Justice for our youth: Ending the assault on research-based prevention efforts

Project Extra Mile is a statewide network of community coalitions in Nebraska working to create a community consensus that clearly states that underage alcohol use is illegal, unhealthy and unacceptable. Since the organization's inception in 1995, the coalition has worked to address policies to reduce youth access and availability to alcohol through local municipalities, the state's alcohol control board, and the Unicameral. Nebraska is now at a critical time for its need to effectively begin addressing alcohol-related problems. This session will provide an overview of several years of specific policy objectives and the industry's attempt to derail standards to prevent underage drinking and other alcohol-related problems. Additionally, coordinated industry efforts to damage the credibility of community coalition and prevention organizations will be discussed.