PHOENIX — Former Governor Doug Ducey proclaimed the month of April to be Arizona Alcohol Awareness Month to raise awareness of the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States, and to call upon all citizens, parents, governmental agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, hospitals, schools, and colleges in the State of Arizona to support efforts that will provide early education about alcoholism and addiction that will increase support for individuals and families coping with alcoholism. With these efforts, together, we can provide Hope, Help, and Healing for those in our community who are facing challenges with alcohol use and abuse.

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WHEREAS, Alcohol Awareness Month provides an opportunity to increase outreach and education regarding the dangers of alcoholism and issues related to alcohol; and

WHEREAS, individuals and families may have experienced increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with fear and anxiety which may encourage more alcohol intake; and

WHEREAS, 14.3 percent of adults in Arizona report binge drinking in 2020 and roughly 95,000 deaths resulted from alcohol misuse in the United States between 2011 and 2015; and

WHEREAS, alcohol is the most commonly used substance among youth in the United States impacting individuals, families, and communities; and

WHEREAS, the 2020 Arizona Youth Survey shows that the most frequently reported substance used across 8th, 10th, and 12th grade youth is alcohol; and

WHEREAS, alcohol use during teenage years can interfere with normal adolescent brain development and increase the risk of developing Alcohol Use Disorder; and

WHEREAS, youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience changes in brain development that may have life­ long effects including, physical and sexual violence, school and social problems, increased risk of suicide and homicide, and alcohol related vehicle crashes; and

WHEREAS, results from the 2020 Arizona Youth Survey show that 10.2 percent of high school participants reported riding in a car in which the driver had been drinking; and

WHEREAS, statewide prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts surrounding alcohol and substance abuse can help individuals, families, and communities prevent and address alcoholism and alcohol-related problems.

NOW,THEREFORE,I, Douglas A. Ducey, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim April 2022 as