Alcohol Justice Releases New Report on Marin County's Alcohol Environment: Harm, Costs, Policies, & Community Resources

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Jul 14, 2015, 01:00 ET

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Alcohol Justice and the San Rafael Alcohol & Drug Coalition have published a new report titled: "Marin County's Alcohol Environment: Harm, Costs, Policies, & Community Resources." It was released at a meeting of the Marin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday morning.

The report documents how the alcohol environment in affluent Marin puts both youth and adult residents at high risk for alcohol- related harm. The report describes not only the county's dangerous consumption and resulting harms but suggests how communities can enact policies that positively and effectively change the environment.

"Our new report is a call to action," stated Jorge Castillo, Alcohol Justice Advocacy Director. "Marin County is saturated with alcohol, and the resulting higher-than-state-average harms to youth and adult drinkers must be addressed with new evidence-based policies."

Marin County's documented alcohol-related harm includes:

Admissions for treatment for alcohol as a primary substance and alcohol-related emergency room visits are higher in Marin County than statewide averages
One out of ten motor vehicle crashes and 37% of crash fatalities in Marin County are alcohol-related
Each year, the estimated economic cost experienced by Marin County is $214.7 million, including $92.2 million in direct costs to government

"To help stem the dangerous consumption and resulting harms described in this report, communities can enact policies that positively and effectively change the environment," stated Marcianna Nosek, CNM, MPH, CNL, PhD, faculty at the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions, and Chair of the San Rafael Alcohol and Drug Coalition. "Such policies include reductions in access and availability to alcohol; limits on advertising and promotion; and increased enforcement of underage drinking laws."

Alcohol Justice and the San Rafael Alcohol & Drug Coalition invite policymakers, community organizations, parents, educators, elected officials, and anyone with an interest in the health and safety of Marin County residents with regard to alcohol to attend the next San Rafael Alcohol & Drug Coalition meeting. For more info: [email protected]

Download an electronic copy of: "Marin County's Alcohol Environment: Harm, Costs, Policies, & Community Resources."

Contact: Michael Scippa 415-548-0492
Jorge Castillo 213-840-3336

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SOURCE Alcohol Justice