On Monday May 19th, attendees gathered at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) offices in the City of Covina for a town hall meeting addressing the issue of underage drinking. Guest speakers discussed the effects of underage drinking amongst teens, and how alcohol use can lead to serious injury or even death.
College student Nick Nevarez spoke to the audience about the social pressures that motivate teens to drink, and shared his personal experience as a victim of underage drinking and driving. California Highway Patrol Officer Rodrigo Jimenez also spoke about a tragic car accident caused by young woman who had driven drunk on the 60-freeway. The driver claimed the lives of six people on February 9, 2014. The victims included her sister and a young friend, when she drove for miles the wrong way on the freeway. A MADD vehicle displayed on site had strong visual impact among those present, and even attracted passersby to the event.
In addition to discussing the risks and dangerous consequences of underage drinking, presentations by panelists also offered and update on local initiatives to prevent underage drinking and reducing teen-access to alcohol like "Sticker Shock". NCADD's Maribel Briseno and Council Member Jorge Marquez spoke on local efforts in The City of Covina to reduce underage drinking and discussed the next steps in enforcement since a Social Host Ordinance was adopted in Covina last year.
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