August 26, 2009
In this issue:
New Report Suggests Deregulation of Alcohol Could Generate Epidemic in the United States
A new report, The Dangers of Alcohol Deregulation: The United Kingdom Experience, exposes why the United Kingdom currently is facing an alcohol epidemic and how it can be avoided so a similar epidemic does not happen in the United States.
“As part of a growing globalization trend across the alcohol industry, some have called for alcohol deregulation in the United States,” said author and former state alcohol regulator Pamela Erickson. “To answer this question one need only look at the recent experiences of the United Kingdom on whether liberalized alcohol laws are optimal."
Click here to read the entire report.
New Shoulder Tapping Prevention Campaign
A campaign, targeting parents and businesses, got underway this month to raise awareness about shoulder tapping. Shoulder tapping, also known as "Hey Mister," is when youth ask adults, usually strangers, to buy alcohol for them.
The campaign is part of the statewide Face it, Parents underage drinking prevention initiative and coordinated by Oregon Partnership, the Department of Human Services, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association. The campaign includes posters, articles, radio public service announcements and other materials.
Click here for more information.
Medford Teens Conduct Shoulder Tapping Tests
Teenagers spend the entire school year taking tests administered by adults, but last week the tables were turned and it was the teens who were testing the adults. Underage youth asked passing adults if they would purchase alcohol for them. The exercise, known as a “shoulder tap,” was meant to collect data and help spread awareness regarding underage drinking.
The study was conducted by Medford Health Matters and the Team TADD (Teens Against Drinking and Drugs) program. The results were highly favorably, with 100 percent of adults surveyed refusing to purchase alcohol for the underage decoys.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Click here to watch video of the event.
Training Opportunity: Team Ministries Leadership Training
Faith leaders of all denominations throughout Oregon are invited to attend a Team Ministries Leadership Training Friday, September 25th, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Henrys Parish Center, 346 NW 1st St. in Gresham, Oregon. Presented by the Greater Gresham Area Prevention Partnership (GGAPP) Faith Leadership team and hosted by the Faith Partners of St Henrys, this invaluable training is sponsored by Hazelden Treatment Services. The cost of the workshop is $25.00 and includes refreshments, lunch and training materials.
To register by August 28th, contact GGAPP at the Police Activities League at 503-823-0250. For more information on GGAPP and to download the registration form, visit www.ggapp.org.
Click here for more information.
8th Annual Hands Across the Bridge 2009
Celebrate Recovery Month at the 8th annual Hands Across the Bridge 2009 event. Span the I-5 Bridge with hundreds of supporters to celebrate recovery and kick off National Recovery Month. Be a part of hope, sharing, and union. Hands Across the Bridge takes place on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2009, beginning at 10 a.m.
Directly following Hands Across the Bridge is Oxfest 2009, a one-day musical celebration by those in recovery from addiction. Oxfest includes multiple bands, food vendors, family activities, a waterslide, a bouncy castle, a raffle and a multitude of other games. More that 2000 people are expected to attend. Oxfest is free for anyone in recovery and their families and supporters. Oxfest is sponsored by the 400 Oxford Houses of Oregon and Washington and their related chapters and state associations.
Click here for more information.
One in Five Teens Share Their Prescription Drugs with Friends
A survey of 12- to 17-year-olds in the U.S. has found that about 20 percent said they have given their prescription drugs like Oxycontin and Darvocet to friends or obtained drugs the same way. About one-third of those who borrowed medications said they had experienced an allergic reaction or other negative side-effects as a result.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Do you have information to share with your prevention colleagues around the state? Please send to: dslifman@orpartnership.org.
Thank you for your continued support of this publication.
