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REMARKS BY:  DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PLACE:       National Household Drug Survey Press Conference, Washington, D.C.
DATE:	     August 21, 1998

But our new Household Drug Survey also tells us that from 1996 to 1997, marijuana use among young people age 12 to 17 crept up from 7.1 to 9.4 percent. It's part of a trend that shows a persistent increase in marijuana use among youth from 1992 to 1997. Although, over the long-term, marijuana use among youth is still much lower than the 1979 peak. This trend is similar for boys and girls; whites, blacks and hispanics; in all four geographical areas; and in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. And this increase in marijuana use is what's causing the overall numbers to creep up.

Let me remind you that last year, when our Household Drug Survey reported that marijuana use had leveled, we did not rush to declare victory. We called it a glimmer of hope. Today, we're not declaring defeat -- or giving up hope. But we are declaring the need for a renewed focus on marijuana. And a renewed commitment to our long-term strategy to protect children from marijuana.

Marijuana is increasingly the drug of choice for children. Not hallucinogens, inhalants, cocaine or heroin. According to this survey, the current use of these substances among children remained flat. In addition, approximately 4.5 million youth age 12 to17 had used tobacco in the past month in 1997-and for those age 12 to 13, there was a statistically significant increase of over two percent. Concerning alcohol, the rate of current alcohol use among youth age 12 to 17 has remained relatively stable since falling to 21 percent in 1992. The survey also found that drug use among youth was higher among those who were currently using cigarettes and alcohol, compared with youth not using these substances.

But why do so many children specifically choose marijuana? Because they don't believe it's dangerous. And when it comes to marijuana and children, as the perception of risk goes down, the rate of use goes up. Our new survey underscored this inverse relationship. From 1996 to 1997, there was a significant drop in young people's perception that smoking marijuana once or twice a week is risky. This continues a long- term trend that began in 1990. That was the year perception of risk of marijuana use began to drop. Soon thereafter, rate of use began to rise.

But children are wrong if they think marijuana is safe. Our research proves marijuana is dangerous. Marijuana impairs learning. Marijuana impairs memory. But our research also shows that children can learn the truth about marijuana. We must speak truth to children. A home truth. Because the truth about marijuana must come from parents. The Kaiser Family Foundation confirms what common sense suggests: When parents listen closely to their children and their concerns, children feel comfortable talking to them-and they are more likely to stay drug-free.

But parents' attitude is also important. We all know that children learn by example-so it's not unusual for children to mimic their parents' attitudes toward drugs. How can we expect a child to resist the lure of marijuana, if the parent is transmitting messages that marijuana is OK; that it's safer than other illicit drugs; that it's better than other risky behaviors? That's why parents are the single most important factor in protecting children from trying drugs. Parents need to sit down with their children and talk to them about drugs. Parents need to tell their children that drugs can attack their bodies, deaden their minds and kill their spirits. And parents need to reach their children earlier in their lives.

But parents need our help. They need our support and reinforcement. And they need it every year. Every year a new generation is born. A new generation that will be exposed to the siren song of illicit drugs in their schools and in their neighborhoods. And every year parents-and all of us-must educate each new generation to avoid the lure of drugs. That's why we've developed a multi-part, long-term solution. In July, as part of his National Drug Control Strategy, the President launched a five year, $2 billion dollar, media campaign-which includes ads designed to encourage parent-child discussions during a child's early years. We've also distributed 1.5 million copies of the publication: "Keeping Youth Drug Free" to parents and other adults who are looking for ways to start a conversation with children in their care about drugs.

And to reduce marijuana use among youth, we initiated a comprehensive Marijuana Initiative in 1995. As part of this program, we've funded new research on the effects of marijuana, and launched major prevention-oriented campaigns-like the anti- marijuana campaign "Reality Check" to help parents educate children about the dangers of drugs. Free materials, such as the booklet "Preventing Drug Use Among Children and Adolescents," which is based on 14 scientific principles, can be obtained by calling 1-800-729-6686. This number now appears on our multi-million dollar TV ad campaign that's running all across the country.

As the trend in youth substance abuse has evolved, we've also been forming stronger partnerships with states and communities. Recent new efforts include state and regional grants to support effective, coordinated drug abuse prevention services and strategies-and "Starting Early-Starting Smart" grants, that are examining the effectiveness of integrating substance abuse services into primary care and child care settings. And if Congress provides the necessary funding, the National Household survey will be expanded in 1999 to provide information on drug abuse at the state level.

But protecting our children from drugs isn't a job for government-or parents- alone. We need a bipartisan commitment to target our resources and follow-through on a long-term strategy. And most importantly, we must get the word out to every child that there is a problem. We need coaches, clergy, media and everyone involved in our children's lives to keep up a steady drumbeat of anti-drug messages echoing from every corner of society. We need to tell them that marijuana is a one-way ticket to dead-end hopes and dreams. The task may seem daunting, but it's not impossible. When we as a nation focus on a problem, when we raise our voices, when we involve parents, teachers and community leaders in the fight, we can always make a difference. As Churchill said, we must never give in.

And I'd now like to introduce a colleague who has been a consistent fighter for a drug free America and for America's children, General Barry McCaffrey.