News Photo by Julie Goldberg The Hillman Village Council approved a resolution to proclaim April as Social Host Responsibility Month on Tuesday.

HILLMAN — The Hillman Village Council approved a resolution to proclaim April as Social Host Responsibility Month on Tuesday. The proclamation states that underage drinking is a national public health issue with serious implications.

This is the sixth year promoting this effort and the participation continues to grow momentum and support with the goal being 100 percent participation this year, according to a letter that was sent to the council. The letter and resolution was sent from Up North Prevention.

The resolution states that underage drinking is a problem that affects the community, health, and the future and takes a toll on individuals and families and places a costly tax burden on the community at large.

It is also stated that underage drinking has severe consequences, many of which parents and caregivers are not aware of.

The resolution also states that according to a study completed by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 10 million people younger than the age of 21 drank alcohol in the past month in the United States.

In April, the Up North Prevention website will have a list of all who have proclaimed April as Social Host Responsibility Month with a feature article on the harms and dangers of underage drinking and social host liability.

The letter that the council received stated that its participation will increase the effectiveness of the campaign and reinforce a parent’s decision to not host or turn a cheek to an underage drinking party.

By signing the resolution, the council agreed to now being committed to underage drinking prevention and also calls upon parents, citizens, homeowners and property owners to host gatherings responsibility and take measures to eliminate access to alcohol to people under the age of 21.

The proclamation of Social Host Responsibility Month also coordinates with Alcohol Responsibility Month and Up North Prevention’s goal is focus its efforts on reducing and eliminating underage drinking.

Village President Myron McIntire signed the resolution and it will be sent back to Up North Prevention for its records.

Julie Goldberg can be reached via email at jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.