Fifth graders at Ogden Elementary School learned about the dangers of underage alcohol use when East Side SAFFE Officer, Robert Esquivel and McGruff the Crime Dog visited their school on Friday, April 30th to teach the Reach Out Now Teach-In curriculum. Ogden Elementary School was one of hundreds of schools nationwide that held a Reach Out Now Teach-In during April 26-30. The Reach Out Now National Teach-In was a nationwide program sponsored by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to help prevent underage drinking.

"Most fifth graders in our community are not using alcohol, but it is a decision many face", said Linda J. Tippins, Executive Vice President of San Antonio Fighting Back, Inc. "More than one-third of fourth graders say that they already have been pressured by their peers to drink alcohol. Far too many children are beginning to drink at a dangerously early age. This Reach Out Now Teach-In is an important step in helping our kids get a clear and consistent message at home and at school that underage drinking is dangerous, illegal and unacceptable."

Youth that participated in the curriculum learned how alcohol affects the brain, the central nervous system, the stomach, the liver and the heart.  They also had an opportunity to talk with a SAFFE Officer about concerns they had about underage drinking. For more information on how you can learn about alcohol, please contact San Antonio Fighting Back, Inc. at (210) 271-7232.