The Forum provided the latest research on youth substance abuse trends, stories from groups succeeding at creating positive environments for youth, and skill building opportunities. Texans Standing Tall, in partnership with San Antonio Fighting Back Inc., the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, University of the Incarnate Word, and the Education Service Center Region 20 hosted the Regional Forum.

The Forum, was the first of seven being held across the state in 2009, brings together state and local level prevention experts, community members, and leaders to collaborate on implementing evidence-based prevention strategies locally and statewide. Among the highlights is the release of Texans Standing Tall’s Report Card 2008 Youth Substance Abuse Issues: Research and Legislation.

Some of the more staggering findings in this years report was data showing that girls now out-drink boys in grades 7-12. Additionally girls and young women aged 17-20 have increased substantially in liquor law violations – for example, there was an increase of 96.8% in underage female arrests for driving under the influence between the years 2000 and 2007.

“Now more than ever parents and adults should be concerned with the health and safety of our girls and young women. Now is the time for us to protect them from easy access and the many risks associated with alcohol use,” said Nicole Holt, Texans Standing Tall Executive Director.

Judge Al Alonso, Presiding Judge of the Bexar County Misdemeanor

Drug Court was featured guest speaker

The 2009 Regional Forums also bring an exciting update to participants regarding alcoholic energy drinks - in 2008 Regional Forum participants addressed this nationally hot topic facing youth. After much debate and a large show of support, Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors caved to the pressure and stopped producing these controversial alcoholic beverages laced with large amounts of caffeine.

Linda Tippins, Executive Director of San Antonio Fighting Back Inc., said, “This is an opportunity for local citizens to learn valuable prevention skills and connect with others who are committed to reducing the incidence and impact of alcohol and other drug abuse in our community.”

San Antonio was the first ever to hold a Regional Forum Student Track in which college students from San Antonio and the surrounding area are encouraged to attend in order to become a more integral part of coalitions working in the youth alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention field.

The Forums are made possible in large part by a Drug-Free Communities federal matching grant to Texans Standing Tall, the statewide non-profit coalition dedicated to creating healthier and safer communities. For locations of the other regional forums check out www.texansstandingtall.org.

Action Skills Breakout Groups