In The NewsUnderage Drinking Campaign Launches
Originally printed in The Westerly Sun
Monday, December 8, 2008
Author: Heather LaddWESTERLY - The Westerly Substance Abuse Task Force has launched its "Underage Drinking: Not A Minor Problem" media campaign to put the spotlight on the growing problem of teen drinking in our community and in most other communities nationwide.
"Some parents may believe that teen drinking is going to happen whether they condone it or not and that by having them 'drink in the house where I can watch them' is a solution. We're here to say it's not. Adults providing alcohol, whether by purchasing it or just turning a blind eye to the missing beer cans from the fridge or garage is condoning underage drinking," said Mary Lou Serra, WSATF coordinator. "The party's not over. Just the drinking. We want to send that message. And we want to remind parents and older siblings and friends that it's not OK to provide alcohol to teens. It's not only against the law, but the number one cause for teen deaths nationally."
The 'Not A Minor Problem' campaign launched by the WSATF includes newspaper advertisements, a new cable television advertisement and the latest, a billboard message for parents on Canal Street in Westerly.
The campaign, funded by a federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant, is an effort to educate the community on the dangers of teen drinking and driving, and the other serious consequences associated with underage drinking including the connection between drinking and very risky behaviors as well as the very real potential for other substance use and abuse.
"The Westerly Substance Abuse Task Force is still here after 20 years," Serra said. "We're going to continue our efforts because we believe that communities working together to solve this problem can make a difference. We're in. Are you?"