The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking

Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H., U.S. Acting Surgeon General visited Maine in August 2007 to present: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking. On behalf of Maine, First Lady Karen Baldacci hosted the Acting Surgeon General’s visit and lead the collective response, pledging, “Count ME in!”

“Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America’s youth,” stated Acting Surgeon General Moritusugu. “I have issued this Surgeon General’s Call to Action To Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking to focus national attention on this enduring problem and on new, disturbing research which indicates that the developing adolescent brain may be particularly susceptible to long-term negative consequences from alcohol use. The latest research demonstrates a compelling need to address alcohol use early…using a systematic approach that spans childhood through adolescence into adulthood. Such an approach can be effective when, as a Nation and individually, we commit ourselves to solving the problem of underage drinking in America.” continued the Acting Surgeon General.

“Underage drinking is a problem in homes from Kittery to Houlton, from Calais to Norway, from Portland to Farmington,” said First Lady Karen Baldacci. “All Maine teens are at risk of underage drinking, and all Maine parents need to help keep their teens from underage drinking.” “Today, we join Surgeon General Moritsugu and pledge to prevent underage drinking. Law enforcement, retailers, prevention professionals, coalition leaders, educators, parents—all Mainers need to come together and say, “Count ME In!” continued Maine’s First Lady. “Brain growth during the adolescent years is critical to the development of young people.” said Steve Rowe, Maine’s Attorney General. “Alcohol has a profoundly negative impact on the front al lobe, on short and long-term memory, on judgment and reason. It is imperative that we respond to the Acting Surgeon General’s Call to Action.”