By Ruth Luse, Managing Editor
Since Jan. 1, 2009, Hopewell Township police, who also cover Hopewell Borough, have charged 111 people with underage consumption/possession of alcohol, according to Chief George Meyer.
”Of those, 37 were charged with the state statute and 74 were charged with the local ordinance violation for possession/consumption on private property.
”During that time, seven people under the age of 21 were charged with driving under the influence,” the chief said Monday.
If these statistics bother you and you want to learn more, the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance is offering you the opportunity at a town hall meeting — “Underage Drinking: What Parents Need to Know” — on April 18 at 7 p.m. at Timberlane Middle School, Pennington-Titusville Road.
”The program will include a panel of local community experts who will discuss the consequences of underage drinking and what we are seeing in our community,” said Heidi. Kahme, Alliance chairwoman.
Invited panelists include: Cindy Iarussi, Hopewell Valley Central High School’s student assistance counselor; Chief Meyer; Dr. Zach Kassutto, chairman of the Pediatrics Department and director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Capital Health; Robert Yostembski, municipal prosecutor for Hopewell Township; and a young person in recovery.
A planning grant was awarded to the Alliance by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), as part of a national effort aimed at helping communities learn more about preventing this public health problem.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), youth who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21 years, Ms. Kahme noted.
.”Many times parents battle over what is the right thing to do when it comes to their teens and drinking,” said Ms. Kahme. “To no fault of their own, parents are not always aware of the consequences of providing liquor to a minor or what would happen if their child had a party when they were out of town.”
After the panel presentation, there will be time for the public to ask questions. The evening will conclude with suggestions on what the community can do and to offer solutions. Each participant will be given an information packet with helpful resources.
The Alliance would like parents, business owners, community leaders and students to participate. “It is our goal to involve the entire community in discussing and finding solutions to the issue of underage drinking,” Ms. Kahme concluded.
For further information, contact the Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance at 737-0120, ext. 642.
