This online news website is owned and operated by Becky Watts. The Editor can be reached at 770-468-7583 or at editor(at)PikeCountyTimes(dot)com. Pike County Times is a website for citizens to keep up with local events and stay informed about Pike County government. It began on November 13, 2006 as a watchdog on county government and has turned into an online newspaper.
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Substance Abuse Prevention/Drug-Free Community Coalition
ZEBULON - Lamar/Pike-South Bend Substance Abuse Prevention/Drug-Free Community Coalition has united to address the Statewide Alcohol Initiative Goals. The objectives of the coalitions include the following: Implement Sustainable Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies (programs/practices/policies); Findings epidemiological/needs assessment data; Research-based; Align with state selected goals; Target high need communities / high risk population; Utilize SPF & Public Health Model; Foster collaboration / build capacity & infrastructure and Cultivate Cultural Competency.
The Statewide Alcohol Initiative Goals include:
1. Reduce the early onset of alcohol use among 9-20 year olds
2. Reduce access to alcohol and binge drinking among 9-20 year olds
3. Reduce binge & heavy drinking among 18-25 year olds.
The current stats indicate Youth ages 9-20 use it more than any other substance Average of 2,375 people in GA. die from alcohol-related injuries or illness each year 3rd leading cause of death in GA.
Drinking Behaviors
1. 21% of GA HS students had first drink before age 13
2. 32% of GA MS & 68% HS students had one or more alcoholic drinks at least once in their lifetime
3. Approx 331,386 (34%) HS students had at least one drink in the last 30 days
4. Approx 181,634 (19%) GA HS students binge drink (consuming five or more drinks at one time)
5. Among GA HS who consumed alcohol:
• 41% drank liquor rather than malt beverages
• 17% beer
• 14% other types of beverages (e.g. wine and wine coolers)
Drinking & Driving
• ~66,953 (7%) HS reported driving & driving
• Among 12th graders, 12% reported driving after consuming alcohol
Youth Access to Alcohol
• 36% of HS who reported alcohol use got it from someone else
• Among HS who consumed alcohol, 82% did so at their home or someone else’s home
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