Alcohol Awareness week wraps up

  • Published
  • By Capt. Regina Gillis
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Have you ever tried to walk on slippery ice? Try walking or hopping around on that ice with a broken leg, at double time.

In the same way your mobile capability is diminished when you're incapacitated, your ability to depend on your judgment or to drive a vehicle is diminished when you're intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

The 6th Medical Group's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment staff proved that point with a week of interactive role play and educational demonstrations, with an apex event - the Alcohol Awareness Festival at the Fitness Center, April 6.

ADAPT sponsored a variety of events in support of alcohol awareness week that began April 2. The ADAPT team explained the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse using forward-thinking outreach methods ranging from setting up displays with alcohol awareness literature in the Exchange and Medical Clinic to conducting alcohol screenings and handing out educational materials related to alcohol use in other locations on the base.

In the past the staff had typically centered their efforts on smalle outreach events, but this year they decided to expand the educational focus with a larger event in the hopes of drawing a bigger crowd and highlighting the importance of responsible drinking.

"The festival included a dunk tank with 6th Air Mobility Wing Vice Commander, Col. David Almand, drunk driving course with golf carts and adult sized tricycles, a mocktail bar and lots of prizes and giveaways," said Capt. Emily Rougier, ADAPT program manager.

"We really appreciate the base support that this week's events garnered, from our installation's top leadership to the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who participated," said Rougier.

"My goal is that the ADAPT outreach will result in the education of the basepopulation on the effects of alcohol on mental and physical capabilities and that the choice to drive after drinking won't be made," she said.