Encourages continued community involvement to prevent underage drinking
HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has recognized Alcohol Awareness Month and noted the importance of education and community involvement in preventing dangerous and underage drinking.
“No community is immune to the devastating effects that alcohol can bring when used inappropriately,” said PLCB Chairman Patrick J. “PJ” Stapleton.
“We remain committed to providing local community leaders with the support and resources they need to protect our children.
Since 2009, Pennsylvania has seen some positive trends concerning the consumption of alcohol by youth, as well as the high-risk behaviors in which they participate. According to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency‘s Pennsylvania Youth Survey, there is a continued decrease in those reporting a willingness to try alcohol.
However, there is much work to be done. On the national level, according to the Centers for Disease Control, there were approximately 190,000 emergency room visits by people under the age of 21 for injuries and other conditions related to alcohol in 2008. Research shows those who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who don’t consume alcohol before the age of 21.
The PLCB is committed to public education and outreach to combat these dangerous behaviors. Since 1999, the agency has awarded more than $4 million in grants to nearly 250 organizations while providing training and technical assistance to local communities.
“Educating the public and supporting communities so that they can effectively address issues that have direct local impacts is at the core of what we do each day,” Stapleton said. “Because of the complex nature of these issues, we need to continue working together toward the common goal of keeping our families safe.”
For more information about the Liquor Control Board, visit www.lcb.state.pa.us.