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The Webb County Coalition of Community Partners poses with the signed proclamation after this morning’s announcement.

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

(Laredo, Tx)-Earlier today, District IV Mayor Pro Tempore Juan Narvaez welcomed the Webb County Coalition of Community Partners, that included SCAN; Laredo I.S.D.; United I.S.D.; Laredo Community College; Webb County Sheriff Office Martin Cuellar; Gateway Community Health Clinic; Border Region; Laredo Crimestoppers; Casa de Misericordia; and Laredo Police Department, coordinated by Veronica Jimenez of SCAN, Inc., for a proclamation designating the month of April as Alcohol Awareness Month in Laredo.  According to SCAN:

·         alcoholism is the 3^rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the nation.

·         22.6 million people in the U.S. have an alcohol or drug problem.

·         alcohol is a factor in the four leading causes of death among persons ages 10 to 24; motor cycle crashes, unintentional injuries, homicide and suicide.

·         approximately 7.2 million underage youth 12 to 20 (19 percent) were binge drinkers. Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks on the same occasion at least 1 day in the 30 days prior to survey.

·         approximately 10 percent of 9 – 10 year olds have started drinking. 

·         young people begin drinking, on average, at 13.1 years of age.

·         young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.

·         every day, on the average, 11,318 American youth (12 to 20 years of age) try alcohol for the first time.

·         all citizens, parents, governmental agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, hospitals and schools are encouraged to support efforts that will encourage alcohol prevention and recovery throughout our community. If you have an alcohol problem, remember, “There is Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow!”