Health First will be holding a conference call on Tuesday, November 22nd from 12:15-1:15pm.
If interested, call our office for more information. Our number is (608) 268-2620.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
What September Means for Wisconsin
September is upon us, and every Wisconsinite knows what that means!
Football season
The season of fall
Falling, wasted college kids
Wait, what? Which one of these things doesn’t quite belong?
Whether it’s on your radar or not, September is the start of a new school year for everyone—from five year-olds who are fairy princesses on their down-time to college super-seniors, who after several beers, think they can fly. Unfortunately, some fantasies are more dangerous than others. And unfortunately, some dangers of risky drinking behavior are not taken as seriously as they should be.
But why not? Aren’t those college-aged kids at a point in their life where they understand the negative effects of alcohol? Well, yes…and no. People learn by example, and what can college kids learn from the examples given to them about what they should be doing? When they watch movies, they see people their age partying, having fun, hooking up with attractive people, and rarely do any negative consequences occur, or if they do, they can all be resolved within the last 15 minutes of the film. What’s more, Wisconsin’s alcohol culture breeds an environment for college kids that says drinking is not only acceptable, it’s expected. If you know anything about social norms, you’ll know that if you break one, you’re an outcast, you’re different—not normal.
So college kids—especially underage drinkers who have recently left the comforts of their family and high school friends, desperately in need of social acceptance—raise their glasses and say three cheers for inebriated interaction. And what do they find? An “enhanced” version of themselves with fewer inhibitions, more social courageousness, and a new world full of adventure…if they are lucky. The problem is that young people see themselves as being invincible. They tend to think that, “It can’t happen to me, or people like me.”
But it can. If you’re lucky, you’re first real drinking experience will only leave you slightly nauseated with a headache that can be managed with pretzels and water for half a day. But what about those people that aren’t so lucky? Those that kill someone while driving intoxicated, get arrested, suffer academically because of alcohol problems, or get violated sexually. What about those college-age kids who drink so much that they die?
We have a problem here, Wisconsin. September is a month of colors changing on leaves, jeans and t-shirt weather, a time for end of summer bonfires, and watching football with family. But as college students make the trek back to school, it may mean something entirely different and a lot less safe for them. This is because of our state’s perception of alcohol. Only when we look at alcohol as something that can be safely and responsibly enjoyed can we say that our alcohol culture has changed for the better.
Maybe you’re thinking this goal is too unattainable, and let’s be honest, it is a lofty goal, but it can be done. But the wheels need to be set in motion by you. How can you do this? Well let’s start by looking at college-aged drinking:
-If you’re a parent of someone who is college-aged or even younger and you have not yet discussed responsible drinking with your child, now is the time. Make sure they know the consequences of underage drinking, drinking and driving, and excessive drinking. Let them know the physical damage abusive drinking can do. Keep lines of communication open, and keep your eyes open for signs that your child has been abusing alcohol (mood swings, poor grades, a secretive attitude about their social life).
-If you are someone who is concerned with Wisconsin’s overconsumption of alcohol, get involved! Write letters to your representatives. Let them know we need to make curbing alcohol abuse a priority in our state by creating environments that encourage healthy choices. Send letters to your local or state newspaper editors that discuss how alcohol abuse is affecting your town, city, or the state as a whole. Join and connect with organizations and coalitions that focus on changing and creating alcohol policy that will lead to positive effects like healthier communities. Check out the Dane County Coalition to Reduce Alcohol Abuse for more info.
-If you’re a student, realize and understand the effects of your potential drinking. Students who have three or less drinks per week end up having the highest grades statistically. Drinking also affects your figure and can give you a “beer belly” whether you drink beer or not. This “beer belly” is actually known as visceral fat, and people who have this fat are known to have poor health outcomes later in life, such as chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). According to Hingson, et al., data from 2009 showed 1,825 college students had alcohol related deaths. If you are unimpressed by that number, why not think about the 599,000 college students who were unintentionally injured while intoxicated, the 696,000 students assaulted by another students who had been drinking, or the 97,000 students who were victims of sexual assault or rape.
If the numbers aren’t sinking in here’s a true story that might. A friend of a friend of mine who will be known anonymously as Wendy went to a party where she knew everyone. She got drunk, and was having a good time until a male friend who will be named Tom took her to a room. Everyone was outside, so no one saw Tom lay Wendy down on a bed. Wendy, too intoxicated to say stop or restrain Tom, laid there as Tom sexually violated her, but fortunately stopped before things escalated further.
Wendy was one of those people who said, “It won’t happen to me.” Here’s the truth: The only reason you claim invincibility when you are drunk is because that is how you feel. But no feeling will stop negative consequences when they come knocking at your door.
Wisconsin’s alcohol culture needs a makeover, but it won’t spread statewide overnight. Our state’s perceptions of alcohol start with you, in your homes, with your children. Change can start with you as you set an example by drinking responsibly after work at a social event or at a community festival. You can become involved in policy and let your representatives know that you don’t think the way Wisconsinites abuse alcohol is acceptable. The more you do these things, and encourage others to do the same, the faster we can create a ripple effect that will eventually bring waves of change. Wisconsin’s got a long way to go, but we can make stories of overconsumption, multiple OWIs and stories like Wendy’s a thing of the past. We can make September a time for family, a time to (literally) turn over a new leaf. We can make September a time for college kids, and all others, to learn and grow.
Hingson R, McGovern T, Howland J, Hereen T, Winter M, Zakocs R. Reducing alcohol-impaired driving in Massachusetts: The Saving Lives program. American Journal of Public Health 86:791-797, 1996b.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Missed ALRC? Missed EDC meeting? Here's what went down...
Message from Amanda-
Here is an update about what went down at the ALRC meeting last night. Here's the link to the agenda so you can follow along: http://tiny.cc/v1m0x
Agenda item 1-4: Approved
5-7: Approved
8: Placed on file
9: Approved- Pam asked really questions about the % of alcohol sales for those days-the woman said it would probably switch to 80% alc: 20% food. Nina emailed Alder Sue Ellingson if there will be language about the area being “fenced in with i.d. checks”. This is something we should follow up with at the Common Council meeting September 6. They also added “home” before the words “Badger football games” to clarify that it would not be every game day-just the home ones.
10: Approved- Event will take place on October 8.
11: Approved- events will be completed by midnight; low-key, acoustic, 2-3 players at most for live music. Inside.
12: Referred to next month’s meeting
13: Places on file- applicant is no longer seeking application
14: Approved
15: Approved-want to stay open until 2 am occasionally to serve food to people around bar time
16: Approved- are looking into being open from 12/1:00 am- 6am. They would have to lock up alcohol for those hours.
17: Placed on file-Applicant hasn’t showed up for operator’s license
18: Placed on file- ALRC does not want to delay enforcing this law any longer—they believe that treatment talks (plans to replace the ordinance) can continue while this ordinance is in effect. Will be going to Common Council on September 6.
19: Approved- effects 8 total events, including Mifflin
20: Referred until next month-Vilas N.A. president spoke in support; a fraternity house owner (the one that burnt down and is not just recently open again) spoke strongly against it. It seemed as though the ALRC listened but it did not really seem to effect their opinions-they knew they would get push back from property owners. I took notes for talking points.
21: Approved- ALRC Hearing Subcommittee is changing language to- 3 people on committee, two members and at least one alder. (Instead of Chair, alder, and member)
22:Placed on file- don’t need this one since they approved #21
23-26: No real updates. I think they write up their updates and hand them out so they don’t actually say much—I’m looking into getting hard copies.
The Economic Development Committee voted to place on file the repeal of the habitually intoxicated persons list. Yay : ) They met last night at 5:00.
The new ALRC process we have set is nice. Nina and I discussed the agenda last Thursday at 3:00 and addressed some issues before the meeting. Nina contacted a few alders about some issues and I asked Mark about something else. It worked out well. Thanks, Nina! Emily drafted some statements for the coalition and I attended the meeting and took notes. Thanks, Emily!
