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Sobriety message

April declared Alcohol Awareness Month at Drug Free Coalition community event

Lisa Jacques
Staff writer

The Shelby County Drug Free Coalition on Wednesday morning hosted its first community breakfast, during which city and county officials announced proclamations designating April Alcohol Awareness Month.

Alcohol Awareness Month coincides with the national campaign and the national Orange Ribbon Week campaign, which takes place the last week of April and focuses on reducing underage drinking.

"April is Alcohol Awareness Month," said Amy Larrison, Drug Free Coalition executive director. "It also poses a high-risk time for our youth."

Mayor Scott Furgeson read a city proclamation announcing April as Alcohol Awareness Month for Shelbyville. Shelby County Commissioner Tony Newton read a similar proclamation that extended the campaign countywide.

Shelby County Prosecutor Kent Apsley announced a countywide law-enforcement campaign dubbed "Party Crashers." Officials plan to crack down on parties where there may be underage drinking.

"If you're having a party, expect that we'll be there, too," he said.

Guest speakers of the informational meeting included Lisa Hutcheson, director of the Indiana Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking and vice president of Mental Health America of Indiana.

"Underage drinking really is our collective responsibility," she said.

Hutcheson presented research showing brain damage related to underage heavy drinkers. She also said the county is home to 74 alcohol outlets, including grocery stores. Also, xix tobacco outlets near schools failed state inspections that monitor tobacco retailing to minors - called TRIP or Indiana Tobacco Retailer Inspection Program, she said

But most youths get alcohol from social sources, parents and other adults, whether they are aware of it or not, she said.

"Parents and adults need to be aware this is going on," Hutcheson said. "It really does begin in the home."

Law enforcement officials cited statistics showing 1,017 alcohol infractions in Shelby County in 2008. Of those, 146 involved a minor. The numbers indicate an increase over 2007.

Among the guests were community members representing public health organizations, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, elected officials and schools, including many county students who participate in school chapters of Students Against Destructive Decisions. Also present were representatives of senior service agencies.

"A lot of seniors self-medicate," Larrison said. "We invited everyone."

Larrison hopes to hold the informational meeting again next spring.

Activities in the month of April will include a Youth Summit on April 27, banners placed in downtown Shelbyville and awareness activities in schools, including mock car crashes and wrist bands distributed to teens. Tulips distributed by the coalition's youth group last fall will also begin to emerge at school, church and court house grounds in April.

The Drug Free Coalition was established in 1990 to help initiate community efforts to address substance abuse issues. The group holds meetings every second Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. in the former Town Hall building at 54 W. Broadway St.

Date: 4/4/2009