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March 15, 2010
Alcohol and Tobacco Stings
The CHOOSE (Communities Helping Ottawa Obtain a Safe Environment) Program partnered with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Holland Police Department to complete compliance checks in February and March in the Ottawa County area. Local law enforcement and 18-20 year olds visited random Ottawa County alcohol retailers to assess compliance with the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998, Act 58 that requires that stores/bars/restaurants do not sell alcohol to those under 21 years old. As a result of this round of checks, 77 retailers were compliant and DID NOT sell alcohol to the underage decoy, and 2 were non-compliant and DID sell alcohol to the underage decoy. This is a 97.5% Compliance Rate.
These are the establishments that were compliant with the law and DID NOT sell alcohol to a minor:
| Stanton Corners | The Barn | AJ’s Grocery |
| Port Sheldon Party Store | Tres Lobos | Young’s Party Store |
| Vitales-Zeeland | Walmart-Holland | Wesco #4 |
| Wild Chef Japanese Steakhouse | Adams Court & Convenience | AJ’s Grocery-Zeeland |
| AJ’s Party Store-Holland | Anchor Party Store | Applebee’s |
| Beechwood Inn | Borculo Express | Brann’s Steakhouse and Seafood |
| D& W #1574 | China Inn | Express Island |
| Family Fare #122 | Gringos Grill | Hampton Inn |
| Huynh Oriental Mexican Food | Itty Bitty Bar and Grill | James Street Inn |
| Johnny Carinos | Logan’s Roadhouse | Mario’s Pizzeria and Spaghetti House |
| Meijer #217 | O’Charleys | Northland Lanes |
| Northside Liquor Store | Ottawa Beach Inn | Parkway Inn |
| Piper Restaurant | Pizza Hut (River St.) | Petes Place |
| Pizza Hut (N.Park) | Raman Party Store | Red Robin Restaurant |
| Shooters Bar and Grill | Target | Santa Fe Mexican Supermarket |
| Repetes | Family Fare #123 | Rite Aid #4393 |
| Aldi Foods | Kings Cove | La Consentida Supermarket |
| La Providencia | Meijer #47 | Mi Favorita Grocery |
| Columbia Ave One Stop | Sam’s Central Street Market | Sam’s Grocery |
| New Holland Brewery | Alpenrose | Curragh’s Irish Pub |
| Lincolnshire Party Store | Southside Party Store | 8th Street Grille |
| Butch’s Dry Dock | 84 East | Skiles Tavern |
| Parrots Lounge | Village Inn Pizza Parlor | Century Lanes |
| Pizza Hut | Fricano’s Too | City Flats Hotel |
| Office Bar and Grill | Googs Pub and Grub | Double Tree |
| Wooden Shoe Tap Room | Pereddies |
There were a total of 2 establishments County wide that sold alcohol to a minor. Those were:
| Speedway (365 Butternut) | Thai Palace |
The “No Cigs for Our Kids” effort partnered with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office in December, 2009, to complete 31 undercover tobacco compliance checks which resulted in 19% sales. In February, 2010, law enforcement from the Sheriff’s Office and Holland Police Department checked 37 tobacco retailers with 14% sales.
Local law enforcement along with 15-17 year old area youth visited a random selection of tobacco retailers to assess compliance with the Youth Tobacco Act, requiring that stores not sell tobacco to kids under 18 years old. The combined compliance rate for the first and second quarters of 2009-2010 is 84 % overall.
Nationally, data shows that 90% of current adult smokers started smoking before the age of 19. According to the 2007 Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey, 58% of youth said it was “very easy” or “sort of easy” to get cigarettes, and 36% reported that they had smoked a whole cigarette for the first time before age 13. A study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine reveals that 10 percent of youth who become hooked on cigarettes are addicted within two days of first inhaling from a cigarette, and 25% are addicted within a month.
In addition, Michigan faces a penalty of losing up to 23 million dollars of their federal block grant dollars out of the state budget if they do not meet the annual minimum federal requirement of 80% compliance for the Youth Tobacco Act.
Local sting operations will continue throughout the year in Ottawa County to decrease the sales of alcohol and tobacco to minors.
March 1, 2010
Area Retailers Recognized by OSAP, CHOOSE and SFO
Ottawa County, MI-- The Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention (OSAP) Coalition, Communities Helping Ottawa Obtain a Safe Environment (CHOOSE) and Smoke Free Ottawa (SFO) are recognizing two area retailers with awards. The following businesses were given “Exemplary Retailer” awards as a result of their efforts to keep alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of minors:
-The Embassy (West Olive)-Tobacco Record: Five compliance checks since
2007 with 100% compliance; Alcohol Record: Five compliance checks since 2007
with 100% compliance
-Lucy’s Market (Grand Haven)-Tobacco Record: One compliance check since
2008 with 100% compliance: Alcohol Record: Four compliance checks since 2005
with 100% compliance
The retailers not only had outstanding records of compliance checks, but they also actively engaged their businesses by providing TIPS training to their employees and servers and attending the annual “Day with the Commissioner” sessions.
OSAP, CHOOSE and SFO would like to congratulate these retailers on being exemplary retailers in Ottawa County. Additional “Exemplary Retailers” will be honored at future OSAP meetings.
February 19, 2010
Teen Parenting Conference Taking Registrations
Local teen parents and teen parents-to-be are invited for a fun day of learning and connecting on Wednesday, February 24 from 8:30-2:30 pm at Ridgepoint Moran Park Building, 97 W. 22nd Street, Holland.
The Fifth Annual Teen Parenting Conference will feature a keynote speaker, Anne King. King has been a teacher, counselor, principal, and prevention specialist for over 35 years. Her presentation will engage the students in activities that teach parenting and the importance of family.
Other workshops throughout the day include kindergarten readiness, stress and relaxation, positive parenting, entering the working world and more. A special session just for dads will also be offered.
“Teen parents need to feel connected to the community where they live; not ostracized from it. Connecting with our community, its resources, and those who can help will equip them to be the best parents they can be,” remarked Heather Alberda, Health Educator at the Ottawa County Health Department. While the health department strives to prevent teen pregnancy, there were 399 pregnancies and 274 births to teens in Ottawa County during 2007. (The most recent data available.)
Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. All pregnant or parenting teen moms and dads through age 20 are invited to attend. For more information, directions or to register for the conference, call 616-393-5774, or email halberda@miottawa.org. Transportation is available from many local schools.
The conference is organized by the Ottawa Youth Sexual Health Coalition and sponsored by MI Works and Ridgepoint Moran Park in order to provide education, resources and support to teen parents in Ottawa County.
February 5, 2010
Health Department Hits the Road to “Give Kids a Smile”
On February 5, 2010, the Ottawa County Health Department’s “Miles of Smiles” mobile dental unit will hit the road to recognize the seventh annual “Give Kids a Smile Day!” Dr. Bruce Seitz will volunteer his day providing comprehensive dental care for Medicaid-insured and qualifying uninsured children at Great Lakes Elementary School in Holland. In addition, over 550 students at the school will receive a dental care kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.
“Give Kids a Smile!” is a nationwide event of the American Dental Association designed to provide free oral health care to as many dentally underserved children as possible. Dental professionals in dental offices, dental clinics and dental schools in all 50 states will open their doors on this day to provide free dental care to dentally underserved children. The event also raises awareness about the number of children with unmet dental needs and the obstacles they face when seeking dental care.
In Ottawa County, there are 11,712 children qualifying for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program; 5,594 uninsured children; and 5,892 children living in poverty. In the 2008/2009 school year, 396 initial dental exams on “Miles of Smiles” (MOS) patients documented 828 teeth with decay (2.09 cavities per child). Since 1999, an average 31% reduction in tooth decay has been documented on MOS patients. In 2008/2009, a 52% reduction in tooth decay was documented on patients—the largest reduction in disease since initiation of “Miles of Smiles”! A network of 100 volunteer dentists and hygienists, grant allocations, and county support has facilitated over 23,000 client appointments on “Miles of Smiles”.
“Pain from untreated dental disease makes it difficult for children to eat, sleep and pay attention in school. Poor oral health also affects their self-esteem,” said Lois Havermans, RDH, CHES, Dental Team Supervisor for Ottawa County Health Department. While “Give Kids a Smile” day provides free dental care to children who would not otherwise be able to access care, the children touched by this event are only a small portion of those in need. The event is not a solution to the problem but a way of creating awareness of the unmet dental needs within the community.
The “Miles of Smiles” mobile dental unit serves qualifying children pre-school through twelfth grade at approximately 25 school locations throughout Ottawa County. Appointments are necessary. Caregivers with children who are Medicaid-insured or children who are without dental insurance and in need of dental care, should call 616-393-5694 to see if their child qualifies for “Miles of Smiles” dental services. Applications are also available at www.miOttawa.org/Health
Sponsors for “Give Kids a Smile Day” include Henry Schein Dental Supplies and the Michigan Dental Association. Grantors to support the “Miles of Smile” mobile unit have included the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, the Holland Junior Welfare League, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, the West Michigan Dental Foundation and Delta Dental.
February 2, 2010
CHOOSE a Sober, Designated Driver Before the Super Bowl Begins
Ottawa County – Super Bowl Sunday is one of the year's most dangerous days on the nation's roadways due to impaired driving. The Ottawa County Health Department’s CHOOSE Program (Communities Helping Ottawa Obtain a Safe [Alcohol] Environment) has a game-plan to reduce alcohol related injury and death locally wants to educate the community regarding this dangerous day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young males, ages 21 to 34, are most likely to be involved in automobile crashes, to drive while impaired and to be among those least likely to wear their safety belts. Research also shows that this same demographic is the core audience for major sporting events such as the Super Bowl. In 2008, over 11,000 people died in crashes involving an alcohol impaired driver with an illegal blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.