Take care,
Amanda
You're Invited!
Dear Coalition Members and Interested Citizens:
As the summer winds down and the kids in our communities get ready to start a fresh new year, we to want to take this opportunity to celebrate what we’ve gotten done and decide where we’re going next. Please join us for our semi-annual Coalition meeting, as we plan for the next six months! (see details below)
Together, we have accomplished so much in the last year, thanks to all of your hard work!
One of our most recent accomplishments is the continuation of the Alcohol License Density Ordinance in downtown Madison!
Another example--we have worked together with local coalitions around the County to bring in John Underwood, a world-renowned expert, to teach our communities about the importance and impact of having strong, unified Codes of Conduct that prevent drug and alcohol use, for kids participating in activities.
We have expanded the coalition’s diversity, revamped the coalition’s website, expanded the social media (facebook, twitter, etc.), and more—all of this to make it more effective!
It’s time to celebrate these accomplishments and continue this momentum forward as there is still so much work to be done to reduce the negative impact of alcohol abuse felt throughout our community.
So please come to our meeting, be part of the discussion as we prioritize the specific policy goals to pursue as we move forward. Attached is a list of some of the ideas we have come up with so far. There are of course many possibilities and many other ideas and we need and invite yours! Come help us plan the Coalition’s next steps!
Please join us on:
Date: September 8, 2011
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Where: Dane County Job Center
Ballroom (last room on the left)
1801 Aberg Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Snacks will be provided!!
*To help make the planning more efficient, please email me your priority ideas by August 19!*
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Good News and Bad News About ALDO Vote
Thank you to everyone who sat through the meeting and to those who testified supporting ALDO. The Dane County Coalition to Reduce Alcohol Abuse (DCCRAA) had a great turnout at the meeting! Thank you everyone so much for your hard work and many hours spent in evening meetings on this issue.
So the good news: ALDO passed.
The bad news: this new version of ALDO is a significantly weaker and watered down version of its former self.
So here's what we have on the books to limit the number of alcohol-outlets downtown in order to curb the alcohol-related violence, crime and destruction in an environment where over-consumption is not only accepted but almost encouraged every weekend.
- ALDO will be around for the next two years, with a sunset date of this time in 2013.
- There is a new exemption for Entertainment Venues that allows such establishments to have up to 70 percent alcohol revenue. This includes establishments with activities such as board games, volleyball and shuffleboard. Bar or "entertainment venue", you tell me. The number of these venues allowed to open downtown will be capped at seven though.
- One change the DCCRAA did make sure was made was eliminating the ability for these establishments to apply for a Class A liquor license - off-premise alcohol sales. This was in the amendments to be voted on on ALDO last night and was apparently a mistake that was caught and removed.
- The window of time to open a new bar or tavern after an existing bar or tavern closes was 365 days in the original ALDO but has been doubled in this new ALDO to 730 days.
- The Exceptional Circumstance clause of ALDO originally granted a 25 percent allowable alcohol revenue. This is for businesses that provide other goods or services but also have some alcohol sales, such a Savior Faire on the Capital Square. In this new ALDO, the allowable alcohol revenue has been increased from 25 percent to 50 percent.
- A good addition to ALDO that has come out of this debate is that an annual review of ALDO and the ALDO district is now required, which will be completed by the Alcohol Policy Coordinator for the city.This annual review will collect the appropriate data needed to properly asses the ordinance.
- Another outcome of the great public testimony from ALDO supporters at last night's meeting was the inclusion of the Public Health Department and the Madison Police Department participation in part of the ALDO resolution voted on last night that charges the City to create a business-friendly alcohol license plan for the ALDO district.
Whew! Hope you made it through the recap of last night's meeting and the summary of what ALDO has become. The reason we still have ALDO at all in Madison can certainly be attributed to all its supporters hard work. Thank you again to everyone who has spent time at ANY of the meetings throughout the last year debating the need for an ALDO and the manner in which it should be passed.
