I know that you have many issues to focus on, but there is one in particular that I’d like to bring to your attention.  I am deeply concerned about the alarming number of young people in our state who begin drinking at an early age.  I hope you will use your position as First Gentleman to help prevent childhood drinking.

Every day, 7,000 children under age 16 try their first alcoholic beverage.  Children today are drinking more aggressively than children did in the past, and early alcohol use can have serious consequences.  Two in five persons who begin drinking before age 15 will become dependent on alcohol at some time in their lives.  In 2004, 1.6 million youth age 12 to 17 needed treatment for alcohol use or dependence; just eight percent receive any treatment.  It is clear that our Nation has to make the prevention of childhood drinking a national priority.

The problem is serious, and has consequences for every community.  My concern about this issue led me to visit the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free initiative's Web site (http://www.alcoholfreechildren.org) recently. The Leadership initiative is a coalition of Governors’ spouses, Federal agencies, and public and private organizations.  The site says it is the only national effort that focuses on preventing alcohol use by children aged nine to 15.

I am writing to respectfully suggest that you join the dozens of other spouses in the Leadership.  As a parent and as a member of [list your civic and community organizations, school-related groups; include title if appropriate, e.g., Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce], I encourage you to participate.

If you would like more information on the initiative, please contact Roberta Hochberg at 301-654-6740 or at leadership@alcoholfreechildren.org. Thank you for all your work to keep the children of Vermont safe, healthy and alcohol free.

Sincerely,