State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo today announced funding to support underage drinking prevention programs in communities across New York.
Funds totaling $165,000 are being awarded to 17 prevention providers, colleges and universities as part of OASAS prevention strategies aimed at educating parents and youth on the risks of underage drinking. The awards will allow community-based groups to expand media awareness campaigns which include the national, award-winning Underage Drinking: Not a Minor Problem campaign.
“This aspect of our prevention efforts is aimed at the local communities where we must change attitudes and behaviors among parents and adolescents on underage drinking,” said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. “Underage drinking is illegal and dangerous. There are far too many stories of young people whose lives have been ruined because of the influence of alcohol.”
According to the International Institute for Alcohol Awareness, underage drinking cost the citizens of New York $3.2 billion in 2005. In addition, by their senior year of high school, nearly four out of five students have consumed alcohol. Underage drinking can also lead to unplanned and unprotected sexual activity, poor school performance, driving while intoxicated, and even death.
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