What is underage drinking?
Consumption of alcohol by people under the legal age of twenty-one.

Why is this issue important to the community at this time?
Underage drinking affects not only the individual but also the community. It can lead to addiction, interpersonal conflicts, and accidents. It contributes to the following community problems:

School absence and failure

Business (financial impact), crime losses, auto insurance rates, medical costs

Violence

Community safety

What is causing this to happen?

Community attitude: consider alcohol not a drug and not a major problem

Parental, school and community acceptance

No consistent consequences

Alcohol has no negative label

Who is most affected by this issue?
High school and college students are most affected, but there is growing usage among middle school students.

How is this issue being addressed in Salina and Saline County?
The Salina Regional Health Center is now collecting local emergency room data to better measure the magnitude of the problem. The community and schools have a strong collaboration through the school prevention officers and the Salina Area Prevention Partnership. The partnership’s meetings, trainings, and events educate students, parents and the community about the hazards, costs and consequences of all forms of drug abuse.

What are some of the opportunities and challenges presented by this issue?

Opportunities: Local data collection will provide program planners with valuable information to determine priorities and focus resources for improved public information and prevention programs. There are several programs in place to address the problem.

Challenges: Permissive community and parental norms, attitudes, and perceptions; lack of compliance with laws and ordinances by parents and other adults.

Who are contact persons for community action on this issue?

Ann Ryan, Salina Area Prevention Partnership, Central Kansas Foundation, 785-825-6224

Toni Graham or Brenda Haage, Regional Prevention Center, 785-493-0995

Val Barnett, Central Kansas Foundation, 785- 825-6224