NEWS FROM PARTICIPATING STATES
Indiana – With recently adopted legislation, retailers and private suppliers of alcohol to minors will now face tougher penalties. The penalties will change in most cases from a Class C misdemeanor to Class B or Class A. To read the article on changes in the law, click here. For detailed information on the law, click here.
Since 2003 when the first Youth Risk Behavior Survey was conducted in Indiana, the percentage of 9-12th grade students who had at least one drink of alcohol on at least one day during the 30 days before the survey dropped from 44.9 (2003) to 43.9 (2007). Thirty-one town hall meetings were conducted in the Spring of 2008 in concert with SAMHSA’s national underage drinking prevention initiative.
Iowa – The Urbandale City Council is evaluating an ordinance drafted by the City Attorney to keep kids out of bars. To read the article, click here.
Since 1997 when the first Youth Risk Behavior Survey was conducted in Iowa, the percentage of 9-12th grade students who had at least one drink of alcohol on at least one day during the 30 days before the survey dropped from 52.1 (1997) to 41.0 (2007). Forty-eight town hall meetings were conducted in the Spring of 2008 in concert with SAMHSA’s national underage drinking prevention initiative.
Montana – An Associated Press article on July 17, 2008 announced that Acting U.S. Surgeon General Steven Galson will visit three cities in Montana in August, 2008. To read the Associated Press article, click here.
Since 1993 when the first Youth Risk Behavior Survey was conducted in Montana, the percentage of 9-12th grade students who had at least one drink of alcohol on at least one day during the 30 days before the survey dropped from 55.7 (1993) to 46.5 (2007). Twenty-seven town hall meetings were conducted in the Spring of 2008 in concert with SAMHSA’s national underage drinking prevention initiative.
New Mexico – The Executive Director of the New Mexico Mothers Against Drunk Driving is resigning August 1, 2008. To read more on this change in leadership, click here.
Since 1991 when the first Youth Risk Behavior Survey was conducted in New Mexico, the percentage of 9-12th grade students who had at least one drink of alcohol on at least one day during the 30 days before the survey dropped from 60.0 (1993) to 43.2 (2007). Eighteen town hall meetings were conducted in the Spring of 2008 in concert with SAMHSA’s national underage drinking prevention initiative.
Nevada – On July 25, 2008, First Lady Dawn Gibbons attended a celebration event in Washoe County (NV) to recognize the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program of the Washoe County School District. The program includes activities such as a Youth Coalition Advisory Board, a newsletter to the community, and “Safe Ride Home” agreements. For more information on the program, click here.
Since 1993 when the first Youth Risk Behavior Survey was conducted in Nevada, the percentage of 9-12th grade students who had at least one drink of alcohol on at least one day during the 30 days before the survey dropped from 49.2 (1993) to 37.0 (2007). Twelve town hall meetings were conducted in the Spring of 2008 in concert with SAMHSA’s national underage drinking prevention initiative.
Oregon – In April, 2008, Portland TV stations KPTV(12) and KPDX(32) aired a half-hour, locally-produced program on underage drinking (“Underage Drinking: A Call to Action”) that was conceived, co-sponsored and co-produced by Oregon Partnership (OP). The video production included several segments suggested by OP on underage drinking, recent research, the OP YouthLine and prevention. In the month leading up to the April special, some five stories about underage drinking were aired on KPTV newscasts.
Oregon Partnership also sponsored a panel “Keeping Your Kids Away from Drugs and Alcohol” that attracted 110 parents who learned the latest prevention information from experts in the field in June, 2008.
Pennsylvania- The PA Liquor Control Board recently announced that sixty-eight PA organizations will receive grant funds totaling $700,000 to address underage and high-risk drinking. Funded activities include: Safe Homes campaigns, Social Norms campaigns, Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol training, Project Northland, and marketing campaigns focusing on parents who host parties for their children. To read the press release from the PA Liquor Control Board, click here.
Fifty-one town hall meetings were conducted in the Spring of 2008 in concert with SAMHSA’s national underage drinking prevention initiative.
MINIMUM LEGAL DRINKING AGE LAW CELEBRATES 24TH ANNIVERSARY
The Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) Law was enacted in 1975. According to a press release issued by the National Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), “the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates the 21 MLDA has reduced traffic fatalities involving drivers 18 to 20 years old by 13 percent and has saved an estimated 25,509 lives since 1975.” To read the MADD press release, click here.
INCREASED BINGE DRINKING AMONG FRENCH YOUTH QUESTIONS THE PARADIGM OF RESPONSIBLE DRINKING
Historically, France has touted a culture of responsible drinking among adults and youth alike. However, a recent article in Time reported that twenty-six percent (26%) of French youth under the age of 18 who report being regular drinkers also report having been repeatedly drunk within the past year compared to 5.5% of their adult counterparts. Nearly half of the 17year-olds reported having been drunk at least once during the previous month. The upsurge in underage consumption among French youth questions the paradigm of a culture of responsible drinking as a way to prevent harmful alcohol consumption by youth. The increase along with the primary and secondary consequences of underage alcohol consumption has prompted French health professionals, legislators, and concerned parents to take corrective action.
Source: Time, French Tackle Youth Binge Drinking, July 17th, 2008. To read the article, click here.
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES INCREASING EFFORTS TO CURB UNDERAGE AND HIGH RISK DRINKING
University of Virginia - An Associated Press article, dated July 21, 2008, described the University of Virginia’s efforts to increase alcohol education for incoming and current students. To read the article, click here.
Auburn University - A new alcohol policy at Auburn University will take effect August 18, 2008. The new policy enables University administrators to notify the parents of any student under 21 caught drinking alcohol or driving under the influence. To read more on the new alcohol policy, click here.
Tarleton State University (TX) - First year freshmen will receive an education program designed to change students’ attitudes and behaviors toward alcohol use and abuse. Funds from a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Enforcing the Underage Drinking Laws grant will make this program available for 2008-2009 academic year. To read more about the program, click here.
CONNECTICUT EXPANDS PROCESS FOR TEENS OBTAINING A DRIVER’S LICENSE TO INCLUDE ALCOHOL EDUCATION
Acting upon recommendations from the Governor’s Teen Driving Task Force, the Department of Motor Vehicles will implement new legislation requiring teen drivers to practice more hours, pass a more rigorous learner’s permit test, and participate in an 8-hour drug, alcohol, and safety class. To read an article that describes the expanded requirements, click here.
ILLINOIS YOUTH IN ACTION WINS TOP AWARD
The Clinton (IL) Youth in Action program received statewide acclaim for its work in preventing underage drinking. They will be presented the award in August in Nashville, at which time they will also learn if they won a national award. Youth in Action is a sub-group of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. To read more about the components of the Youth in Action program that prompted this award, click here.
FUNDING ENABLES TIGHTER CONTROL ON UNDERAGE DRINKING AT CALIFORNIA MID-STATE FAIR
A grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will enable San Luis Obispo County officers to conduct compliance checks and undercover operations to catch offenders who provide alcohol to minors at the California Mid-State Fair. To read more about the program, click here.
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