Although the issue of underage drinking has been a problem for many, many years, due to an incline in the recent years, leaders are working hard to eradicate this problem. The most recent large impact in Tangipahoa Parish was on March 6 when a drunk driver struck four Southeastern students, killing three.
The meeting began with Governor's Police Board Chairperson Kathy Hayward, addressing the issue of underage drinking in Tangipahoa Parish to the people in attendance. Next, Governor's Office, Safe and Drug Free School and Communities Executive Director Michelle Aycock spoke about the Strategic Prevention Framework - State Incentive Grant. Aycock showed statistics stating that among all the parishes of Louisiana, Tangipahoa was top ten in underaged drinking. The grant is presumed to provide education in hopes of prevention of this on going problem.
TRACC provided a power point presentation and gave hand-outs with their goal. It stated that their goals are to decrease the alcohol consumption among the ages of 12-20 by December of 2010 and also to decrease the alcohol abuse and consequences among the ages of 21-29 by December 2010.
The presentation also showed TRACC's "Vision Statement" which states, "The coalition will work towards creating a healthy attitude and community wellness for all Tangipahoa Parish citizens by recognizing and addressing alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse as a serious social and public health issue."
The presentation concluded with TRACC's Accomplishments. Among these accomplishments were the Coalition Development and Community Readiness Assessment. It showed where TRACC is in the Strategic Prevention Framework process currently, "addressing problem statements and goals," "writing objectives" and "selecting interventions."
After the power point presentation officials were allowed to speak.
Representative Edwards stated how he disagreed with the false argument some people make, "if you're old enough to join the military, then you're old enough to drink."
Chief Rimes, stated that he can recall many disturbances, fights and wrecks he had to work while on the force as an officer and the things he sees now as Chief. He recounted an event that occurred in 2006 where he went on a call where a 19-year-old young man was shot and paralyzed by someone under the influence. Rimes stated, "This is more of a home problem than it is an actual government problem. Parents should be responsible and set an example for their children."
Councilman Tolar commented how times have not changed that much since he was young. That social availability and peer pressure are still around today. Tolar also made a comment aimed toward bar owners who let people under the age of 21 in their establishments. He said, "If you can't make money off of these kids, then why do you continue to let them in?"
TPSO's Jimmy Hyde echoed Rimes' statement saying, "This is an educational problem that should be taught at home by the parents!"
As the meeting was coming to a close, Hayward once again reminded the parents in the audience to set an example for their children. Her closing statement was, "Next time you're at the restaurant with your child, and decide not to order the bottle of wine, you have already started the process of setting an example for your child and are slowly, hopefully, putting a stop to underage drinking."
The next TRACC Coalition meeting will be held on Friday, April 17 at the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau on Wardline in Hammond at noon.
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