COMMUNITY WORKS TOGETHER TO DENY ACCESS TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO THOSE UNDER 21—A press conference was held recently to kick off the underage drinking enforcement and educational blitz called “Out Of Their Hands” Nationally, over 5,000 youth in that age range die because they become victims in motor vehicle crashes, violent crime or alcohol poisoning.
In South Carolina between 2006 and 2008, 158 died in alcohol-related traffic crashes. Many more were injured. The numbers of youth, whether involved as crime victims are offenders, are staggering. In addition, the cost to society is tremendous. The Pacific Institute of Research and Evaluation estimates that underage drinking costs South Carolina almost $1.2 billion each year. Pictured at the event are (front row) Officer Mike Yoder, Officer Lorie Tyler, Officer Jeffrey Cook, Linda Battle of Pee Dee Coalition, Jennifer Flowers, the Fourth Circuit AET Coordinator, Judge Janette Dupree; (top row) Chief Joe Rogers, Greg Giggs with SC Public Safety and Justice Programs, Officer C.J. Mullinax, Chief Crystal Moore, Officer Jamie Hamilton, Officer Bobby Jones, Councilman Trudy Drawhorn, Officer Jimmy Horton, Officer Don Lewis, Deputy Ricky Day, Donny Brock of Trinity Behavioral Care, and Councilman John Braddy. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon Herald)