For Immediate Release: April 21, 2022

The City of Alexandria recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month throughout April and encourages residents to learn the facts and consequences of youth alcohol use and to raise awareness about the causes and effects of substance use disorders.

The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) invites youth, parents and caring adults to participate in Alcohol Awareness Month by:

• Checking out SAPCA's "I don't drink because..." prevention campaign featuring videos of Alexandria City High School students encouraging youth to be alcohol free and raising awareness of the social norm that the majority of youth in Alexandria do not drink alcohol, a trend to get behind.

• Solving clues in SAPCA's Alcohol Awareness Month Scavenger Hunt by May 6 to receive a SAPCA swag bag and be entered into a raffle for a $50 Target gift card.
• Spreading the word about SAPCA's Alcohol Awareness Month Art Contest open to middle and high school students. Entries are due by May 6 at 11:59 p.m. Three winning entries will be selected to receive a SAPCA swag bag and a $25 gift card.
• Signing up for SAPCA’s e-newsletter, following SAPCA on Facebook and Twitter, and visiting SAPCA’s website to stay informed about upcoming events and ways to get involved in local efforts to prevent youth substance use and misuse.
• Volunteering to help present Facts and Consequences Workshops to share information with school youth about the consequences of using alcohol and other drugs. No previous experience is required and all volunteers receive training. Contact April Pavis-Shroeder at april.pavisshroeder@alexandriava.gov to learn more.

SAPCA provides tools and resources to initiate conversations with youth on the dangers of alcohol and other substances, healthy decision making, avoiding risky behaviors, responding to peer pressure, resources for treatment and recovery and more.

SAPCA reminds residents that adult drinking behavior has been shown to influence youth and encourages residents to model healthy coping mechanisms to help prevent youth substance use. Healthy coping practices can be as simple as exercising, video chatting with friends and family, or spending time using a meditation app. Access resources for coping with stress in the City’s Wellness Resource Guide and easy-to-share handouts with tips for coping with fear and uncertainty.

Help ensure that youth in Alexandria have the information and tools to make informed choices about their health, so they can thrive today, tomorrow and in the future.

Visit alexandriava.gov/SAPCA to learn more about the coalition. For more information, contact Emma Beall at emma.beall@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3670.

For reasonable disability accommodation, call 703.746.5999, Virginia Relay 711.

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This news release is available at: alexandriava.gov/go/3572.