Lake County Youth Tackle Underage Drinking
Empowering Youth to Create Safer Communities in Lake County
Youth leaders from Lower Lake High School’s Friday Night Live club are advocating for safer communities by educating alcohol retailers, raising awareness, and promoting responsible alcohol policies with support from Lake County Behavioral Health Services.
Board Chair and District 3 Supervisor, Eddie Crandell set the tone for a day of celebration, discussion, and priority setting. The County of Lake sincerely appreciates all Department Heads for their full-day commitment and preparation for this important event.
FNL shares the same mission as the LCBHS, which works to "improve the quality of life for the [youth] and people of Lake County experiencing mental illness or substance use disorder." This partnership highlights the county’s commitment to prevention and community wellness. FNL is part of a larger network, with 45 chapters across California supported by the California Friday Night Live Partnership (CFNLP). Funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the program uses environmental prevention strategies to address underage drinking.
More details can be found here.
Although underage drinking rates are declining, it still impacts our communities. The 2023 California Healthy Kids Survey raised concerns, prompting Lake County leaders and youth advocates to take action. FNL educates peers and local businesses on preventing alcohol misuse through awareness campaigns and retailer outreach. As part of a year-long prevention effort, Lower Lake High School’s FNL chapter partners with alcohol retailers to assess stores and promote responsible sales. Youth leaders will also work directly with merchants to implement safety measures that reduce youth access to alcohol while also informing customers about the legal consequences of providing alcohol to minors.
Also fundamental to the initiative, FNL members will receive training in public speaking, data collection and campaign development. From creating public service announcements to engaging with community leaders, these students gain valuable skills that empower them to make a lasting impact. Locally, Lake County Behavioral Health Services plays a key role in facilitating these efforts, ensuring young people have the resources and support needed to drive meaningful changes. By providing guidance, funding and community engagement, the county prioritizes resident well-being and fosters youth-led prevention initiatives.
Click here to read the press release.
For further details into the research, please see the resources below:
Youth at Lower Lake High School are taking action through Friday Night Live (FNL), a youth-led statewide initiative supported by Lake County Behavioral Health Services (LCBHS) that educates their peers, engages local retailers, and promotes healthier choices.