FCPS, Unified Prevention Coalition Combine to Prevent Underage Drinking

Fairfax County Public Schools will partner with the Unified Prevention Coalition this fall at high school stadiums across the county. 

Schools will post new banners in stadiums that encourage parents and adults to report underage drinking and parties where underage drinking is suspected to the police.

The FCPS and UPC campaign encourages parents and adults to support alcohol-free events. UPC, an Oakton-based organization, donated the banners as part of its Parents Who Host, Lose the Most campaign. 

The 2010-11 Fairfax County Youth Survey showed 36.5 percent of high school seniors reported using alcohol in the 30 days before taking the survey, and 20.5 percent reported binge drinking in the last two weeks before taking the survey. 

Residents can report underage drinking to the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131. Calls can be made anonymously.

Each of FCPS' high schools received a banner for its football stadium and gym, as well as Parents Who Host, Lose the Most fact cards that include information about underage drinking laws and penalties. Schools were also given posters for school offices frequented by parents, a poster on the risks of underage drinking to be posted in student areas, and a print advertisement for homecoming and football programs, as well as for school and booster club websites. 

UPC, a nonprofit group, partners with more than 50 organizations throughout the region to prevent violence, alcohol and drug use by youth and young adults.