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As the parent of two young adults, now 19 and 22, 1 have appreciated becoming more <br /> informed about the issues pertaining to underage drinking. My current knowledge has helped <br /> to keep an open dialogue with my kids and has helped them to form their opinions on the <br /> subject. I feel fairly confident that this helps with their decision making when out with friends, <br /> which may also help to influence their friends' choices. It is never too early to start talking with <br /> our children, nor as I have learned, too late. Our children get message from all other sources, <br /> some accurate some not. It is important that parents stay informed and engaged — so your <br /> message is the one your children remember. <br /> Commissioner McKee read the proclamation: <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> "PowerTalk 21 Day" in Orange County <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County values the health and safety of all its residents; and <br /> WHEREAS, substance abuse is particularly damaging to one of our most valuable resources, <br /> our children; and <br /> WHEREAS, youth who begin drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop <br /> alcohol dependency later in life; and <br /> WHEREAS, teen alcohol use kills 4,700 people each year, more than all other illegal drugs <br /> combined; and <br /> WHEREAS, high school students who use alcohol or other substances are five times more <br /> likely to drop out of school; and <br /> WHEREAS, the majority of youth say their parents are their primary influence when it comes to <br /> decisions about drinking alcohol; and <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County recognizes the role of parents, and the importance of talking with <br /> their teens about alcohol; and <br /> WHEREAS, PowerTalk 21®day is established on April 21, 2014 to encourage parents and <br /> caregivers to embrace their important role in influencing America's youth and their decisions <br /> about drinking alcohol; and <br /> WHEREAS, in 2014 Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) kicked off"21 Days in Support <br /> of 21," beginning on April 1 st and culminating in PowerTalk 21 on April 21 st, in order to create a <br /> sustained and prolonged national conversation about underage drinking; and <br /> WHEREAS, to equip parents to talk with their teens about alcohol, the Orange Partnership for <br /> Alcohol and Drug Free Youth, in collaboration with MADD of North Carolina, will host a free <br /> community town hall event to give parents, caregivers and community members the <br /> opportunity to explore the issue of underage drinking and how to effectively talk with teens <br /> about alcohol; and <br />