The letter from Chairman Mike Boyce to County Manager Rob Hosack putting the proclamation on the agenda stated, “Excessive drinking resulting in losses in workplace productivity, healthcare expenses, criminal justice expenses, motor vehicle crashes and property damage costs the state of Georgia and Cobb County millions of dollars annually. Excessive drinking can lead to a variety of health problems that can significantly shorten a person’s life.”

“HELP FOR TODAY, HOPE FOR TOMORROW”

WHEREAS in Cobb County between 2013-2017, there were 77 alcohol-related traffic fatalities; and

WHEREAS in 2017 in Georgia, there were 368 drunk driving deaths, which translates to 24 percent of all traffic fatalities;

WHEREAS About $2 of every $5 of the economic costs of excessive alcohol use were paid by federal, state, and local governments; and

WHEREAS, the percent of adults who drink excessively in Georgia is 16.8 percent; and

WHEREAS, excessive drinking can lead to a variety of health problems that can significantly shorten a person’s life; and

WHEREAS, excessive drinking resulting in losses in workplace productivity, healthcare expenses, criminal justice expenses, motor vehicle crashes and property damage costs the state of Georgia and Cobb County millions of dollars annually;

WHEREAS, drinking by persons under the age of 21 is linked to 189,000 emergency room visits; and

WHEREAS, kids who drink are more likely to be victims of violent crime, to be involved in alcohol-related traffic crashes, and to have serious school-related problems; and

WHEREAS, a supportive family environment is associated with lowered rates of alcohol use for adolescents; and

WHEREAS, kids who have conversations with their parents and learn about the dangers of alcohol and drug use are 50 percent less likely to use alcohol and drugs than those who don’t have such conversations.

THEREFORE, I, Cobb County Chairman Mike Boyce, now join Cobb County Community Services Board and the organization Facing Addiction with NCADD and do hereby proclaim that April 2019 is Alcohol Awareness Month in Cobb County. As the Chairman, I also call upon all citizens, parents, governmental agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, hospitals, schools and colleges in Cobb County to support efforts that will provide early education about alcoholism and addiction and increase support for individuals and families coping with alcoholism. Through these efforts, together, we can provide “Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow” for those in our community who are facing challenges with use of alcohol.

May it be so decreed