Spring and summer is an exciting time of year because of warmer weather, and the many high school prom and graduation parties. Alcohol also tends to become more accessible to students as drinking parties become more prevalent this time of year. Approximately 3 in 10 middle and high school students in Winona County felt there was slight or no risk in binge drinking once or twice per week (Minnesota Student Survey, 2016). We want to help parents and students make healthy choices when facing risky situations involving alcohol or other drugs.
Parents Who Host, Lose the Most (PWH) is an awareness campaign that runs from April 11- June 11 to provide information on the health and legal risks of underage drinking. We encourage families to participate in our events [listed below], and utilize resources [listed below] to have conversations with their students about making healthy choices. Celebrating milestones is important this time of year, but not when it can cost you $3,000 in fines or a year in jail for allowing alcohol to minors.
PARENT SURVEY – Parents! We want to hear from you, please give us 5 minutes to respond to this survey and tell us what you think.
PARENT PLEDGE – Many parents wonder if their student will be safe at a friend’s house. Sign this pledge card online and receive a free yard sign to display so other parents know it will be safe.
ANONYMOUS TIPS – Parents and students can earn cash for providing anonymous tips online to the Winona Area Crime Stoppers.
Events:
APRIL 10 – COMMUNITY TALK EVENT – WINONA, MN
How can you have a safe party? Students and families are invited to participate in this campaign kick-off event and conversation about underage drinking. You will hear from a local mother who lost her son to an underage drinking party, and watch a skit performed by students to learn how to host a safe party. The event is taking place at the East Rec Center (210 Zumbro Street) in Winona, MN from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
MAY 4 & 5 – LAW DAY EVENT – WINONA, MN
Sixth graders in Winona County will participate in this half-day event at the Winona County Court House to visually learn about the criminal justice process. Students will receive a tour of the court house, and witness a mock trial involving students and an underage drinking party provided by an adult. Be sure to have a fun conversation with your student following the event as you both learn from each other.
MAY 5 – MOCK CRASH EVENT – LEWISTON, MN
Approximately 1 in 10 Eleventh graders in Winona County reported driving a motor vehicle after using alcohol or drugs (Minnesota Student Survey, 2016). Alcohol, cell phones, food, and other passengers serve as distractions. Lewiston-Altura High School students are organizing a mock crash event before prom with a guest speaker from the Winona County Attorney’s Office to educate their peers. Families are encouraged to talk with their students after the event.
MAY 12 – MOCK CRASH EVENT – WINONA, MN
Approximately 1 in 10 Eleventh graders in Winona County reported driving a motor vehicle after using alcohol or drugs (Minnesota Student Survey, 2016). W-Club student athletes are organizing a mock crash event and a victim-impact presentation right before prom for Winona area high school students. Seniors will experience a scripted mock crash event outdoors, and juniors will hear from a victim-impact presentation in the auditorium during the first hour of school. Parents are encouraged to talk with their students after the events.
JUNE – STICKER SHOCK OPERATION – WINONA & LEWISTON, MN
During the month of June, high school students in Winona and Lewiston will cover countless cases of beer with thousands of campaign stickers. These students want to remind young adults and parents not to supply alcohol to young people because an individual can face up to $3,000 in fines or a year in jail for providing alcohol.
We thank the following retailers for their support in the past:
- Third Street Liquor
- Warehouse Liquor
- HyVee Wine & Spirits
- Fifth Street Liquor
- Midtown Wine & Spirits
Resources:
Proclamations (2016):
- City of Winona – Mayor Mark Peterson
- City of Goodview – Mayor Steve Baumgart
- Winona County – County Commissioner Marie Kovecsi
Press (2016):
- “Celebrating teens safely: Winona County ASAP warns against underage drinking” (Winona Daily News, May 2016)
- “What are you serving at your kid’s graduation?” (Winona Post, May 2016)
- “Think before you let teens drink” (Winona Post, June 2016)
- “Sudden death leaves nothing but questions: Winona-area woman continues to share story on dangers of teen drinking” (Winona Daily News, June 2016)
