Promoting awareness

Sallisaw Mayor Ernie Martens this week signed a proclamation declaring April as Alcohol Awareness Month in Sallisaw. On hand for the signings at the GRDA pavilion at the StanleyTubbs Memorial Library were members of Sallisaw NOW Coalition, City of Sallisaw, Cherokee Nation-Healthy Living, Cherokee Nation Work Force, Sequoyah County Health Department, People Inc., Central High School students and the OSU Extension Office. Alcohol is a factor in the leading cause of death among people under the age of 21 from motor vehicle crashes, unintentional injuries, drownings, homicide and suicide, with Oklahoma averaging more than 2,000 deaths annually attributed to excessive alcohol use. Alcohol Awareness Month brings to light the deleterious effects of underage drinking, and promotes alcohol prevention and alcohol responsibility.