The sobering battle against underage drinking in Utah has been showing signs of victory, as Governor Spencer Cox and the state's leading prevention advocates took a moment to acknowledge the strides made through the initiative Parents Empowered. Celebrating the 12th annual Parents Empowered Month, these key figures have not only paused to look back but also set their sights to ambitiously carry forward through 2025, confronting the perils of alcohol consumption amongst the young.
In a recent statement highlighting the state's endeavors, Gov. Cox addressed the critical connection between the well-being of Utah's youth and the broader health of the state. "The future of our state depends on the well-being of our children, and that starts with protecting them from the dangers of underage drinking. Through initiatives like Parents Empowered, we’re working to safeguard young minds from the long-term, often irreversible harm caused by underage drinking," he expressed, according to Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services. The governor also voiced appreciation for the commitment displayed by the Parents Empowered workgroup, whose unwavering dedication has helped to extend the campaign's reach to over one million inhabitants within the state borders.
Managed by DABS, the Parents Empowered campaign's efficacy is reflected by the use of substantiated data from the Utah Student Health and Risk Prevention (SHARP) survey. Deploying research-backed strategies, the campaign underscores a powerful message: when parents clearly express their disapproval, nine out of ten children are likely to abstain from alcohol. These statistics embody a compelling narrative, one that the Parents Empowered campaign is eager to disseminate through its latest campaign, directing caregivers to unambiguously voice their objections to underage drinking.
Looking forward to the challenges of this year, Parents Empowered remains steadfastly committed to cultivating an environment of forthright communication between parents and their children. This push to continue to press deeply into the work of prevention showcases the state's dedication to the cause. "I’m deeply grateful to the Parents Empowered workgroup for their unwavering dedication and commitment to preventing alcohol use among our youth," mentioned Gov. Cox, per Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services, as he rallied for sustained efforts in the fight against underage drinking. Amid such demonstrations of communal and political willpower, Utah forges ahead, intent on writing a future where its youth can thrive undisturbed by the shadows of substance abuse.
