SACRAMENTO — California Friday Night Live recognized several individuals and agencies that made significant contributions in support of positive youth development including Clearlake”s Judy Thein.
In recognizing a problem greater than her own personal pain, Thein strived to reduce the drinking and driving fatality rate in Lake County with an emphasis on the prevention of underage alcohol consumption. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed as she was presented with Friday Night Live Partnership”s Super Star Adult Ally award during a reception held at the State Capitol on Jan. 23.
After suffering the loss of her daughter, killed in a DUI-related accident in 2005, Thein collected herself and other like-minded individuals to found Team DUI.
Team DUI has worked to bring education to County residents regarding consequences of drinking and driving. The team was diligent in bringing its message to youth in the county; visiting schools, sharing painful yet educational experiences with students.
Thein was instrumental in establishing underage drinking ordinances in the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport. She is encouraging the county to follow suit.
“The people who live in a community, define it,” Thein said. “The prevention of underage drinking and driving while under the influence is the first step toward a prosperous future not only for our youth individually but for the community as a whole.”
The Friday Night Live program shares the same interest as Team DUI in working to prevent underage alcohol consumption and promoting a healthy lifestyle free of alcohol, tobacco or other substance abuse among youth. Team DUI”s mission is to work with the community to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving by providing educational forums throughout the county; encourage prevention through teamwork, community participation and creative problems solving; and develop community support through compassion, respect and open communication.
“Team DUI”s commitment and devotion in working toward keeping our youth and innocent people safe and addressing underage drinking is a tribute to the honor of this award,” Thein said.
Thein was nominated for the Super Star Adult Ally award by fellow Team DUI member Carrie White of Lake County Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS). White also serves as the county coordinator for Friday Night Live. According to statistics provided by White, youth who begin drinking alcohol before age 15 are four times more likely to become dependent on alcohol than those who wait to begin drinking until age 21. In 2006, of the 797 clients enrolled in outpatient treatment services at AODS, 24 percent of the clients were under the age of 18. Of these, 38 percent reported beginning to drink before the age of 12, which is twice the rate for the state.
“Judy has been tireless in her effort to bring Team DUI together to educate Lake County and its youth of these alarming statistics. Despite her own hardships, she has found the courage to turn a tragedy into something positive in benefit of our most vulnerable citizens ? our youth,” White said. “I think she is well-deserving of this award as she and Team DUI continue to fight the good fight against underage drinking and drinking and driving.”
Thein was among five recipients who received recognition in the youth category. Awards were also presented in Civic Engagement, Health, Education and Safety.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
