Community Hero Profiles
Members of the Panhandle Prevention Coalition are encouraging adults throughout 11 counties of the Panhandle to take a stand against buying for or providing alcohol to minors.
“So many times, adults buy or serve alcohol to teenagers without realizing the risks and liabilities associated,” says Deanne Armstrong, Panhandle Prevention Coalition coordinator. “Our campaign is a call-to-action targeting local adults in an effort to eliminate underage drinking. There are many negative and sometimes deadly consequences when alcohol is served to someone under the age of 21. Through the campaign, we hope to educate people on the risk factors associated with youth participation in the consumption of alcohol.”
The campaign features a black and white color scheme chosen to highlight the simplicity of the message and is centered around a basic plea to local residents - “Be a community hero in training, become an adult learning about the laws and dangers of buying or providing alcohol to minors.”
“We believe this is a black and white issue,” Armstrong says. “Buying or providing alcohol for minors is illegal and unsafe.”
“We hope this campaign prompts parents and friends of minors to think twice before giving alcohol to underage youth,” says Armstrong. “Whether it be as blatant as buying beer for a carload of teens or simply choosing to overlook the occurrence of underage drinking at a branding, house party or social event, the action is not only illegal but can have serious consequences for both the teenager drinking alcohol and the person choosing to provide it to him.”
“It will take everyone, pulling together, to get a handle on the problem of underage drinking in the Panhandle,” says Armstrong.
Sponsored by the Panhandle Prevention Coalition
