On behalf of the Los Alamos County Council, Councilor James Chrobocinski Tuesday evening presents a proclamation to representatives of the DWI Planning Council from left, Elizabeth Allen, Monica Thompson, Sylvan Argo, Kirsten Bell and Linda Pena. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

New DWI Planning Council Coordinator Kirsten Bell recognizes members of the DWI Planning Council including Elizabeth Allen, right, and thanks the County Council for issuing the proclamation declaring the Week of Nov. 16-20, 2015 as ‘DWI Awareness Week’ in Los Alamos County. Community Services Director Charlie Kalogeros-Chattan, left, commends the DWI Planning Council and also thanks the County Council for recognizing their important work in the community. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Staff Report

Los Alamos County Council Tuesday evening proclaimed the Week of Nov. 16-20, 2015 as “DWI Awareness Week” in Los Alamos County. On behalf of the Council, Councilor James Chrobocinski presented the proclamation to representatives of the DWI Planning Council including new Coordinator Kirsten Bell.

The Proclamation reads:

WHEREAS: Los Alamos County is joining forces with our New Mexico DWI affiliates to support efforts to reduce DWI crashes, fatalities and the use of alcohol by residents throughout the state; and

WHEREAS: Local government leaders recognize that the support of a community is the most effective tool that can be used to reduce the use of alcohol; and

WHEREAS: 229,745 students in grades K-12 throughout the State have received prevention education/activities about the dangers of DWI; and

WHEREAS: Alcohol-involved crashes in New Mexico have been on a downward trend from 3,386 in 2006 to 1,955 in 2013 – indicating that DWI programs are having a positive impact; and

WHEREAS: According to the Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey published by the Department of Health and Public Education Department, DWI prevention programs also appear to be having a positive effect on alcohol-related behaviors in New Mexico youth, grades 9-12; and

WHEREAS: “DWI Awareness Week” will be celebrated in every county in New Mexico the week of Nov. 16-20, and the Council wishes to support this initiative in Los Alamos County;

NOW, THEREFORE, on behalf of the Council of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby proclaim the Week of Nov. 16-20, 2015 as “DWI AWARENESS WEEK” in Los Alamos County, and encourage our citizens, businesses, hospitals, schools and university to support efforts to increase awareness and understanding of the actions that are needed to address DWI issues in our community.