4 Troubled Teens Blog

Rhode Island Community Reports Success in Effort to Prevent Underage Drinking

Thanks to a federal grant and some creativity, Smithfield, Rhode Island, has seen a 13 percent decrease in underage drinking. The grant was part of a $12-million award given to Rhode Island to bolster the fight agains underage drinking and marijuana use.
Instead of doling out small amounts to every community, the state chose to focus on dividing the money among the top 14 communities with teen substance abuse problems, said Jeannie Vickers, coordinator of prevention services at Tri-Town Community Action Agency. (Source: The Providence Journal)
Vickers told the Journal that the Agency needed to generate some original ideas, knowing the state wanted more than just another "Just Say No" campaign. Instead, they created changes in law enforcement and ordinances related to underage drinking.

Labels: prevention, alcohol_abuse

Posted By: Aspen/CRC