 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Diana M. Conti, Conti Consulting Group, 309 Via Recodo, Mill Valley, CA 94941, (415) 388-9739, conticonsulting@yahoo.com
The alcohol policy field faces formidable opposition from the alcohol industry, and new research and cutting-edge strategies for alcohol policy advocacy are emerging to develop support for alcohol policy change to reduce alcohol-related problems. It is more important then ever for advocates to learn new strategies and join forces. This panel includes presentations on successful strategies that have the potential to help tip the balance in public awareness and support of alcohol policy.
New research indicates that alcohol has a profound effect on the developing adolescent brain, giving rise to new prevention approaches. The twelve- step community is beginning to mobilize around alcohol policy issues and could emerge as a powerful community voice for change. Tobacco litigation exposed deceptive practices of the tobacco industry, leading to large settlements, causing increases in tobacco retail prices; and providing an impetus for tobacco control policies. Lessons learned from tobacco litigation present important opportunities for alcohol policy. Many states are now working to pass alcohol excise taxes, a strategy once considered impossible. Economic downturns are providing new opportunities to pass excise taxes and fees. A cover-up of alcohol’s role in riots at the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics has created a new opportunity for media advocacy to change alcohol policies and practices at the Olympics.
Strategies will be discussed as well as implications for future action.
Alcohol and the Adolescent Brain -- Mary Lou Bell Activism in the Twelve-Step Community – Samantha Hope-Atkins Implications of Tobacco Litigation for Alcohol Policy – Amy Fairweather Community Efforts to Pass Alcohol Excise Taxes and Fees – George Hacker Media Advocacy and Alcohol Policy at the Olympics – George Van Komen
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Alcohol Problems,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: grant recipient