Empowering Parents and Teens: MADD Iowa Program Coordinator’s Message
In a bid to combat the alarming rate of underage drinking-related incidents in Iowa, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has made significant strides by appointing Shannon Booth as the program manager for the state. With 15% of drunk driving arrests in Iowa involving underage drinkers, the need for prevention and awareness efforts has never been more critical.
Shifting Focus to Empowerment
Booth, who assumed her role 13 months ago, is dedicated to engaging with Iowa schools to implement impactful underage drinking and substance use prevention programs. Her mission extends beyond just educating teens; she also emphasizes the importance of involving parents in the conversation. Booth stresses the influence parents have on their children’s decisions regarding alcohol consumption and impaired driving.
Parental Influence and Responsibility
As Booth aptly points out, children as young as eight years old are already forming opinions about drinking and driving behaviors based on their parents’ actions. Whether it’s having a drink before a family event or driving after consuming alcohol, parents set a powerful example for their children. Booth encourages parents to establish clear rules and boundaries to guide their teens’ behaviors, particularly during high-risk periods like weekends, holidays, and summer breaks.
Expanding Outreach Efforts
The impact of Booth’s work is evident as MADD recently expanded its reach by appointing a second representative to focus on impaired driving prevention talks in eastern Iowa. This strategic move allows Booth to concentrate on delivering her presentations in western Iowa, maximizing the program’s effectiveness across the state.
In conclusion, Shannon Booth’s dedication to empowering parents and teens through education and awareness initiatives is a crucial step towards reducing underage drinking-related incidents in Iowa. By fostering open dialogues and setting positive examples, families can work together to create safer communities for all.
