is important for residents not to loose sight of what's happening
in their own back yards.

"This is a threat that takes control of our community each day,'' she said.
"Instead of focusing on what's happening in the world today, focus on what's
happening right here. This is a battle that we can win.''

Alcohol is the No. 1 drug used by young people, Easley said. Children begin
to experiment with alcohol around the age of 12, she said.

Easley, who is involved in the state's underage drinking initiative, said
it's important for the community to save every child from derailing his or
her life.

Drug use allows children to "self-medicate themselves in order to deal with
the pain of growing up,'' she said.

"We've got to help them think of ways to deal with obstacles in their
lives.''

Easley suggested that parents talk to children about alcohol. She
recommended that parents, community organizations and residents use various
outlets to educate children about the dangers of alcohol.

"Join with us. Participate with us,'' she said. "Get up and do something. It
will make you feel better and at the same time you will be saving a life.''

Julius Storch spoke about his son, Jason, who was killed in a car accident
three years ago. Jason, who was 18, bought beer at a grocery store in Boone.
He drank the beer at a party and was killed later that night when his car
hit a utility pole.

"Parents, talk to your children,'' said Storch, a command sergeant major at
Fort Bragg. "There are nights that I lie awake wishing I had talked to my
son.''