According to the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, underage drinking is the number one substance abuse problem in Alachua County. Death from abuse of alcohol outnumbers all other addictive substances combined.

In order to address this important issue, the Partners in Prevention of Substance Abuse (PIPSA) community coalition, with assistance from Corner Drug Store, recently held a town hall meeting on underage drinking. The meeting, which took place on March 28 th 2006 at the Savannah Grande, brought together a wide range of community leaders. A panel made presentations and answered questions from the audience and included:

• Pegeen Hanrahan - Mayor of Gainesville
• Patricia Telles-Irivin - UF VP of Student Affairs
• Dennis Thombs - UF Associate Professor
• Sandy Hollinger - Alachua County Public Schools Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum
• Gwen Love - PIPSA Chairperson

The meeting was sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association (SAMHA) along with local partners including: PIPSA, University of Florida Community Alcohol Coalition, School Board of Alachua County Safe and Drug Free Schools, Office of the Mayor of Gainesville, and Corner Drug Store, Inc.  Representatives from these sponsors were available at the meeting as well as representatives from law enforcement, Gainesville Hospitality Group, and youth from high school and college.

Gainesville Sun article (3/29/06) here

Town hall meeting

Click for stats on underage drinking in Alachua County