A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor Fairfield Behavioral Health Services for the 25th Annual 5K Run/Walk and to declare the month of April 2025 as "Alcohol Awareness Month" in the State of South Carolina.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives deeply appreciates the work of Fairfield Behavioral Health Services not only to improve the quality of life for all youth, adults, families, and communities impacted by substance use, but also to be the lead authority in providing prevention, treatment, and recovery services for youth and adults in Fairfield County; and

 

Whereas, operating since 1973, Fairfield Behavioral Health Services is a public nonprofit organization and is the sole county authority for substance-use services in Fairfield County and one of thirty-one such authorities statewide; and

 

Whereas, licensed by South Carolina Department of Public Health and accredited by CARF, Fairfield Behavioral Health Services works to delay the onset of youth drug use and promote healthy and safe living through prevention activities; improve emotional, behavioral, and social functioning; reduce substance use, increase sobriety, and sustain recovery that produces better outcomes; and prevent/reduce the frequency and severity of recurrence; and

 

Whereas, Fairfield Behavioral Health Services celebrated and hosted its 25th Annual 5K Run/Walk event for Alcohol Awareness Month on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The 25th Annual 5K Run/Walk was held to increase awareness about alcoholism and its negative impact on individuals, families, and the community; and

 

Whereas, the 25th Annual 5K Run/Walk provided a wonderful opportunity for fun and unity towards a single cause of alcohol abuse that impacts most, if not all families. Sponsors, contributors, and volunteers were key to the success of this annual event and to its low registration cost with high quality for participants, including teams; and

 

Whereas, drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time can cause liver damage, and brain damage and can worsen some health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. South Carolina Communities That Care 2024 Survey of Fairfield County indicated that 80.5 percent of those youth surveyed reported they never use alcohol; 19.5 percent do use alcohol. The survey indicated a declining trend in early use of alcohol for youth twelve years old and younger and a declining trend in youth being able to access alcohol, as well as positive trends toward perception of risk for drinking among young people; and

 

Whereas, Fairfield County continues to fall on the worst end of the spectrum in the State for alcohol related hospitalizations according to the South Carolina County Level Profile Data provided by DAODAS. In 2024, the profile data report showed a 96.8 percent increase in DUI crashes from Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024 and an even greater increase in DUI arrests during the same period; and

 

Whereas, with the help of a great staff, a board of directors, funders, and an extensive list of partnering organizations, Fairfield Behavioral Health Services acts as the sole authority for substance-use prevention, treatment, and recovery services which can address underage drinking, alcohol abuse/addiction, and the problems they bring; and

 

Whereas, Fairfield Behavioral Health Services uses effective programs and services, such as alcohol specific marketing strategies, Medication Assisted Treatment for alcohol use disorder, DUI relicensing, Life Skills Training, and Prime for Life Education for Teens and Adults, as well as referrals for detoxification, residential living, and other essential services. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Fairfield Behavioral Health Services for the 25^th Annual 5K Run/Walk and declare the month of April 2025 as "Alcohol Awareness Month" in the State of South Carolina.

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