North Dakota First Lady Is New Co-Chair of National Organization to Prevent Childhood Drinking

Bismarck, ND – Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, the nation’s only initiative guided by the spouses and special appointees of governors and aimed at preventing childhood drinking during the critical ages of 9 to 15, today announced that North Dakota First Lady Mikey Hoeven has accepted the position of Co-Chair of the organization.

Mrs. Hoeven has been a member of Leadership since 2001. One of her first activities was to join forces with the Parent Communication Network (PCN) which provides parents with the latest information on alcohol prevention programs, practices, and policies. The information is disseminated through the North Dakota school system. She also launched “Let’s keep our kids alcohol free,” a statewide advertising campaign, which includes television and radio ads and a statewide poster campaign.

In 2006, Mrs. Hoeven was featured in Underage Drinking Prevention Town Hall meetings statewide. She delivered an address in person at the Minot Town Hall and appeared via video at the other North Dakota Town Halls. She also led a Teach-in on childhood drinking and announced a pilot program targeting ninth-graders, “AlcoholEdu for High School,” in Bismarck. Currently there are approximately 15 schools across the state of North Dakota enrolled in the on-line education program.

“It’s an honor for me to take on the role of co-chair of Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free,” said Hoeven. “Addressing underage alcohol use is a shared responsibility. Prevention must start in the home with parents playing a key role. I have worked with North Dakotans to get involved in stemming this trend and participating in the state's multi-faceted effort to reduce alcohol use by our most vulnerable citizens. With this new role, I’m looking forward to participating in Leadership efforts across the country.”

Hoeven will serve with three other Co-Chairs: Hawaii Lieutenant Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr.; North Carolina First Lady Mary Easley; and Wyoming First Lady Nancy Freudenthal. Together, they will direct the overall activities of Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free.

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