Press-Republican

Local News

November 1, 2009

State video to combat underage drinking

ALBANY — A new state video aims to combat underage drinking and raise awareness about the importance of responsible behavior and healthy lifestyles.

The video, which is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, highlights underage-drinking-prevention efforts in New York.

The video issues a call to action to elicit involvement from prevention providers, law enforcement, judiciary, colleges and community coalitions.

"It is our duty as leaders to partner with communities across the state to provide these much-needed underage-drinking-prevention efforts," Gov. David A. Paterson said in a news release after the video's premiere in Albany.

"High-school and college-age New Yorkers are the future of this great state, and through these efforts, we will save precious lives and prevent tragedies that tear at the very heart of our families and communities."

Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo said statistics show that seven out of 10 college students under age 21 consumed alcohol in the past month and that half are binge drinkers.

"Alcohol is the No. 1 drug of choice for young people, costing New York about $3.2 billion a year," she said in a statement.

"Working with parents, educators, community members and law enforcement, we can influence the decisions of teens and make a difference — this video is a call to action in educating New York."

State officials are also continuing to promote the nationally recognized Underage Drinking: Not a Minor Problem campaign, which includes information for parents, as well as beer, liquor and wine retailers.

Underage alcohol sales or an underage drinking party can be reported at 1-866-under21.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
New Today
  • Attempted-murder trial set

    The case against Robert J. McCann, who is charged with trying to kill his former girlfriend at a secluded Westville site, begins Tuesday in Franklin County Court.

    Posted: 3 hours
Local News

Recent Article Comments
Albany Round-up

Photo of the Day
Strange News
Videos: Editor Picks
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion' 5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La. Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal $25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart