| THE PARTNERSHIP FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY PACIFICA The Partnership formed as task force responding to the untimely deaths of Stephanie Echeverri, 16, and Jonny Bier, 19 in an alcohol-related vehicle accident on February 4, 2005. Community members have mobilized to create immediate and long-term changes that reduce alcohol use among youth and create a safe and healthy environment for Pacifica youth. The Partnership is a coalition of 75+ members representing student support and community groups, parents, city and county elected leaders and public officials, substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery providers, elementary, middle and high schools and district leadership and staff, law enforcement, faith communities, local business, and more. ALCOHOL USE AMONG YOUTH: -Alcohol-related deaths are the number one cause of death among adolescents. -Terra Nova High School ranks in the top 5% of California schools for reported binge drinking (5+ drinks in 90 minutes). -36% of 11th grade youth report that they regularly engage in binge drinking. -42% admit to have driven while drunk or been in a car with a drunk driver. -40% of Terra Nova and Oceana High School students report that youth are able to buy their own alcohol and that less than 30% of sales clerks consistently ask for ID. -Factors that contribute to alcohol use among youth include: 1) weak or non-enforced policies, 2) poor adult role models, 3) easy access, 4) advertising, and 5) a tolerant community. PRIORITY AREAS & ACTION: 1. REDUCE ALCOHOL ACCESS TO YOUTH IN THE RETAIL ENVIRONMENT. -Provide education to retailers on how to check identification and consequences of selling alcohol to minors. -Provide education to general public (young adults and adults) on the consequences of purchasing alcohol for minors -Enforce youth access laws through minor decoy purchase and shoulder tapping stings. 2. REDUCE ALCOHOL ACCESS TO YOUTH IN THE ‘HOME’/SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT. -Educate parents and other adults about the consequences of hosting -Develop an alcohol-free home network for youth. -Pursue policy and enforcement options such as a Social Host Liability Ordinance. 3. INCREASE ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY OF SUPPORTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH. -Identify existing services and opportunities for youth, including, but not limited to counseling and support groups, safe transportation, alternative activities, leadership and decision-making roles. -Educate youth about existing services, activities, and opportunities. -Identify gaps in services with youth impacted by gaps and seek resources to increase opportunities. 4. INCREASE ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY OF SUPPORTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS. -Identify existing services and opportunities for parents, including, but not limited to counseling and support groups, parenting information sharing, family alternative activities, and leadership roles. -Educate parents about existing services, activities, and opportunities. · Identify gaps in services with parents impacted by gaps and seek resources to increase opportunities. FOR MORE INFORMATION: safeandhealthypacifica@yahoo.com David Mineta, JUHSD Trustee, Asian American Recovery Services, dmineta@aars-inc.org, work: 650-756-3230 Amy Benjamin, Youth Leadership Institute: abenjamin@yli.org, work: 415-836-9160 California References: -Healthy Kids Survey, 2005. -Youth Leadership Institute Access Survey, 2004. Administered by Asian American Recovery Services Stay Safe Youth Coalition. -National Academies of Science Underage Drinking, 2004 |
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