Thank you to everyone who joined us to collaborate on ways to prevent underage drinking.
First, we want to thank COhatch The Overlook for their generous sponsorship for hosting the Town Hall.
The Stand Project is a recipient of the GIVE scholarship, which helps non-profit organizations reach their potential through use of their co-working space and access to valuable programming. Thank You COhatch!
Alison Scott, Stand Project President, began with a video explaining what prevention is:
Alison then shared 2017 UA Schools data on alcohol use and perceptions.
Ahmed Hosni, from the collegiate recovery community at Ohio State University shared his underage drinking experience and how it impacted him.
Jon Rice discussed the drinking laws in Upper Arlington. He also discussed various consequences for youth:
Drinking & Driving
Drinking at a House Party
Hosting a House Party when parents aren’t aware
Parents Hosting a Party allowing underage drinking
Fake ID Possession
Jon also discussed the UA Diversion Program and Drug Court. For more laws, see The Stand Project’s LAWS - Parent Resource Guide.
Sarah Perry and Larysa Gilbert from Syntero discussed what parents can do to prevent underage drinking. They covered:
Start Talking, They Hear You. Making the talk count at every age
Signs and Red Flags that your child may be using alcohol or other drugs
Sonya North started with some frequently asked questions about underage drinking:
Isn’t drinking a rite of passage?
What do I do if I suspect my child has started drinking? Let the ship sail?
Isn’t providing alcohol at home a safer option to prevent teen drinking and driving?
I think it’s important for my child to learn “how to drink” before they go away to college, so they learn how to drink safely?
If I have a family history of addiction, how does that affect my child?
Sonya is also mobilizing a group to throw and open after prom party in the spring. If you’re interested let her know.