Schuyler County health officials are launching a new awareness campaign aimed at preventing underage drinking ahead of a busy weekend in the region.
The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD), in partnership with Schuyler County Public Health, announced the “Stop and Think Before You Drink” Sticker Shock campaign. The initiative is timed to coincide with NASCAR weekend at Watkins Glen International and is designed to remind adults of the legal and personal consequences of providing alcohol to minors.
As part of the campaign, stickers will be placed on alcohol products to highlight laws surrounding underage drinking and to encourage responsible behavior.
Officials say the campaign also focuses on education, noting that early alcohol use can increase the risk of developing substance use disorders later in life.
The sticker design was created by a local teen, Oriana Crosby-Smith. Public Health Director Jill Kasprzyk said the campaign aims to raise awareness about both the dangers of youth drinking and the legal responsibilities of adults.
Health officials are also reminding residents that it is illegal to provide alcohol or drugs to anyone under 21, even in a private home, and that adults can face criminal charges and civil liability if underage drinking leads to harm.
SCCUDD works with community partners across Schuyler County to prevent and reduce youth substance use through education, outreach, and community-based strategies.
More information about the campaign and the state’s Social Host Law is available through Schuyler County Public Health.
