Column: Alice Englin, Partners In Prevention

Last week, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 157 declaring April 21 Power Talk 21 Day, the national day for parents to start talking with their kids about alcohol.

Research has shown that parents are the No. 1 influence in their child’s decisions about alcohol. So, in an effort to curb underage drinking among America’s youth, Mothers Against Drunk Driving created the Power of Parents, It’s Your Influence program to help parents have the sometimes difficult, but potentially life-saving, conversation about alcohol with their kids on April 21 and throughout the year.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Sen. David Vitter, R-Louisiana, “are to be commended for their leadership in preventing underage drinking. MADD hopes that Power Talk 21 day will inspire parents to talk with their teens about healthy lifestyles and smart choices — particularly in advance of prom and graduation season — and will ultimately save lives,” said MADD National President Laura Dean-Mooney.

Teen alcohol use kills 6,000 young people each year, more than all other illegal drugs combined. Developed with Pennsylvania State University’s Dr. Robert Turrisi, MADD’s Power of Parents handbook is based on more than two decades of underage drinking research and has been shown to significantly reduce underage drinking behaviors, even in households with below average communication.

April 21 also marks the day of the first MADD Youth Jam, It’s Your Influence Too event.

The event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato. Through funding from the Freeborn County Partners In Prevention drug-free communities support program grant, more than 30 students from Glenville-Emmons High School and Alden-Conger High School will attend Youth Jam. (Albert Lea students do not have school this day.)

Youth Jam is an opportunity for youth and adults from all over Minnesota to learn, share and engage in strategies for the prevention of underage drinking and teen driving hazards. Breakout session topics include social-host ordinances, enhancing traffic safety for teen drivers, Edina Sober Squad, choices for living, a presentation by the Minnesota State Patrol titled “Young Forever” and an adult session on MADD’s Power of Parents program.

I am excited to attend the Youth Jam, where I will be trained on the MADD Power of Parents program. Once trained, I will be able to bring the program to Freeborn County and offer free 30-minute parent workshops where parents and caregivers can receive the free parent handbook to equip them with the communication tools they need to talk to their teens about alcohol.

Here in Freeborn County, alcohol is the No. 1 drug of choice for our youth. Tobacco is second, and marijuana third. Results from the 2010 Minnesota Student Survey show that youth in Freeborn County get alcohol from 1. their friends 2. parties and 3. getting someone else to buy it for them.

Have a talk with your pre-teen or teen today. As mentioned above, research has shown that parents are the No. 1 influence in their child’s decisions about alcohol.

For conversation starters, tips and to get the free Power of Parents handbook, visit www.madd.org/powertalk21.

If you would like to join us in preventing underage drinking in Freeborn County please contact me.

Alice Englin is the project coordinator for Freeborn County Partners In Prevention. The coalition’s mission is to prevent and reduce substance use among Freeborn County youth. 377-5504