Alcohol Use and Abuse
Countywide Initiative to Reduce Underage Drinking (CIRUD)
The Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC) convened the first meeting of its Countywide Initiative to Reduce Underage Drinking (CIRUD) in August 2006, bringing together school-community coalitions, community organizations, and county agencies to address the epidemic of underage drinking. Today approximately 50 organizations support the UPC and its Countywide Initiative.
Binge drinking is bigger problem than previously thought
U. S. adults binge drink more frequently and consume more drinks when they do
More than 38 million U.S. adults binge drink an average of four times a month and the most drinks they consume on average is eight according to a new Vital Signs report form the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While binge drinking is more common among young adults ages 18–34, of those age 65 and older who report binge drinking, they do so more often – an average of five to six times a month.
December DWI Arrests Up 12 Percent
Fairfax County Police officers arrested 358 drunk drivers as part of their Safe December 2011 efforts. Of those arrested the vast majority (150) were young adults between the ages of 21 and 29. Further analysis shows that 28 were between 15 and 20 years old, 82 were 30-39, 55 were 40-49 and 43 were 50 or older. View press release.
National Drugged and Drunk Driving Month
December is National Drugged and Drunk Driving Month. Be a good role model. A new government study shows that teenagers whose parents drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs are far more likely to drive under the influence themselves compared with teens whose parents don't drive after using drugs or alcohol.
"Perils of the College Drinking Culture” Forum Returns in 2012
The Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC) invites county high schools to join in a collaborative effort to plan and host a "Perils of the College Drinking Culture" forum for graduating seniors to prepare them and their parents for what they will face at college related to underage and binge drinking. The first program of 2012 was held at McLean High School on Jan. 11, 2012. View UPC Press Release, FCPS Press Release and Flier information. View newspaper article covering this event.
Parents Who Host, Lose the Most!
The Parents Who Host, Lose the Most (PWH) public education campaign in its fifth year seeks to educate parents about Virginia underage drinking laws and facts associated with teen drinking. The campaign has been recognized yearly by a resolution issued by the FCPS School Board and proclamation issued by the County Board of Supervisors. May is Parents Who Host, Lose the Most month in Fairfax County each year.
Project Sticker Shock
Plan this student run event in your school community in partnership with the local police and a few adults. On a morning or afternoon groups of students and police will visit local grocery, drug, and convenience stores to place warning stickers on beer packaging to remind adults not to purchase alcohol for underage youth – it's against the law!
Before you give them the keys...
Parent/Student 90-minute Driver Education Session