NEWS RELEASE

(May 20, 2008) Green Bay, Wis. – A new regional initiative is being launched to address an issue that’s of particular concern with graduation and summer approaching: "Parents Who Host Lose The Most: Don’t Be A Party To Underage Drinking."

The campaign informs parents and other adults about the legal, health and safety ramifications and risks of serving alcohol to teens. The campaign is being rallied around and sponsored by the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth, Law Enforcement and Drug Prevention Coalitions throughout Northeast Wisconsin including Brown, Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Outagamie, Sheboygan, Waushara and Winnebago Counties.

The goal: To let parents know that if they host a part for teens this summer, to be sure to keep it alcohol-free because too often, Parents Who Host, Lose The Most. Parents who host parties where alcohol is served to minors is not only illegal, but extremely dangerous given the legal liabilities as well.

"Schools, various non-profit agencies, coalitions and police are doing a great job of educating our youth about the risks of alcohol, tobacco and drugs," according to Rebecca Deschane, youth development manager at the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and project director for the Partners in Education Drug Alliance. "It is now time to educate the parents and adults, who many times are providing alcohol and contributing to the risky behaviors our youth face."

A recent survey, commissioned by the Century Council, revealed that 65 percent of underage youth say they get alcohol from family and friends, meaning they get it from their parents, their friends’ parents, older siblings or friends, with or without their permission. Most troubling, some parents have become willing accomplices in planning teen parties and turning a blind eye to alcohol use in their own homes.

The campaign is one effort to reduce underage drinking and to educate parents and the community. Parents who knowingly allow a person under age 21 other than their own child to remain on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and face jail time, loss of a driver’s license, and/or loss of property.

Other facts to consider:

· Alcohol is the primary contributor to the leading causes of adolescent deaths (NIAAA, 2003).

· For others, drinking will lead to injury, pregnancies, sexual assaults, violence and diminished life chances.

· Recent research shows that early use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs may actually change brain development in long-lasting and detrimental ways (Institute of Medicine, 2004). The elements of the brain’s frontal lobes, that play critical roles in memory, voluntary motor behavior, impulse control, decision-making, planning and other higher order cognitive functions really start to develop during the adolescent years and do not fully develop until the very late teens or early 20s.

"It shouldn’t be a matter of if it is legal, but what is healthy and good for our youth," stated Deschane. "We know that alcohol, tobacco and drug use among youth can be dangerous and limit our youth in academics, sports and achieving their goals. If we really care about our youth, than we will want to provide and promote substance-free activities. We will also encourage and support others to do the same."

For more information about this topic, please contact Rebecca Deschane at (920) 593-3406.

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Established in 1882, the mission of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic and community development. Chamber programs include Advance, Partners in Education, Leadership Green Bay, Brown County Teen Leadership, Current--the Young Professionals Network, Good Government Council, the International Business Development Consortium, and the Small Business Council.

For more information about the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and its programs, call 437-8704 or visit www.titletown.org.

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