Orange County News
For Immediate Release Contact: Christopher Borek
Monday, November 23, 2020 845.291.3276, 845.238.4245c
District Attorney Hoovler, Prevention Alliance of
Orange County, and Orange County STOP-DWI
Announce “Project Sticker Shock”
Campaign to Raise Awareness About Alcohol Sales and
Consumption, and About Consequences of Alcohol Use
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, along with the Prevention Alliance of Orange County and Orange County STOP-DWI, announced on Friday, November 20, 2020, the kick-off of “Project Sticker Shock,” an initiative designed to raise awareness in Orange County about alcohol use and its consequences. The announcement came at a press conference held outside the County Government Center in Goshen. Also present at the press conference were representatives of Orange County STOP-DWI and of the several anti-drug coalitions and agencies that make up the Prevention Alliance of Orange County, including:
- Lauren Savino, STOP-DWI;
- Megan Robbins, Operation PJ Pride, from Port Jervis;
- Lacey Benjamin, Mid-Hudson Prevention Resource Council;
- Alayne Eisloeffel, Tri-County Community Partnership, from Pine Bush;
- Francesca Bryson, Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition;
- Brianna Evans-Sheehan, the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County and
the Monroe-Woodbury Community Coalition;
- Stevenson Monchery, TEAM Newburgh;
- Stephanie Conklin-Cole, Monroe-Woodbury Community Coalition;
- Thairicia McZorn, Middletown Cares Coalition.
In addition, Tom Kennedy of Dana Distributors appeared at the press conference, and offered his company’s support to the initiative.
The Prevention Alliance of Orange County is a collaboration of Orange County’s drug-free community coalitions, which partner with different sectors and prevention agencies in several of Orange County’s communities to prevent and reduce youth substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs. The Alliance has joined forces to address the increased consumption of alcohol during the holiday season and are combining efforts to bring “Project Sticker Shock” to Orange County.
"Project Sticker Shock" is a county-wide effort designed to raise awareness about the statistics regarding alcohol sales and consumption, and about related consequences, including deaths, that occur during the holiday season. The project represents a partnership between coalitions, retailers, prevention professionals, and law enforcement, designed to educate the public. The goal of the Project is to provide local alcohol retailers with free stickers to place on alcohol packaging and bags, stickers that are designed to encourage people to drink responsibly and to obey the law. Examples of the stickers are below:
The Project hopes to increase the impact of the stickers through media coverage of the event and through signs that will be displayed by participating retailers. Each coalition will publicly thank and acknowledge the retailers who participate.
“The holiday season should be a joyous time for all of us,” said District Attorney Hoovler, “but, unfortunately, it also happens to be a time when a lot of irresponsible drinking and driving occurs. People celebrate with family and friends. Some people also drink to excess and get behind the wheels of cars. I’m proud to support Project Sticker Shock, and its efforts to educate our citizens about responsible behavior with alcohol during the holidays, and about responsible use of alcohol around our young people. Hopefully, we can get the word out to enough people, so that we can keep our children and our roadways as safe as possible this year.”
“This Thanksgiving holiday, millions will hit the roads, eager to spend time with family and friends,” said Lauren Savino from Orange County STOP-DWI. “It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year, and unfortunately the presence of more people on the roadways means the potential for more vehicle crashes. In a combined effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads, too. You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – ‘Have a Plan’ – at www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp, and you will always be able to find a safe ride home. Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend!”
“The Orange County Prevention Alliance is grateful for the support of Project Sticker Shock from District Attorney David Hoovler and his team,” said Megan Robbins of Operation PJ Pride, on behalf of the Alliance. “Thanksgiving eve is traditionally a night of celebratory drinking across the nation as families and friends begin to gather together for the holiday. Those gatherings are especially prevalent among college students returning home for the first time. Even as social distancing is encouraged due to COVID-19, we recognize that people will gather and celebrate this Thanksgiving. The Sticker Shock initiative was developed to create awareness about increased alcohol sales, consumption, and the consequences of not drinking responsibly. It offers a great opportunity for families to start conversations and promote positive behavior. Thanksgiving is a time for family, and we want to ensure that all families stay safe.”
For additional information, or if you are a retailer interested in participating in the Project, please contact Megan Robbins of Operation PJ Pride at (845) 856-6344, Ext.1832, or by email to megan.robbins@cccsos.org; or Darlene De Jesus-Rosenwasser at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office at (845) 615-3663 or by email to ddejesus@orangecountygov.com.
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