Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) coalition is a substance abuse prevention coalition serving the counties of Burt, Cuming, Stanton, and Madison. HCI believes it is vital to protect our most precious commodity--our youth--by reducing easy access to alcohol.
Underage drinking is a persistent problem especially during the holiday season. Many of the holiday festivities encourage alcohol use and possibly drunk driving.
Most teens who drink get their alcohol from “social” sources—older friends and family, or by taking it from a home without permission. The key to reducing teen drinking is reducing teens’ easy access to alcohol. Parents need to keep track of alcohol at home and speak up when underage drinking is discussed.
Parents need to be frank--tell other parents that you don’t want them serving alcohol to your teen or condoning teen drinking. Talk to adults who host teen parties. Let them know that it is not okay to serve alcohol to someone else’s child.
HCI would like to wish everyone a safe, sober and happy holiday season! Remember, please DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. The life you save, may be your own. For more information about HCI go to www.elvphd.org or call 402-529-2233.