The Coalition is disappointed by the amendments that significantly weaken the ordinance, but we need to remember to celebrate our successes. Madison still has ALDO, we have not completely lost it. After a quick pat on the back, we can jump back on the horse and start pushing for a stronger version.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Where's Aldo? - We need you or we may lose it for good!
We need your help to keep our downtown safe and healthy!
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| Credit: Flickr - Scutter |
Madison's downtown used to be a place with unique character that families could enjoy as well as those heading out for a night to the local establishments. A few years ago, the tables began tipping and we were losing our downtown as it became more and more saturated with alcohol. In 2006 we saw the results of this in our downtown crime reports which showed a steady increase in violent crimes.
To address this, our city implemented an alcohol license density ordinance (ALDO) in 2007 as an overwhelming number of studies from around the globe show that limiting the number of alcohol outlets in an alcohol outlet-dense area will reduce violence and crime.
From the time ALDO was implemented until now we have seen that reduction - crime, disorder and alcohol-related crime calls to police in the ALDO area have decreased according to police records.
But now, some of our city's leaders want ALDO to go away because a few special interest groups have convinced them that the money alcohol brings in matters more than the health and safety of our community. What those groups don't include is the bill taxpayers must pick up to pay for the damage and crime that increases as the number of bars increase.
On Tuesday, July 5th, we need you to show your support for ALDO at the Common Council meeting. Without your support, this critical ordinance may go away, a dangerous move for our downtown as the progress we've made there will be lost.
The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm, July 5th, 2011 in the:
City County Building
Room 201
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The Dane County Coalition to Reduce Alcohol Abuse wants to see the Madison community, including businesses, thrive. But adding to the already saturated bar market in our downtown will not carry our neighborhood forward! Let's keep ALDO strong and make it permenent!
For more information visit our website by clicking here.
For more information visit our website by clicking here.
Not Every Risk Pays Off
Not every risk pays off
It’s no surprise that drunk driving is never a wise decision, but many times people have the idea in their heads that “it won’t happen to me.” Maybe that’s what Ryan Dunn, star of MTV’s popular show “Jackass” and avid risk-taker, thought as well. But despite all of Dunn’s stunts (from frightening, to funny, to foolish) his life was ended short by a poor decision to get behind the wheel when intoxicated.
Crashes while driving intoxicated can happen to you, your friends and your family. In fact, according to data from a car insurance company, 30 U.S. citizens die every day in car accidents with alcohol-impaired drivers. That’s one death every 48 minutes!
But maybe you don’t drink and drive—you make responsible decisions and want a safer and healthier life for you and your family. That doesn’t mean you are safe from those drivers that do decide to get behind the wheel after drinking. And as a citizen of Wisconsin how safe are you? Wisconsin currently has the worst drunk driving rate in the nation, and in 2009 Wisconsin was ranked the 11th state in terms of highest percentage of DUI related deaths. And those are just the reported deaths. Think of how many more people get behind the wheel and cause crashes with injuries, or crashes that aren’t even reported.
And then there are those that drink and drive and get away with it—it’s probable that Ryan Dunn had driven drunk more than once. But no one should assume that every time you get behind the wheel you’ll be just as lucky as the last time. Because that’s just what it is—luck. No one is “skilled” or “good at” driving drunk. Each time a person makes the foolish, irresponsible and destructive decision to drive while intoxicated they have an increased chance of causing fatalities or harm to themselves and others as well as legality issues.
Driving while drunk can be heavily attributed to abusive alcohol use which hinders a person’s ability to make wise decisions and furthermore inhibits their ability to drive. Health First wants a healthier Wisconsin, a safer Wisconsin for families. In order to do so, we need to move towards reducing alcohol abuse so that people are able to make good decisions while still enjoying non-risky drinking behavior. This will lead to things like less money being put towards law enforcement pursuing alcohol-related crimes, including cracking down on drunk driving. What’s more, it will save lives.
If you would like more resources on how to prevent alcohol abuse, please visit our webpage at: http://www.healthfirstwi.org/alcohol/resources.php.
Stay safe and make positive choices!
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