2007 News (Archive)
Underage Drinking "Party Dispersal" Training for Law Enforcement Officers on Oct. 16
October 15, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C.– As part of South Carolina’s strategy to combat underage drinking, law enforcement officers from throughout the state will participate in two separate training exercises tomorrow (Oct. 16) in Harbison.
DAODAS Co-Sponsors "Rally for Recovery" and 5K Road Race to Celebrate Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
September 14, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C.– South Carolina Faces and Voices of Recovery (SC FAVOR) will hold a “Rally for Recovery” – featuring musical guest Danielle Howle and the third annual ”Dry Run” Road Race – on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Sims Park in Columbia’s Shandon neighborhood (corner of Bonham and Duncan Streets).
Statewide Campaign Seeks to Educate Parents on Legal Consequences of Providing Alcohol to Teens
September 5, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) announced today the start of a public awareness campaign to educate parents on the legal consequences of providing alcohol to underage youth. The “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most” statewide media campaign begins on September 10 and is designed to increase understanding of and compliance with South Carolina underage drinking laws.
William J. McCord (1932-2007)
June 22, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C. – William J. "Jerry" McCord, the first and longest-serving director of South Carolina's state alcohol and drug abuse authority, has died at age 75 following a lengthy illness.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – As the latest incarnation of South Carolina’s state substance abuse agency, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) is entering its 50th year of service to South Carolinians, with roots that date back to the establishment of the S.C. Alcoholic Center in 1957.
COLUMBIA, S.C.– In an effort to support local underage drinking prevention efforts and address the culture of underage drinking in South Carolina, professionals and community members alike will attend "Changing the Culture of Underage Drinking" March 21-23, 2007, at the North Trenholm Baptist Church Seminar Center, 6515 North Trenholm Rd. in Columbia (29206).
Underage Drinking "Party Dispersal" Training for Law Enforcement Officers on Oct. 16
October 15, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C.– As part of South Carolina’s strategy to combat underage drinking, law enforcement officers from throughout the state will participate in two separate training exercises tomorrow (Oct. 16) in Harbison.
Working with national and state-level experts from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS), and the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, law enforcement personnel will participate in safe dispersal of a mock “field / house party” (Harbison State Forest, Environmental Education Center, 5600 Broad River Road, 29212) and an “apartment party” (Crestmont Apartments, #612, 34 Woodcross Drive, 29212).
The following facts make underage drinking one of our state’s most troubling health issues:
The events will be held:
"FIELD / HOUSE PARTY" DISPERSAL
WHEN: 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2007
WHERE: Harbison State Forest, Environmental Education Center, 5600 Broad River Rd., Columbia 29212
CONTACT: Michelle Nienhius, 803-727-3651 (cell)
"APARTMENT PARTY" DISPERSAL
WHEN: 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2007
WHERE: Crestmont Apartments, #612, 34 Woodcross Dr., Columbia 29212
CONTACT: Steven Burritt, 803-397-4514 (cell)
DAODAS Co-Sponsors "Rally for Recovery" and 5K Road Race to Celebrate Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
September 14, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C.– South Carolina Faces and Voices of Recovery (SC FAVOR) will hold a “Rally for Recovery” – featuring musical guest Danielle Howle and the third annual ”Dry Run” Road Race – on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Sims Park in Columbia’s Shandon neighborhood (corner of Bonham and Duncan Streets).
The Road Race’s 5K certified course will be fast and flat through Shandon, and walkers are welcome. The course will begin at Sims Park, with the finish line provided by local retailer Strictly Running. Cash awards will be offered in the “Overall” and “Master’s” categories, as well as for various age groups. The “Dry Run” is the first race in the Columbia Running Club’s 2007 Tour de Columbia series.
The Rally for Recovery will begin at 11 a.m. (following the Road Race awards ceremony, scheduled for 10:45 a.m.) and end at 3 p.m. Howle will perform at 2 p.m., and strolling performances will take place throughout the day by the Carolina Circus Clowns. Other musical guests are Elaine Townsend, Darren Woodlief & Amy Wilson, Shelley Benthall and Bobby Baker. The rally will also feature speeches on recovery advocacy, exhibits, food and fun! (Food and drinks will be available until 2:30 p.m.)
SC FAVOR is a non-profit organization that supports recovery from addiction; works to broaden public awareness and understanding of addiction as a public health crisis; and advocates for increased opportunities for those seeking recovery. Three Rivers Behavioral Health is the Platinum Sponsor of the “Rally for Recovery.” Co-sponsors include the S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS); LRADAC, The Behavioral Health Center of the Midlands; Palmetto Health Behavioral Care; S.C. Hepatitis C Coalition; S.C. Recovering Professional Program; S.C. SHARE; Oldies 103 (WOMG FM); and WIS Radio (1320 AM).
The "RALLY FOR RECOVERY" will be held:
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2007 (Race/walk registration begins at 8 a.m.)
WHERE: Sims Park, 3500 Duncan Street (corner of Bonham and Sims Streets), Columbia, South Carolina
COST: Admission to the rally is free. Race/walk registration is $25.
INFORMATION: Visit www.favormidlands.org.
DAODAS encourages community members to put on their running/walking shoes and help celebrate September as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month with this family-centered outdoor event!
Statewide Campaign Seeks to Educate Parents on Legal Consequences of Providing Alcohol to Teens
September 5, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) announced today the start of a public awareness campaign to educate parents on the legal consequences of providing alcohol to underage youth. The “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most” statewide media campaign begins on September 10 and is designed to increase understanding of and compliance with South Carolina underage drinking laws.
