OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (RUaD) is launching a statewide radio advertising campaign this week with a message from Governor Gregoire to parents of middle school students. Campaign messages will also appear on billboards and buses.

In one of the radio ads, Governor Chris Gregoire points out that as alcohol ads increase, so does underage drinking.

"All too often alcohol ads are on TV when more kids are watching than adults," said Governor Gregoire.

"Parents need to talk to their children about the dangers of underage drinking before kids get their information from ads."

Parents are also encouraged to connect with community members at a series of town hall meetings across the state during March. Participants will brainstorm ways to keep youth healthy and safe, and to make underage drinking unacceptable.

The campaign informs parents and other concerned adults about the large numbers of young people risking their health and safety, such as the 13,000 Washington 8th graders who will drink alcohol this month. Parents will also learn that one in five 10th graders will have five or more drinks in a row at least one time this month.

"Parents need to know that alcohol does more damage to the developing brain than to adults, and kills more kids than all other drugs combined," said Roger Hoen, RUaD Co-Chair. "When kids use alcohol, they are also more likely to have unprotected sex, fail in school, and develop alcoholism."

"As more parents become aware of just how early, how often, and how much many young people are drinking, our hope is that they will start talking earlier with their kids about the ways alcohol can harm them," said Michael Langer, RUaD Co-Chair. "Research shows that when parents talk often with their kids, set and enforce clear rules, and stay involved in their lives, kids are less likely to use alcohol."

The ad campaign directs parents to the RUaD Web site (www.StartTalkingNow.org), where they can get more facts about the short- and long-term consequences of underage drinking, and tips for talking with their kids. In national studies, the primary reason kids give for not drinking is that they don't want to disappoint their parents.

"As parents and community members, we need to understand how harmful alcohol really is for kids, and reduce their exposure to it," added Hoen.

Meeting dates and locations for the statewide series of March town hall meetings are also listed on the Start Talking Now Web site.

How many Washington students will drink alcohol this month?

• 6th graders: One in 20.
• 8th graders: One in six.
• 10th graders: One in three (one in five will have five or more drinks in a row).
• 12th graders: Nearly one in two (one in four will have five or more drinks in a row).
• One in four 10th and 12th graders will ride in cars with someone who has been drinking.

Source: 2006 WA State Healthy Youth Survey

FOR ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND, CONTACT: Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-902-7604 (Pager: 360-971-4067).