The Erie County Sheriff’s Office of Underage Drinking Enforcement/Prevention Unit launched a new billboard campaign addressing underage drinking.  Several billboards can be viewed in the Buffalo area.

The Buffalo News recently posted an article written by ECCPASA regarding binge drinking and the Western New York Region.  Excerpt from article below:

Binge drinking is an increasing problem inWestern New Yorkas well as throughout the country. A new report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that binge drinking is happening at a much higher rate than previously thought. More than 38 millionU.S.adults participate in binge drinking, according to the new study. That equates to one in six people.

Follow the link above to read the remainder of this article.

Px20 members recently coordinated a press conference to raise awareness of the dangers related to distracted driving, in particular under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs. This event was conducted in December to recognize National Impaired Driving Month.  Several local and state representatives were in attendance.  Michael Martin, Executive Director of the Native American Community Services, graciously hosted the event.  Speakers included Judge Mark Farrell of Amherst Courts; Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard; Andy Brocato, Senior Community Relations Manager of TOPS Friendly Markets; and Sergeant Daniel Dytchkowskyj and Chief Scott Joslyn from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.  For information on distracted driving and associated resources, contact Erica J. Boyce, Px20 representative, at 716.831.2298 ext.28.

The Buffalo News recently ran this editorial on Px20 and its efforts to address the problem of underage drinking in our community. Except from the article below:

Updated: July 26, 2011, 11:37 AM

A recent Buffalo News editorial suggested that immediate action was needed by community members to educate youth about the risks of alcohol consumption. Fortunately, efforts to address this concern have already begun in Erie County.

A collaborative of Erie County substance abuse prevention service providers was formed as the result of a planning process implemented by the Erie County Department of Mental Health. The collaborative is referred to as Px20 (“Px” for prevention, and “20” as the base number of the 21st century) and has several ongoing initiatives targeting the prevention and reduction of youth alcohol consumption. Membership includes the Erie County Department of Mental Health, Erie County Sheriff’s Department, Buffalo State College’s Center for Health and Social Research, and several local substance abuse prevention agencies (see www.PX20.org )…

Follow the link above to read the remainder of this article.

May 12, 2011

UNDERAGE DRINKING PARTY BROKEN UP IN VILLAGE OF ALDEN

Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard is announcing the arrest today of a 7 individuals related to an underage drinking party in a backyard cottage on Exchange Street in the Village of Alden early this morning.

25 year old Henri Wilcox of Lamonth Road, of Castile, New York and 25 year old Richard Bellinger of Broadway Street, Darien, N.Y., were charged with procuring alcohol for persons less than 21 years of age.  They were given appearance tickets with a return court date of June 6, 2011.

The other five individuals were charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21 years of age.  They were also given appearance tickets and have a return court date of June 6, 2011.

Sheriff Howard urges anyone with any information regarding underage drinking to call the underage drinking tipline at 1-800-851-1932.  It is anonymous and manned 24 hours a day.

Contact:
Mary Murray
858-6962
440-9777

We have been fortunate in Erie County in that we have not had any recent alcohol or drug-related fatalities as a result of prom and graduation activities. But now is not the time to let our guard down. As a community, we need to continue our vigilant efforts to do everything possible to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is committed to a zero tolerance standard for underage drinking. During this season, we will have ongoing saturation patrols consisting of officers aggressively patrolling the roadways looking for drunk or drugged drivers as well as traditional sobriety checkpoints. We also continue to use billboards, Underage Drinking Tip-Line (1-800-851-1932) and heighten public awareness on underage drinking.

In addition, we are reminding merchants, hotels, vendors, restaurants, bars, night clubs, parents, and students about the dangers of underage drinking and to remember fatalities involving teens and alcohol are tragic and can be prevented because it is against the law in every state for young people to consume alcohol.

Also, we encourage teens who want to extend their celebration to consider attending a party held by parents after graduation ceremonies where teens can experience a safe, alcohol-free gathering. High school students in Erie County are very fortunate to have parents, businesses, communities, and police who care enough to provide for a safe prom and graduation experience. Together, we will make a difference.

If you need additional information or would like a presentation please contact our Underage Drinking Program Coordinator at 716-858-6305.

Sheriff Howard and Px20 Members in front of the new "Party with Kids...Pay the Price!" Billboard

April is Alcohol Awareness Month!

BUFFALO, NY – As part of our continuing focus on underage drinking, Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard, along with Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III, and Px20 Prevention Service Providers, unveiled the new media campaign, “Party with Kids…Pay the Price!” which is aimed at parents and adults who provide alcohol to minors.

The press conference unveiling this new campaign received some great media coverage:

• WNED
• WBFO
• YNN
• The Buffalo News
• WIVB

More on Alcohol Awareness Month:

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Channel 7 (WKBW) covered our Press Release as well as the 12/15 event!

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