The D.R.E.A.M. Team (Drug Related Education and Awareness Mentors) a local chapter of S.A.D.D. (Students against Destructive Decisions) will be distributing information throughout the community to share how adults can support Lopez youth in making healthy choices and avoiding alcohol use.  This project will continue to the end of May and is part of a statewide campaign to engage adults and youth in taking action to reduce underage drinking.  The campaign(www.LetsDrawtheLine.org) is sponsored by the Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking.

The D.R.E.A.M. Team is supporting ongoing statewide efforts to reduce underage drinking in Washington.  In 2010 outdoor advertising restrictions went into effect statewide to reduce the amount of alcohol advertising youth see on neighborhood stores and near schools.  Over the last five years, the number of alcohol ads seen by youth ages 12-20 has increased 41%, according to the Center for Alcohol Marketing and Youth.

“Underage drinking is a problem with youth on Lopez,” said  D.R.E.A.M. Team President Emailie Hobi.

Although alcohol is the primary drug of abuse among youth, the 2012 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey showed that 11,000 fewer students are using alcohol compared to 2010.  Since 2008, about 20,000 more youth in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade report that their parents talked to them about not drinking alcohol.

“We’re drawing the line because alcohol is especially harmful to the still-developing teenage brain,” said advisor Della McCullough.

Providing alcohol to minors is a gross misdemeanor, with a potential penalty of $5,000 and a year in jail (RCW 66.44.270).

The D.R.E.A.M. Team is an ASB club at Lopez School. Members are middle and high school students who work on projects and events to educate students, parents and community members about the consequences drugs and alcohol for teens.