The short- and long-term consequences that arise from underage alcohol consumption are astonishing in their range and magnitude, affecting adolescents, the people around them, and society as a whole. Almost 97% of adults who are considered “heavy” drinkers, began drinking before age 21. This excessive drinking is responsible for 80,000 deaths per year, 4,300 of which are underage youth- more than every single middle and high school student in Orange County Schools. Research shows that alcohol kills 6.5 times more young people under the age of 21 than all other illicit drugs combined. In 2013, North Carolina suffered 156 youth deaths attributed to alcohol. That is 9,323 years of potential life lost. Orange Partnerships ultimate goal is to prevent and reduce underage drinking, as well as other drug use.  

Orange Partnership for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth is a partnership between community members and various agencies, schools and organizations in Hillsborough and rural Orange County, concerned about the issue of underage drinking and youth drug use. Using an environmental perspective, Orange Partnership works tirelessly to address youth access to alcohol, policy enforcement, youth empowerment and social norms.

Orange Partnership envisions a community where young people live safe, healthy and productive lives free from alcohol and drugs. We hope to accomplish this through collaboration, education, advocacy and empowering youth. Orange Partnership has partnered with law enforcement and local high school youth to:

• Successfully reduce access to alcohol products by youth at local retailers by almost 200%.  

• Provide free prescription drug lock boxes to nearly 200 local families.

• Install 3 permanent prescription drug drop boxes for safe disposal of unwanted medications.

• Train local high school students, the Alcohol and Drug Prevention Team (ADAPT), who work as peer educators and community advocates to reduce underage drinking and substance use.

Prevention work is the most cost effective way we can help our community. Unfortunately, it is often underfunded. There is a need for more action in Orange County so that we can continue and further develop this important work.

Are you ready to do your part?

As we head into the holiday season, please consider using the enclosed pledge card to make a a tax deductible donation to the Orange Partnership (checks should be made out to Orange Partnership / Freedom House Recovery Center). You can also donate online and learn more about our initiatives at www.orangepartnership.org.

Your dollars will be put to work right here in Hillsborough and rural Orange County.

Thank you for doing your part!