In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) is hosting a series of events and activities and encouraging residents to: 

• Learn the facts and consequences of youth alcohol use, including the legal consequences of providing alcohol to people under 21
• Know that anyone can develop a substance use disorder – treatment is available and recovery is possible
• Focus on safety at youth and adult gatherings
• Learn the risks associated with alcohol use

SAPCA invites youth, parents and caregivers, and all community members to get involved with the following prevention efforts and awareness activities:

• Join SAPCA for a reception to celebrate this year’s Red Ribbon Week poster contest winners on April 28 from 6-7 p.m. at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Dr.) Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP by April 23. Following this reception, join SAPCA for a proclamation recognizing April as Alcohol Awareness Month at 7 p.m. 
• Check out SAPCA's "I don't drink because..." prevention campaign. Alexandria City High School students created these short videos to encourage youth to be alcohol free. The videos also reinforce and raise awareness of the social norm that the majority of youth in Alexandria do not drink alcohol, a trend to get behind.
• Visit the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Dr.) lobby and fifth floor to view displays of student artwork promoting the benefits of a drug-free lifestyle. Displays feature the winning designs for the Red Ribbon Week poster contest. 
• Sign up for SAPCA’s e-newsletter, follow SAPCA on Facebook and X, and visit SAPCA’s website to stay informed about events and ways to get involved in efforts to prevent youth substance use.
• Follow Alexandria Teen Life on Instagram for inspiring messages and information on living a healthy life.

SAPCA provides tools and resources for residents to engage youth and initiate conversations about the dangers of alcohol and other substances, healthy decision making, avoiding risky behaviors, responding to peer pressure, resources for treatment and recovery and more. The City also provides a Resource Directory for Alexandria’s Youth and Young Adults.

The Peer Advocates are a group of Alexandria youth who work closely with the Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy, the Domestic Violence Program, SAC, and SAPCA to support prevention and outreach efforts. 

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