A study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says daily underage drinking-related visits to the ER are 87 percent higher during the 4th of July weekend than on an average day in July.
The report estimates that an ER sees 502 hospital emergency department visits involving underage alcohol use. But over the 4th of July weekend, the number or daily hospital visits climbs to 938. on an average day in July.
From the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration press release:
“Underage drinking is not a harmless right of passage. It has far-reaching consequences. In addition to emergency department visits, injuries, arrests and embarrassment, 5,000 deaths in people under age 21 are linked to alcohol each year,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “Parents are a leading influence in their children’s decision to avoid alcohol. To help parents make the tough job of raising children a little easier, SAMHSA provides an online action plan to help parents talk with their children about expectations regarding alcohol use.”
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