AG McKenna, WSLCB and crash survivor in Spokane for Alcohol Awareness Month

In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, Attorney General Rob McKenna and Tony Masias, Alcohol Awareness Program Manager for the Washington State Liquor Control Board, are welcoming Brandon Silveria to several Spokane High Schools to encourage students to "Make the Right Choice."

WHO:
• Attorney General Rob McKenna, member of the Washington Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (RUaD)
• Tony Masias, Alcohol Awareness Program Manager for the Washington State Liquor Control Board and member of RUaD
• Brandon and Tony Silveria (Sil-vair-uh)
Shortly before his high school prom, 17-year-old Brandon Silveria was involved in a near fatal crash after drinking a couple beers at a high school party.  After enduring a coma for nearly three months and another three years of painful rehabilitation, Brandon and his father Tony tour America’s high schools full-time on behalf of The Century Council.  Despite his permanent and visible speech and walking disabilities, Brandon delivers a compelling message to teens about the dangers of drinking and driving.

WHY:
• April is Alcohol Awareness Month.
• In Washington in 2007, 706 youths under age 18 were arrested for driving under the influence and 4,118 youths were arrested for liquor law violations (UCR 2008).
• In 2007, there were 1,840 youth killed in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities across the country (NHTSA 2008).

WHEN: Friday, April 10th

• 9 a.m. 
  North Central High School
  1600 N. Howard St.
  Spokane, WA 99205
• 1 p.m.
  Havermale High School
  1300 W. Knox Ave.
  Spokane, WA 99205

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Launched in 1991, The Century Council is funded by distillers fighting drunk driving and underage drinking.  The Council’s mission is to promote responsible drinking and discourage all forms of irresponsible consumption through education, communications, research, law enforcement and other programs.  For more information on The Century Council, log ontowww.centurycouncil.org.

With members from 24  state agencies and state-wide organizations, the Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (RUaD)works with communities statewide to increase the health and safety of our youth.  The Coalition’s overall goal is to strengthen the prevention efforts of all citizens, whether they are parents, community leaders, or decision makers.

Contacts:
Janelle Guthrie, APR, Attorney General's Office, (360) 586-0725
Matthew B. Harakal, The Century Council, (202) 637-0077