But alcohol-related crashes and fatalities can be prevented. Designating a sober driver before the Super Bowl party begins is just one of several easy steps to remember to help save lives.
If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:
- Remember you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you have served ends up in an impaired driving crash.
- Serve plenty of food and include a wide range of nonalcoholic beverages at the party.
- If you are serving alcohol, stop serving at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin offering coffee and dessert.
- Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
- Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.
If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a bar or restaurant:
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself, eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with nonalcoholic drinks.
- Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
- If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come get you; or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober. Last Call Ministries is available by calling 616-844-0980.
- Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
- Always buckle up. It is still your best defense against other impaired drivers.
Driving while impaired is not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. The tragedies and costs from drinking and driving impaired do not just end at potential death, disability or injury. Violators who are caught will be spending their money on bail, court fees, lawyers and towing fees. Finally, there is the potential humiliation and further consequences after informing family, friends and employers.
Please remember to pass your keys to a sober driver before the big game begins. The life you save might just be your own.
January 28, 2010
Teen Pregnancy Rates Rise Locally
National headlines this week reported a three percent rise in teen pregnancy. While three percent may sound insignificant, this is the first time the national rate has risen since 1990. National headlines are easy to dismiss. Pay attention. Ottawa County has also seen a rise in the rate of teen pregnancy, increasing nine percent since 2003. Picture the average senior class of an Ottawa County high school graduating. Now picture them all graduating pregnant. In 2006, 399 teens became pregnant locally.
The Ottawa County Health Department is committed to reducing teen pregnancy. The department visits local schools and teaches thousands students about reproductive health, but the conversations cannot end there. Teens want to talk to their parents and caregivers about healthy relationships and values about sex. Resources are available from the Ottawa County Health Department. The department has created “What Families Should Know about Teens, Sex and Abstinence.” The information packs are designed to help parents and other caregivers initiate conversations about healthy relationships and sexual activity. The department occasionally offers workshops for parents, with the next one scheduled on May 13 at the Challenge of Children Free Parenting Conference.
“It’s hard to say why there is a rise,” commented Heather Alberda, Reproductive Health Educator for the Ottawa County Health Department. “It is easy to point fingers. I think a lot about teen pregnancy when shows like MTV’s Teen Mom are so popular. Sometimes I wonder if activities like “sexting” are leading to unhealthy sexual behavior. It is interesting to speculate, but the best prevention adults can offer is information and two-way conversations.”
The free parent information packets are available in English and Spanish at the Ottawa County Health Department in Holland (12251 James Street) and available online at www.miottawa.org/health.
January 27, 2010
Health Department Hits the Road to “Give Kids a Smile”
On February 5, 2010, the Ottawa County Health Department’s “Miles of Smiles” mobile dental unit will hit the road to recognize the seventh annual “Give Kids a Smile Day!” Dr. Bruce Seitz will volunteer his day providing comprehensive dental care for Medicaid-insured and qualifying uninsured children at Great Lakes Elementary School in Holland. In addition, over 550 students at the school will receive a dental care kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.
“Give Kids a Smile!” is a nationwide event of the American Dental Association designed to provide free oral health care to as many dentally-underserved children as possible. Dental professionals in dental offices, dental clinics and dental schools in all 50 states will open their doors on this day to provide free dental care to dentally-underserved children. The event also raises awareness about the number of children with unmet dental needs and the obstacles they face when seeking dental care.
In Ottawa County, there are: 11,712 children qualifying for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program; 5,594 uninsured children; and 5,892 children living in poverty. In the 2008/2009 school year, 396 initial dental exams on “Miles of Smiles” (MOS) patients documented 828 teeth with decay (2.09 cavities per child). Since 1999, an average 31% reduction in tooth decay has been documented on MOS patients. In 2008/2009, a 52% reduction in tooth decay was documented on patients—the largest reduction in disease since initiation of “Miles of Smiles”! A network of 100 volunteer dentists and hygienists, grant allocations, and county support has facilitated over 23,000 client appointments on “Miles of Smiles”.
“Pain from untreated dental disease makes it difficult for children to eat, sleep and pay attention in school. Poor oral health also affects their self-esteem,” said Lois Havermans, RDH, CHES, Dental Team Supervisor for Ottawa County Health Department. While “Give Kids a Smile” day provides free dental care to children who would not otherwise be able to access care, the children touched by this event are only a small portion of those in need. The event is not a solution to the problem but a way of creating awareness of the unmet dental needs within the community.
The “Miles of Smiles” mobile dental unit serves qualifying children pre-school through twelfth grade at approximately 25 school locations throughout Ottawa County. Appointments are necessary. Caregivers with children who are Medicaid-insured or children who are without dental insurance and in need of dental care, should call 616-393-5694 to see if their child qualifies for “Miles of Smiles” dental services.
Sponsors for “Give Kids a Smile Day” include Henry Schein Dental Supplies and the Michigan Dental Association. Grantors to support the “Miles of Smile” mobile unit have included the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, the Holland Junior Welfare League, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, the West Michigan Dental Foundation, Delta Dental.
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