SAMHSA: Communities Talk to Prevent Underage Drinking Initiative
Communities Talk
SAMHSA
December 9, 2020
SAMHSA’s eighth round of its Communities Talk to Prevent Underage Drinking initiative is set to launch in January 2021. Focusing on preventing alcohol misuse remains important because among Americans under age 21, alcohol is the most frequently used substance, used more often than tobacco, marijuana, or other illicit drugs. And while underage alcohol use rates have steadily declined since 2002, 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data show past month underage drinking rates remained unchanged from 2018 to 2019.
Preventing underage drinking is still important now, whether or not students are on campus. All students are facing new pressures due to COVID-19 and may turn to alcohol to cope. Although alcohol is less accessible to some young people due to COVID-19 (e.g., bar closures), alcohol may be more accessible to others (e.g., delivery services, alcohol in the home). A Communities Talk activity can help address underage drinking and harmful alcohol use now and can help students develop healthy coping skills for the future.
We realize that COVID-19 will impact prevention activities on and off college campuses in 2021. To help meet this challenge, we are offering institutes of higher education a $750 planning stipend to conduct a Communities Talk activity.
Help us spread the word! Please share this this information, including the attached flyer, with your networks so they are aware of this exciting opportunity. Representatives from institutes of higher education can also send an email to info@stopalcoholabuse.net to request an invitation. Invitations will be sent out by email in January 2021. In the meantime, the Communities Talk website has more information about stipend registration, as well as updated guides, tips and resources, customizable materials, and more to support activity planning and execution in the current environment.
Thank you for your commitment to underage drinking prevention. We appreciate your help in building awareness about this exciting opportunity!
- Cornelius Pierce |Public Health Analyst |HHS/SAMHSA/CSAP/DSD