Video: Underage Alcohol Prevention Program Helps Protect Georgia's Kids

Nationally Recognized, Model Curriculum Teaches Brain Science, Alcohol Awareness

ATLANTA, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and State Farm(R) are educating elementary students about the dangers of underage alcohol use -- the number one youth drug problem -- by introducing Protecting You/Protecting Me(R) (PY/PM) to Georgia schools. State Farm has donated the curriculum, training and materials to five FCCLA-affiliated high schools. High school students enrolled in this service-learning program will in turn teach PY/PM's life-saving curriculum to five elementary schools.

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"Protecting You/Protecting Me teaches grade school children about the harmful effects of alcohol before they face their first decision to drink it around age 12," said Glynn Birch, MADD national president. "Studies show that the human brain does not finish developing until a person is at least in their early 20s. The earlier we empower kids to make safe, healthy, legal choices, the better the chance they will wait until 21 to drink alcohol. Youth who have their first drink before the age of 19 are significantly more likely to become alcohol dependent and to drive after drinking than those who did not drink before age 19."

Created in 1998, PY/PM earned the designation of Model Program by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Studies of the PY/PM curriculum have shown the program has a positive effect not only on the elementary school students, but on the high school student teachers as well. Elementary students increased their knowledge of brain development, improved their vehicle safety skills and developed a better understanding of the harmful effects of alcohol. The high school student teachers demonstrated a reduction in alcohol-related behaviors, showed an increased understanding of the harmful effects of alcohol, and were more likely to practice vehicle safety.

"State Farm is proud to team up with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to bring the Protecting You/Protecting Me program to Atlanta," said State Farm Section Manager and Atlanta MADD board member Cherri Williams. "As a leader in auto safety and strong supporter of education, State Farm knows the PY/PM program will be a valuable asset to the Atlanta community."

For more information visit http://www.madd.org, http://www.pypm.org and http://www.statefarm.com.