IN THE HEALTH CARE SETTING

As a health care provider, you are in a unique position to prevent, detect, or treat alcohol use by young children and early adolescents. Health care professionals are influential members of their communities who can speak knowledgeably about the detrimental effects of underage drinking and ways early alcohol use can be prevented.

As a doctor, nurse, or physician's assistant, take these steps:

• Be alert to signs of underage drinking during routine physical examinations and office visits, and at times of medical emergencies.

• Promote the use of public spaces in health care settings to distribute educational literature.

• Use your knowledge and expertise about the dangers of alcohol to support community education and prevention programs regarding underage alcohol use.

• Talk to parents of youth in your practice about the need to prevent underage alcohol use.

For additional information, see also Statistics, Children’s Health and Safety, Information For You, Health Care Providers, and Information For You, Prevention Practitioners.