Contact
Eleody Libby
Washington County: One Community Washington County S.O.
PO Box 679
Machias, ME 04654 Machias, Me. 04654
263-7691
January 2009, Washington County: One Community was awarded funding from the Maine Office of Substance Abuse to increase community knowledge of Maine's underage drinking laws. Part of the the funding will support the increase in active patrols by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. “I am very excited about this opportunity.” states Sheriff Donnie Smith. “We have discussed ways in which we can address the underage drinking problem in our county but have not had the extra means to increase enforcement until now.”
“Underage drinking is a serious problem, with roots deep in our culture.” explains Eleody Libby, Executive Director for Washington County: One Community. “ It is time to stop looking the other way and believing that just because it is not opiate based it can't hurt our children. In fact, it can harm the mind and body of a growing teen in ways many people don't realize.” Drinking affects how well a person judges risk and makes sound decisions; can lead to other drug use; increases the risk of carrying out or being a victim of, a physical or sexual assault; and is the major cause of death from injury among young people.
“There is a role for everyone.” advised Sheriff Smith “Our role is to ensure that providing alcohol or a place for alcohol to a minor regardless if the minor is a relative or not, will not be tolerated on our county.”
For more information about this and other community initiatives that will increase the quality of life for Washington County citizens, please contact Washington County: One Community at 263-7691 or visit the website at www.washingtoncountymaine.com or www.wcsheriffsoffice.com. 255-4422.
