City of Alexandria Recognizes National Alcohol Awareness Month, Celebrates Youth Poster Contest Winners

Page updated on April 15, 2025 at 2:13 PM
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City of Alexandria Recognizes National Alcohol Awareness Month, Celebrates Youth Poster Contest Winners

Media Contact: Emma Beall, SAPCA Coordinator, emma.beall@alexandriava.gov, 571.302.1022

Alexandria, Va.- In recognition of National Alcohol Awareness Month, the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) invites youth, parents and caregivers, and all community members to join in the following prevention efforts and awareness activities:

  • Join SAPCA for a reception to celebrate this year’s Red Ribbon Week poster contest winners on April 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. at City Hall (301 King St.) Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP by April 18. Following this reception, join SAPCA for the presentation of a proclamation recognizing April as Alcohol Awareness Month at City Hall at 7 p.m.
  • Focus on safety at youth and adult gatherings and learn the risks associated with youth alcohol use.
  • Raise awareness about the legal consequences of providing alcohol to people under 21.
    • In Virginia, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to provide alcohol to a minor.
    • It is also illegal for anyone to use a fake ID to purchase alcohol.
    • Adults that provide alcohol to people under age 21 can face up to 12 months in jail, loss of the driver’s license for up to 12 months, and a fine of $2,500 per young person given alcohol.
  • Check out SAPCA's "I don't drink because..." campaign. Alexandria City High School students created videos to encourage youth to be alcohol free. The videos reinforce the social norm that most youth in Alexandria do not drink alcohol, a trend to get behind.
  • Sign up for SAPCA’s e-newsletter, follow SAPCA on Facebook and X, and visit SAPCA’s website to stay informed about upcoming events and ways to get involved.
  • Follow Alexandria Teen Life on Instagram for inspiring messages on living a healthy life.

SAPCA provides tools and resources for residents to engage youth and initiate conversations about the dangers of alcohol and other substances, healthy decision making, avoiding risky behaviors, responding to peer pressure, resources for treatment and recovery, and more. The City also provides a Resource Directory for Alexandria’s Youth and Young Adults.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact christina.damhuis@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5694 or call Virginia Relay 711.