“Tag! You’re dead” A shocking campaign

Speakers at the “Tag! You’e Dead” press conference were Beverly Vandayburg, LCCC Executive Director, Jean Turner LCCC Environmental Director, Courtney McNutt Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC) county agent, Randy Field – TABC Sergeant for Bryan, TX outpost, Dr. Alan Xenakis Leon County Public Health Director. Contributed photo The Leon County Community Coalition held a news conference Wednesday, November 18, 2009 in the Grand Room of Annex I in Centerville. The purpose of the meeting was to announce the launching of the new billboard campaign.

On October 31, 2009 the LCCC unveiled a billboard, on Interstate 45 facing south at Highway 7, with a clear message about the consequences of underage drinking. The billboard pictures a tagged foot on a gurney with the caption “Tag! You’re dead. Underage drinking is not a game.”

LCCC Executive Director Beverly Vandayburg was the first speaker at the conference and explained that 34,000 people per day pass the billboard while traveling north on I45. Another one in Jewett reaches 11,500 per day. Vandayburg said there are signs with the same message available at no cost for non-profit organizations to display.

In 2008 there were 6,456 crashes on Interstate 45 between Galveston and Dallas. In those crashes 272 mamas, daddies, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and coworkers died. Thousands more were injured, innumerable lives were changed and a large number of the crashes were the result of alcohol consumption.

Dr. Alan Xenakis, with the Department of Humanities in Medicine at Texas A&M was next to address the group. He spoke of the community’s need to evaluate underage drinking. He said in 1965 17 ½ years was the average for the first experience drinking; today it is 14 years.

Xenakis discussed the various factors that promote underage drinking. A child of an alcoholic is ten times more likely to have a drinking problem than the child whose parents do not drink excessively. Peer pressure often pushes kids to drink, especially those who need to be accepted into a group.

Xenakis said “The most effective intervention begins at home.” He suggested family and school based programs to reinforce the positives.

Randy Field is the Sergeant for the Bryan, Texas outpost of the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission. His area covers the eight counties of the Brazos Valley and he has 3 agents who help him patrol the area.

Field noted that Buffalo recently voted to legalize the sale of alcohol which meant Leon County received more alcohol permits within the last year than in previous years. One of TABC’s programs is to send a minor into a store to buy alcohol and see if the sale is made. In three out of eight incidents alcohol was sold to the under aged shopper.

“Leon County is slowly becoming wet. A minor can get it if he can find someone who is over 21 that will get it for him,” said Field. He continued, “Our office takes a roll in following up on where the alcohol comes from.”

Discussing the consequences of underage drinking Field said the fine for a first time minor offense can be up to $500. But in reality it could be the death of the minor, or some innocent person. The cost is simply too high.

The LCCC was founded in 2001 in response to a severe problem with drug and alcohol abuse among Leon County youth. Throughout its eight years, the LCCC has implemented the LifeSkills curriculum for students in the third through sixth grade in all five school districts as well as funded afterschool programs for the same age group. The LCCC is a nonprofit organization funded by both State and Federal agencies as well as local donations. For those interested in displaying a “Tag” sign, please contact LCCC at 903-322-4377.