By Brian M. Boyce
TERRE HAUTE — Snow cones and hot dogs were on order Saturday in front of Baesler’s Market, as children and parents participated in events local officials hope curb underage drinking.
“Right now, people have their eyes closed to it,” said Michele Slater of Mental Health America of Vigo County.
According to surveys conducted by the group, one out of 13 Vigo County parents is willing to serve alcohol to a child, part of a much larger substance abuse problem noted in the county.
Signs advising adults to “Be A Parent Not A Bartender” were handed out along with Frisbees and other materials encouraging youth to avoid alcohol.
“So far it’s going really good,” Slater said around 12:30 p.m. of the program which ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Slater’s organization has received a four-year grant of $165,000 to combat alcohol abuse in Vigo County, a portion of which has been directed at nine billboards now placed throughout the area. The billboards will remain up through September, she said.
According to a state study which measured alcohol-related traffic accidents and arrests, Vigo County ranked ninth in Indiana with regard to need for alcohol-abuse programs.
Detective Dale Blunk of the Terre Haute City Police said he’s glad to participate in such programs on behalf of the department.
“I think it’s wonderful that they’re out here doing this,” he said, echoing Slater’s comments that more awareness is needed.
Blunk said he and other officers have witnessed intoxicated students in public schools while patrolling there, and agreed that the alcohol had to be purchased by someone older, be they a sibling, parent or friend.
“It’s contributing to the delinquency of a minor,” he said of the charge, adding that people can be arrested for it.
According to the group’s published survey, 5.7 percent of Vigo County eighth-graders reported “binge drinking” three or more times per week.
But Dakota and Emily Isbell both say they’re more interested in activities than alcohol consumption.
“I like the arts and crafts,” said Emily, 13, a Woodrow Wilson Middle School student.
Dakota, 8, a Franklin Elementary student, agreed. “It’s fun.”
Both signed “The Action Against Alcohol Agreement” forms provided at the program, which listed a number of pledges for both parents and children regarding substance abuse.
Slater said the group is discussing other areas to host similar programs and will continue throughout the year.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
