Substance Abuse Coalition: April is alcohol awareness month

The months of April through June bring heightened excitement as spring break arrives, proms are being planned, and many teens are eagerly awaiting their high school graduation. Sadly, some teens will not make it to that long-awaited passage into the next phase of their lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-related crashes kill more people ages 16 to 20 than any other age group. Additionally, more than one-third of all people under the age of 21, who are killed in alcohol-related fatalities, died during the months of April, May and June. While these statistics are disturbing, even more disturbing is the fact that youth who illegally consume alcohol often get it from their parents or from their friends' parents. It is extremely important for anyone 21 years of age and older, to know they can be criminally, civilly and financially liable for providing alcohol to minors. This includes hosting a teen party where alcohol is served. To keep our teens safe, our focus must be on prevention. Parents should talk to their teens about the following: * Where your teen will be throughout the evening; * Who your teen will be with; * Curfews! Set a firm and reasonable time and stick to it; * Consequences of drinking as well as drinking and driving; * Calling home if they need a ride; * Not letting their friends drink and drive; * That having a good time does not depend on alcohol. For more information about Jackson County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and its activities, contact Kelsey Haynes at (517) 796-5133 or via email at khaynes@uwjackson.org Published: Thu, Apr 7, 2011

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