The goal of the national and statewide initiative is to raise awareness, provide access to existing resources, and promote action at all levels. A common denominator of national and statewide studies is that alcohol use is consistently and considerably higher than any other kind of drug use. One-half of all sixth graders had been pressured to drink, and 40 percent had tried beer or wine. The 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for all of Alaska, except Anchorage, found that 49 percent of middle school students were using alcohol at the time of the study. First, we need to get the word out.
Education is the key to mobilization.
If we are not aware of the extent of use and abuse of alcohol by our children, then we will not be able to reform. The initiative's goal is to raise awareness by involving the entire community in the discussion of the underage drinking problem and the development of programs to address it. The web will be regularly updated with studies, alerts,and other information. There are also links to efforts already underway by government and private organizations to address this issue. Knowles will also visit various communities throughout Alaska to speak on the issue and to meet with community leaders.