Alcohol tax can make a difference

To the editor:

Youth (ages 15 to 21) binge drinking in the Mat-Su is a challenging public health problem, and most residents are aware we lack adequate emergency and treatment services for youth and families impacted by alcohol abuse. Maybe you know someone age 15 to 2 1 who needs help? This includes youth who are pregnant or young parents. Transportation can be a barrier to help, and we need these services to be accessible here in the Valley, not Anchorage.

Recent Valley community surveys conclude that alcohol abuse is an issue residents want prioritized. Where there is binge drinking there are often other expensive and challenging social problems (i.e. fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, drunk driving, domestic violence, child neglect/abuse and youth suicide).

Taxing alcohol will not meet all of the needs fueled by alcohol abuse, but an alcohol tax ballot measure will provide each voter with an opportunity to make a decision that could support critical services in our community.

Judy Cordell, CEO

Co-Occurring Disorders Institute Inc.

Palmer