The campaign includes a television public service announcement and print materials that were originally developed by the State of Ohio’s Drug-Free Action Alliance. The campaign has been adopted in 48 states since it began in 2000.
"Too often, parents look the other way when it comes to teen drinking, assuming it is a 'rite of passage.' It is not unusual for well-meaning parents to provide alcohol to their teen's friends at home parties. We want to educate parents that providing alcohol to teens is illegal and irresponsible," said W. Lee Catoe, director of DAODAS.
Campaign materials highlight the fact that parents can receive a 30-day jail sentence and $1,075 in fines and fees for giving alcohol to other parents' children under any circumstances – even in their own home. And, that they can be sued if a teen hurts someone, hurts themselves or damages property after being allowed to drink on their premises.
South Carolina high school surveys show:
While laws vary from state to state, the campaign's message is a universal one: It is illegal, unsafe and unhealthy for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol. In fact, in South Carolina, alcohol use is the major cause of loss of life for young people ages 15 to 24, accounting for 45% of their fatalities, most of which result from alcohol-related car crashes.
"Parents Who Host, Lose the Most" will coincide with increased enforcement of underage drinking laws by local law enforcement, as well as community prevention efforts by county alcohol and drug abuse authorities.
For more information on "Parents Who Host, Lose the Most," please click here.
William J. McCord (1932-2007)
June 22, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C. – William J. "Jerry" McCord, the first and longest-serving director of South Carolina's state alcohol and drug abuse authority, has died at age 75 following a lengthy illness.
Hired in 1959 as the first full-time professional employed by the South Carolina Alcoholic Rehabilitation Program, McCord was named director of the agency when it was redesignated as the South Carolina Commission on Alcoholism in 1966. He continued at the helm of the agency until 1995, serving under six governors, including Governor Carroll M. Campbell Jr. who appointed McCord to the post after the agency was renamed the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) and made a cabinet-level agency in 1993.
"Our field has truly lost a pioneer and a visionary with the death of Jerry McCord," said W. Lee Catoe, current director of DAODAS, "and the citizens of South Carolina have lost a great leader and friend. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for the years he spent fighting for a cause he truly believed in – helping his fellow man live life to its fullest, free of the problems caused by the use of alcohol or other drugs."
McCord, a native of Manning, S.C., began his career with a secretary and an initial state investment of only $20,000 with which he was charged with developing the state's response to the problem of alcoholism. From this austere beginning, McCord oversaw the creation of a statewide system of community-based agencies that provide direct prevention, intervention and treatment services to the citizens in all 46 counties of the state – a system that has been recognized over the years as one of the best in the nation.
"As we have worked to save both lives and money," McCord said at the time of his retirement in 1995, "we in the public sector have had the privilege of developing the whole continuum of care – starting with prevention as a way of avoiding problems before they begin and ending with treatment for the most chronically addicted. We've seen the miracles of recovery take place within the people we know as our clients. We've seen lives get back together and families get back together and communities get healthy. And that's certainly something to be proud of."
State and National Guests to Address Importance of Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment in Recognition of State Authority's 50th Anniversary
June 12, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C. – As the latest incarnation of South Carolina’s state substance abuse agency, the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) is entering its 50th year of service to South Carolinians, with roots that date back to the establishment of the S.C. Alcoholic Center in 1957.
In honor of this milestone, a luncheon will be held at 12:00 today at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbia. The event will gather staff, former board members, legislators, state officials and others who have played a part in South Carolina’s fight against alcohol and other drug abuse and addiction during the past 50 years.
Featured speakers will include:
The 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held:
WHEN: 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 (The program will begin at 12:45 p.m.)
WHERE: Embassy Suites Hotel, 200 Stonegate Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29210
The news media are encouraged to attend today’s event and help focus renewed attention on the issue of alcohol and other drug abuse in our state. Interviews with guest speakers can be arranged following the luncheon.
"Party Dispersal" Training at Richland Northeast High School, Appearances by Sen. Joel Lourie and Sheriff James Metts Highlight Underage Drinking Conference
March 20, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C.– In an effort to support local underage drinking prevention efforts and address the culture of underage drinking in South Carolina, professionals and community members alike will attend "Changing the Culture of Underage Drinking" March 21-23, 2007, at the North Trenholm Baptist Church Seminar Center, 6515 North Trenholm Rd. in Columbia (29206).
The conference is sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS), South Carolina Association of Prevention Professionals and Advocates, and the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center.
Highlights of the three-day event include the dispersal by law enforcement personnel of mock parties staged at Richland Northeast High School; a keynote address by Penny Norton, chief executive officer of FACE, a national organization dedicated to providing research-based resources for individuals and organizations to take action on alcohol issues; and a joint presentation by Sen. Joel Lourie and Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts.
The following facts make underage drinking one of our state’s most troubling health issues:
The activities highlighted above will be held:
PENNY NORTON KEYNOTE – "Take It Back"– A National Youth Advocacy Movement on Alcohol Issues
WHEN: 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2007
WHERE: North Trenholm Baptist Church Seminar Center, 6515 N. Trenholm Rd., Columbia 29206
PARTY DISPERSAL
WHEN: Thursday, March 22, 2007 (For exact times, contact Michelle Nienhius, DAODAS, 803-429-1370)
WHERE: Richland Northeast High School, 7500 Brookfield Rd., Columbia 29223
SEN. JOEL LOURIE & SHERIFF JAMES R. METTS – "The Ultimate Challenge – Changing the Culture of Underage Drinking"
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 on Friday, March 23, 2007
WHERE: North Trenholm Baptist Church Seminar Center, 6515 N. Trenholm Rd., Columbia 29206