Based on community surveys and other sources, 1) availability and 2) off-premise outlets selling to underage purchasers have both been found to contribute to the problem of underage alcohol use in our community.  In response to this, the Cape Fear Coalition has conducted Alcohol Purchase Surveys (APS) using a guide from the Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center.  Trained, youthful-looking 21-23 year old buyers, with Coalition escorts, attempted to purchase alcohol at local alcohol outlets that have off-premise permits.  These buyers did not complete the alcohol purchase but did note if their ID was checked or not.  APS were repeated at these alcohol outlets at later dates. 

Results of these surveys were shared with each alcohol outlet manager so that they will require their employees to be diligent about ID checks for potential alcohol purchases from youthful-looking people.  The Coalition is also partnering with North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (NC ALE) to encourage change at alcohol outlets that continue to not check IDs.

At RiverFest 2010, our Coalition provided prevention information for the community, and offered a Safe Homes Pledge for parents.  Members of 36 families signed the pledge to not allow youths to consume alcohol or illegal drugs in their home, to provide adequate adult supervision for youths, to provide a secure place for alcohol, drugs and other hazardous items, and to communicate with others who observe their child using alcohol or illegal drugs.

An additional 10 families signed the Safe Homes Pledge at our Youth Talent Show fundraiser.

The Cape Fear Coalition Youth assisted New Hanover Regional Medical Center in proper disposal of unwanted medications through their Medication Disposal Event. 

• Unnecessary medications in the home can be ingested by children and pets. 
• Improper disposal of this medication can harm the public water system and the environment. 
• Out of date medications can cause harm.