CRAWFORD COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—As prom and graduation season approaches, the Marion Crawford Prevention Programs (MCPP) is launching a student-led “Prom Promise” campaign to combat rising rates of underage drinking and substance use.
Christi Eckert of MCPP recently joined the community spotlight to highlight the initiative, which was designed and branded entirely by local students. Participating schools will feature banners where students can pledge to remain substance-free during celebrations. Students who sign the pledge receive incentives like bracelets or car air fresheners featuring the campaign’s logo.
The initiative comes amid concerning data from the most recent youth survey, which revealed that 86.9% of local youth who consume alcohol obtain it from parents or adults over 21. “We need to educate parents on why it’s important not to allow it,” Eckert said, noting that while Ohio law allows parents to serve their own children, serving other minors is illegal and carries significant liability.
In addition to the school-based pledges, local youth are recording radio advertisements to speak directly to their peers and parents about the physical and developmental risks of underage drinking.