Whereas, Approximately 9.7 million current alcohol drinkers in the United States are between the ages of 12-20; and,

Whereas, On an average day, 7,970 teens drink alcohol for the first time; and,

Whereas, Alcohol is the most frequently used drug by high school seniors; and,

Whereas, Young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to experience problems with alcohol later in their lives, including addiction; and,

Whereas, More sweet tasting, fruity flavored alcoholic drinks, referred to as Alcopops, are on the market today than ever before and are the types of drinks that appeal to young people; and,

Whereas, In Michigan, it is estimated that underage alcohol use costs $2 billion per year, including costs of youth violence, treatment, traffic crashes, property crime, and medical costs; and,

Whereas, Preliminary data shows 42.8 percent of students in Michigan had at least one drink of alcohol on one or more days during a 30-day period in 2007; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Department of Community Health invites all Michigan residents to participate in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Substance Abuse Prevention 2008 Town Hall Meeting initiatives, and Alcohol Awareness Month, under the slogan "Underage Drinking:  Not a Minor Problem;" and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 24, 2008, through April 7, 2008, as Underage Drinking Town Hall Meeting Awareness Weeks, and the month of April 2008 as Alcohol Awareness Month.  I encourage all citizens, parents, youth, governmental agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and workplaces, hospitals, and schools to support efforts that will reduce and prevent underage drinking in the Great Lakes State.