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Mundelein Community Comes Together to Prevent Teen Drinking

On May 2, 2018, three local groups, including the Mundelein Police Department, Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force and Mundelein After School Coalition (MASC) joined forces to prevent underage drinking during prom and graduation season. Members of the three organizations visited over 100 local businesses, organizations and schools in Mundelein and asked owners/representatives to display materials such as yard signs, posters, banners, coasters and bottle neck brochures from the "Parents Who Host Lose the Most" campaign. The campaign reminds parents and other adults that it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors, per Mundelein Social Host Ordinance 9.80 and the Illinois Social Host Law.

Prom and graduation are typically a time when families host celebrations and some may allow teens to drink during these occasions. The Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign reminds parents and other adults that underage drinking is dangerous and illegal. According to the 2016 Illinois Youth Survey, 38% of seniors who reported drinking alcohol on the survey said they drank it with their parents' permission. Students also reported they obtained alcohol most often from "friend", "party", "parents without their permission" and "an adult (other than my parents) with that adult's permission.

Don Hansen, Deputy Police Chief and Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force Chairperson, thanked everyone who displayed campaign materials on their property and said that, "based on the large number of volunteers, businesses, organizations and schools willing to participate in this annual event, we know the Mundelein community is serious about keeping teens healthy and safe. We are able to host this event every year because of the support of our local partners." Hansen was pleased that there were no incidents over either weekend of prom or graduation and to his knowledge, everyone made it home safely, which is the goal.

Mundelein Police Chief Eric Guenther had a message for parents, "one of the best ways to keep teens safe from the negative consequences of drug use is to provide alcohol-free places for teens to hang out after prom, during graduation parties, and over the summer. If teens don't have access to alcohol and other drugs or a place to use these substances because parents and other adults monitor the space closely, they are less likely to engage in the behavior."

As in years past, in honor of the community-wide effort, Pastor Thomas McArthur of local church, The Chapel Mundelein, invited volunteers to a celebration barbeque, courtesy of his church. MASC Coordinator and Mundelein Police Officer Rachel Messina expressed how proud she was of MASC and STAND-UP students who participated and grateful to all the businesses who displayed campaign materials.

Students said they had a great time participating in the event and would do it again next year because they feel they are doing their part to spread the drug-free message and keep their peers safe.

About Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force

The Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force started in 2007 to prevent and reduce underage drinking and drug use among youth in Mundelein. The group is comprised of community leaders, organizations, schools, police, churches, youth, parents, and neighbors who are concerned about the health, safety and well-being of Mundelein youth. The Task Force meets the second Thursday of every month at the Mundelein Police Department from 8:30 am - 10:00 am. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information contact Task Force Chairman Deputy Chief Don Hansen at (847) 968-3779 or visit www.mundeleinstandup.org.

About Mundelein Afterschool Coalition (MASC)

Get involved with the group that promotes a drug & alcohol free community, an eco-friendly environment, and serving our town through charitable deeds! http://mundeleinasc.webs.com/

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