Stop Kids Drinking: The Work of the Newport Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force

Alcohol is the No. 1 youth drug problem, killing six times more people under 21 than all other illicit drugs. Underage drinking is everyone's problem. High-risk behaviors, including sexual assault, unplanned pregnancies, car accidents, violence, alcohol dependency and other serious health issues, are just some of the consequences. It's not your problem, it's our problem.

The Newport Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force (NSAPTF) got its roots in July 1987 when Elsie Goodrum (in her capacity as the substance abuse prevention coordinator for New Visions) recognized the seriousness of the substance abuse issue throughout Newport. In response, she organized a diverse group of community leaders to discuss and develop an action plan to combat substance abuse. The group continued gaining speed and recognition. In November 1987, Mayor Patrick Kirby designated the group, know as The Community Task Force, as the agency responsible for 1) assisting Newport in planning implementation and evaluation of a Substance Abuse Prevention Plan; 2) assisting the city in the acquisition and the use of grant funds associated with the implementation of the plan; and 3) acting as an adviser to the City via the City Manager and assist in the acquisition of substance abuse prevention grant programs.

Since 1987, the Task Force has worked diligently to receive grant funding to support our key feature of community ownership for local problem solving. We've successfully partnered with the Newport Police Department, changed policies and linked up with area schools.

Through our partnership with NPD, we've worked closely with Community Oriented Police Officer Kevin Parsonage. In 2001, NPD implemented Operation Identification Seizure. Downtown alcohol establishments agreed to collect identification suspected to be fraudulent. Officer Parsonage began gathering materials to help identify fake IDs. In recent years, the NPD has been extremely supportive of NSAPTF and has conducted voluntary identification seizure workshops (server training) offered to all owners and employees; compliance checks (to ensure that businesses checked customer IDs), and shoulder taps (adults were approached by youth to buy alcohol). In an effort to combat underage drinking, NPD also steps up enforcement during times of need, including holiday weekends, school social events and more. The continued efforts of the NPD have played a significant role in decreasing underage drinking.

Through successful advocacy, the Newport City Council passed the following ordinance pertaining to the consumption or possession of alcohol by minors: "No person who has not attained the age of 21 years shall consume or have in his or her possession alcoholic beverages." The previous ordinance only prohibited possession or consumption of alcohol by persons under 21 on public highways or in public places. The amended ordinance extends this prohibition to private property and provides police with discretion to file municipal state charges. In the coming years, we are motivated to move forward with policy changes that would make it explicitly unlawful for persons under 21 to purchase, possess or consume alcohol, with a mandatory alcohol awareness training program for those who violate the ordinance. We are also hopeful to achieve mandatory Class A RBS training and reduce the length of time for new liquor servers have to receive RBS.

While linked with area schools, NSAPTF has supported SADD at Rogers High School and has provided Student Assistance Program materials at Thompson Middle School. Within the community, the Task Force has supported Youth to Youth activities and the Smart Leaders Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County. NSAPTF is continuously looking for ways to appropriately support Newport youth and families in preventing substance abuse.

Since our beginning in 1987, NSAPTF has developed and grown in numerous ways. We've successfully managed a large three-year grant, SPF-SIG (ended June 30, 2010). SPF-SIG allowed us to run a successful media campaign, which resulted in the completion of the website www.stopkidsdrinking.com. We also have a tipline to report illegal, suspicious or dangerous behavior: 401-846-2606. Anonymous phone calls are accepted.

Our dedicated Task Force members continue to support one another and our key mission, community ownership for local problem solving. We are constantly looking for ways to link to the Newport community and are eager for your support. If you are a parent, business or community member, we would like your input. Our next meeting is September 20 at the Newport Police Station at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome!