About TAC
Tampa Alcohol Coalition (TAC) is a community coalition with over 100 members. TAC's mission is to prevent underage and other high-risk drinking in Hillsborough County.
TAC's Mission and Strategic Plan
Hillsborough County Alcohol Facts
Background
Concerns about underage drinking and alcohol-related fatalities led the
Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance
(HCADA) to create a subcommittee called the Alcohol Prevention Task Force
in September 2001. The Task Force was renamed Tampa Alcohol Coalition (TAC)
in 2004. TAC's primary mission is to
prevent underage and high-risk drinking, and reduce alcohol-related
consequences in Hillsborough County. HCADA is a non-profit organization
that strives to support and strengthen community substance abuse
prevention/treatment efforts to eradicate the illegal use of alcohol and
other drugs in Hillsborough County.
TAC strives to increase awareness about the consequences of underage
drinking and high risk drinking in our community. The Coalition promotes
community support for the
enforcement of alcohol policies and laws. TAC collaborates with local
and state
organizations, agencies, media and officials in their efforts to prevent
high risk drinking and impaired driving.
Alcohol is the most abused drug among adolescents and adults. It is a
central nervous system depressant. Drinking alcohol can lead to
health problems and
safety concerns.
Underage
drinking and other high-risk drinking is associated with vehicle crashes, violence, drowning, sexual
assault, and more. 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die every year
because of underage drinking. The
consequences of excessive and underage drinking affect virtually all
college campuses, college communities, and college students, whether they
choose to drink or not. 1,700 college students between the ages of 18 and
24 die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including
motor vehicle crashes.
Research shows that Hillsborough County is a state leader in alcohol-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities. TAC collects alcohol related stats to help identify problem areas and monitor the effectiveness of alcohol prevention programs. The Coalition promotes research-based strategies and environmental approaches to reduce alcohol-related consequences.
In order for TAC to accomplish its mission, community officials, service
providers, media outlets and youth-serving organizations must work
together. Community members and representatives from organizations and
agencies are invited to attend TAC’s monthly meetings and participate in
coalition activities.
Tampa Alcohol Coalition is comprised of many key organizations and
officials throughout Hillsborough County and is lead by Chair Ellen Snelling. Representatives from the State’s Attorney
Office, law enforcement agencies, courts, Mother’s Against Drunk
Driving, Hillsborough County Schools, universities, businesses and other
concerned citizens meet on the third Tuesday of every month at 3 p.m. in
the Tampa Police Department at 9330 N. 30th Street.
There are three committees that comprise TAC- Education, Law Enforcement
and Public Policy. The Education Committee promotes alcohol/drug free
activities for schools and universities, holds awareness events, works
with the media and designs prevention ads. The Law Enforcement Committee
concentrates on enforcing underage drinking laws and impaired driving
laws. The Public Policy Committee investigates the drink specials at
local bars and works to stop bars from marketing drink promotions to
college students. This committee is researching the need for other local
alcohol policies and ordinances as well as state alcohol legislation.
How to Get Involved
Tampa Alcohol Coalition needs help from the community. We are seeking
new members who want to make a difference. For the TAC meeting schedule
go to Events. For more information contact TAC co-chair Ellen Snelling at 813-731-2696 or
er.snelling@verizon.net.
TAC PowerPoint Presentations
Tampa Alcohol Coalition Accomplishments PowerPoint
Coalition Strategies to Reduce Underage Drinking PowerPoint
TAC Alcohol Survey PowerPoint Presentation
TAC Alcohol Indicators PowerPoint Presentation
Tampa Alcohol Coalition Accomplishments
.