Atlanta – Since July, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) has sponsored public service announcements in movie theatres statewide as part of an initiative led by the department’s Division of Addictive Diseases to reduce underage drinking and alcohol-related deaths. The campaign, referred to as the “Alcohol Prevention Project” (APP), is funded by a Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment block grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The project will air commercials in AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas across Georgia and in Screenvision Theatres in Columbus through June 30, 2014.

“The Alcohol Prevention Project serves DBHDD’s goals to reduce underage drinking and keep kids safe from the ill effects of drug and alcohol abuse,” said Commissioner Frank Berry. “We are grateful for SAMHSA’s backing of this important initiative for our state’s youth.”

According to Assistant Director of the Division of Addictive Diseases, Travis Fretwell, the project targets Georgians between 9 and 25 years of age with the objectives of reducing early alcohol use among 9 to 20 year olds; reducing access to alcohol and binge drinking by 9 to 20 year olds; and reducing binge and heavy drinking in 18 to 25 year olds.

“More than 150 youth in Georgia die from alcohol-related causes each year. APP attempts to reduce this number through education and prevention,” said Fretwell.

The campaign represents DBHDD’s continued commitment to educate youth statewide on the real effects of underage and binge drinking. To view the first ad, visit: http://dbhdd.georgia.gov/substance-abuse-prevention.

Frank Berry has served as commissioner of DBHDD since August, 2012. DBHDD is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental illness, substance use disorders and developmental disabilities. The department’s mission is to help the people it serves live a life of recovery and independence.

Contact Information:
Matt Carrothers: [email protected]