McCrory seeks to reduce substance abuse in NC
Gov. Pat McCrory signed an executive order Tuesday to create a task force aimed at reducing substance abuse and underage drinking.
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The Governor’s Substance Abuse and Underage Drinking Prevention and Treatment Task Force will build on statewide prevention, treatment and enforcement initiatives implemented by the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, the Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement, the Department of Health and Human Services and the University of North Carolina system.
“The physical, mental and social costs of addiction can last a lifetime,” McCrory said in a statement. “Substance abuse often starts in a person’s youth, which is why we are targeting our efforts on early intervention and treatment.”
Department of Public Safety Secretary Frank Perry and ABC Commission Chairman Jim Gardner will head the task force.
“It’s going to take a culture shift to address the issue of underage drinking in North Carolina,” Gardner said in a statement. “We’re uniting everyone: parents, students, educators, law enforcement, industry, the prevention community and concerned citizens of our state. We’re going to work together on a full-scale campaign to raise awareness, equip parents with the resources they need and, as a result, reduce underage drinking across the state.”
East Carolina University will join UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina A&T State University, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Wilmington and UNC-Greensboro in a pilot project to emphasize prevention and treatment.
Tuesday's appearance comes a day before the state's General Assembly starts its annual session.
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