Alcohol Awareness Month 2023 – A Proclamation 

Whereas, the CDC has found that excessive drinking is responsible for more than 3,900 deaths and 225,000 years of potential life lost among people under age 21 each year, and 

Whereas, while the overall prevalence of younger adult drinking in the US decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the amount of alcohol consumed by those who do drink has increased since then, and 

Whereas, the Illinois Department of Public Health has identified mental health and substance use as public health priorities, and 

Whereas, 135,000 Illinois youth aged 12-20 have had at least one binge drinking occasion in the past 30 days, and 

Whereas, in 2022, 14% of Oak Park & River Forest 12th graders reported binge drinking in the past 30 days, and 

Whereas, recent rates of underage drinking among teen girls in the US have risen alarmingly, so they are now higher than those of their male peers at 27% compared to 19%, and 

Whereas, youth mental health is a high priority to the US Surgeon General in 2023, and 

Whereas, promoting alcohol policy safeguards, limiting access by minors and providing prevention education, can contribute to lower excessive drinking rates, and 

Whereas, Oak Park and River Forest have experienced a decrease since 2020 in both past 30 day use and past year use of alcohol by 8th, 10th, and 12th graders, and this is the mission and work of the local community coalition The Workgroup for Positive Youth Development (+PYD), and 

Whereas, +PYD’s strong alcohol prevention education aligns with the core purpose of Oak Park Township, which is to strengthen our community through programs that support the health and well-being of all Oak Park residents, 

Now Therefore, the Township of Oak Park, Illinois proclaim April 2023 to be Alcohol Awareness Month and call this observance to the attention of all our citizens. 

Dated this 25th day of April 2023 

Township of Oak Park 

Clarmarie I. Keenan, Township Supervisor