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http://www.omniture.com --> Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement April 30, 2006 [an error occurred while processing this directive] Hotline aims to shut down teens' parties By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune Just in time for prom, a new hotline aims to shut down parties where teens are suspected of drinking or using drugs. Southern Oregon Drug Awareness opened its party dispersal tip line Friday. Volunteers for the nonprofit organization will answer calls 24 hours a day from anywhere within Jackson County and forward information on to the appropriate law enforcement agency, said Shawn Martinez, SODA executive director. "It's just one more avenue, one more strategy to decrease underage drinking," Martinez said. The hotline 973-7756 or 1-888-608-SODA is funded through 2007 with a $1,800 state grant, Martinez said. If the effort is successful, SODA will seek continued funding, Martinez said. Besides giving notice of parties, the tip line also could be used to report adults buying alcohol for teens, Martinez said. Call-takers will attempt to glean as much information as they can while only requiring callers to report their city. Parents, as well as teens, are encouraged to use the service. "Some parents just don't want to stand up and voice their concerns," Martinez said. SODA is promoting the tip line between prom and graduation when underage drinking typically goes up, Martinez said. Last year's Oregon Heathy Teens Survey showed alcohol consumption by high school juniors is highest in Rogue River, Ashland and Eagle Point. Because White Mountain Middle School in White City had the highest reported alcohol use by eighth-graders, SODA initially is focusing on the Eagle Point School District, said Sarah Heath, prevention coordinator for the Jackson County Commission on Children and Families. The Jackson County Sheriff's and Eagle Point Police departments are splitting a $23,500 state grant to pay for overtime to break up reported parties, Heath said. SODA will distribute business cards bearing the hotline number throughout local schools, Martinez said. The number also is printed in SODA's Parent Resource Guide, which debuted this month. The 26-page publication encompasses a wide range of information, from obtaining treatment for teen substance abusers to Oregon law relating to teen drivers. To obtain a free copy, call the SODA office at 608-4028 or e-mail [email protected]. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers Southern Oregon Loans California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy