ALLISON BATDORFF Billings Gazette | Posted: Wednesday, December 8, 2004 12:00 am
CODY - Park County kids think that most of their underage friends drink alcohol every day. They also believe that adults would just as soon look the other way.
They couldn't be more wrong, said Jay Otto, coordinator of the West Park Hospital 21st Century State Incentive Grant. The proof lies in a survey recently conducted by the University of Wyoming.
According to results of the survey, 75 percent of local adults think it is wrong for people under 21 to drink alcohol. Another 95 percent believe that law enforcement should crack down on underage drinking. The vast majority, ranging in percentage from the high 70s to the mid-90s, want to see parties broken up, more school enforcement against alcohol policies and prosecution of those who supply minors with booze.
"There are a lot of drastic misperceptions when it comes to underage drinking," Otto said. "There is a huge difference between perception and reality."
Otto had his own misperceptions when he started the survey, he told the Park County commissioners Tuesday.
"We thought Cody was more of a party town and that adults didn't really want to address this issue," Otto said. "We were wrong."
The study involved telephone calls to 415 Park County randomly selected residents. Respondents over the age of 18 were asked 13 questions about underage alcohol and tobacco use. The $6,000 survey was funded by a collaborative effort of Wyoming Department of Health's Substance Abuse Division and the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center.
The results of the work need to be broadcast, Otto said. Then the age-old excuse of "everybody is doing it and no one cares if I do" won't fly.
"This is good news, and we need to get the word out," Otto said.
Local leaders - county commissioners, prosecutors, City Council members and others - will deliver the results in a series of 30-second radio spots that will begin next week. Billboards also will carry the message.
The attention may lead to stronger enforcement and policies as well as bolster support for prevention programs, Otto said.
He is also advocating for a statewide policy on restricting underage drinkers' participation in sports and after-school activities. Nevada has adopted a rule that Wyoming should look at, he said.
Commissioner Marie Fontaine agreed, saying the same punishment is not always doled out for the same offense.
"Maybe it's because we're a small town, but not everyone is treated the same way. It shouldn't be about what your last name is, it should be about what you did," Fontaine said.