Morgan Co. effort works to prevent underage drinking

MORGAN COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) – A new Morgan County initiative focuses on preventing underage drinking and binge drinking.

The Morgan County Substance Abuse Council Director Rae Floyd says they’ve just started running a public service announcement (PSA) on television that is focused on a positive trend: seven out of 10 teens in Morgan County aren’t drinking alcohol.

The PSA, called “Join the Majority,” was created by Morgan County’s Youth Council.

Floyd says they wanted to get the latest message out before spring events for high school students – like prom, graduation and spring break.

Soon, she says, the community can expect to see billboards, posters and radio messages.

“From grades six through 12, seven out of 10 choose not to drink. That’s eye-opening for teens,” said Floyd.

Floyd says you should speak to your children before they turn nine about the dangers of drinking underage.

The Substance Abuse Council is also working with local law enforcement through grants that allow officers to saturate patrols during what’s known as “high risk times” – or times juveniles are more likely to get in trouble.

Those include the time between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. after school, and around special events.

Law enforcement will continue to look at ways to prevent teens from drinking alcohol, explained Captain Brent Worth with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, who also sits on the Substance Abuse Council board.

They plan on keeping communication lines open – talking with the kids and continuing to provide a positive influence.

For more information from the substance abuse council, click here.