MCPC - Macomb County Prevention Coalition, drug-free schools, youth drug information, macomb, michigan

20 YEARS AFTER LEN BIAS’ DEATH, DRUG PREVENTION EFFORTS ONGOING

Dear Colleagues,

It has been 20 years since the tragic death of college basketball star Len Bias. He died on June 19, 1986 – two days after being drafted by the Boston Celtics to play in the NBA. His death shocked the Nation and served as a catalyst for drug prevention efforts. Indeed, many of us would not be working in the prevention field today had Bias’ death not resulted in change.

Twenty years later, we are encouraged that we are making significant progress in reducing teen drug use. In the last four years, overall teen drug use is down by 19 percent. But far too many teens are still using drugs and drinking. We cannot afford to lose another young life to drug use.

Like many of you, Bias’ mother, Dr. Lonise Bias, has worked for the last 20 years to help educate parents and teens on the dangers of drug use. "A mission was birthed out of his tragedy," she said. "A platform opened for me to help families, especially parents and teenagers realize the challenges and the dangers of substance abuse."

Our work is not done. Parents and community leaders can commemorate this anniversary and use it as a teachable moment. Here’s what you can do on the local level to encourage an ongoing discussion about the dangers of drug use:

-- Use the press information on at www.mediacampaign.org/mediakit to approach your local reporters to write about the anniversary (June 19) using local teen drug use statistics.

-- Circulate the Parenting Tips on www.mediacampaign.org/mediakit to parents and other influencers in your community.

-- Get more information about the effects of marijuana and other drug use and its signs and symptoms, as well as advice for parents and adult influencers on keeping kids drug-free at: www.TheAntiDrug.com.

-- Order free educational materials for use in communities at schools, youth-serving groups, parent-teacher, and faith-based organizations. To request materials, please contact nyac@theantidrug.com.

As President Ronald Reagan said in 1986 when passing historic drug abuse and trafficking legislation, the fight against drugs is a "national crusade" and "all Americans – in our schools, our jobs, our neighborhoods – must work together."

Thank you for your tireless efforts in the fight against teen drug use.

Sincerely,

John P. Walters
Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

ABOUT THE MEDIA CAMPAIGN: The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign reaches youth ages 9-18, with emphasis on adolescents aged 14-16, their parents and other adults who influence choices young people make to lead drug-free lives. For more information on the Media Campaign, check out www.MediaCampaign.org