(OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR) – Gov. Felix P. Camacho proclaimed April 2007 as Alcohol Awareness Month and first lady Joann Camacho encouraged more than 200 students at Benavente Middle School to succeed in life without using alcohol.
“We are here to encourage you to stay away from alcohol,” the first lady told 6th and 7th graders. “We want you to live your dreams, be productive and achieve everything you set out to do. You can do it — and you don’t need alcohol to bring you down.”
Through the governor’s proclamation, Guam joins a national campaign sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in acknowledging Alcohol Awareness Month.
Officials from the Governor’s Prevention and Early Intervention Advisory Community Empowerment Council, or PEACE, are leading island-wide efforts to prevent alcohol use and abuse.
The governor’s PEACE Council is a community-based project established by the Office of the Governor and guided by the epidemiological work group.
The first lady also hosted a Reach Out Now Teach-In session for students yesterday afternoon developed by the PEACE Office and Island Girl Power. Students engaged in an interactive exchange with the first lady to discuss the dangers of alcohol abuse and why students should continue to make responsible choices.
“Alcohol abuse affects all of us. It’s something that we must all work to prevent because it can hurt families and children,” the first lady said. “That’s why it’s important we talk to all of you about alcohol abuse and help you make the right decisions.”
During Alcohol Awareness Month, the PEACE office will sponsor the following activities:
• Underage drinking prevention town hall meeting on April 12 at the Barrigada Community Center, starting at 6:30 p.m.
• Alcohol Screening Day on April 16 at the University of Guam Student Center and HSS Atrium.
• Youth for Youth LIVE Guam’s 17th Annual Conference.
For more information, contact Bernadette S. Meno at 475-9303 or 687-8723. You may also visit the Governor’s Web site at www.guamgovernor.net.