Talk It Out NC Exhibit at N.C. State Fair Encourages Families to Start the Conversation About Dangers of Underage Drinking

"Talk it Out NC is dedicated to empowering families and community members by providing the tools to prevent underage drinking. ‘Safety City' at the N.C. State Fair is a wonderful platform for us to engage with the community and promote these crucial conversations," said Jeff Strickland, Public Affairs Director at the North Carolina ABC Commission. "We're thrilled to collaborate with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Governor's Highway Safety Program,to promote important messages about our shared mission of keeping North Carolinians safe."

Talk it Out NC's recent 2023 State of Underage Drinking survey shows that a majority of students in North Carolina know people around their age who have talked about and tried alcohol. The report also found:

• The average student tries alcohol by age 14.
• 93% of students feel talking about alcohol with parents would help prevent underage drinking.
• 52% of middle school students and 46% of high schoolers believe people their age are too embarrassed or afraid to talk to their parents about alcohol.

Talk it Out NC's interactive booth at "Safety City" will help young people, families, and other fairgoers understand the dangers of underage drinking, drinking and driving, and the powerful impact conversations can have on keeping children safe.

Activities at the Talk it Out NC booth include:

1. Impairment Simulation Goggles: Fairgoers can try on alcohol impairment goggles that simulate blood alcohol content levels. These goggles provide a firsthand experience of the challenges posed by alcohol impairment.
2. Meet our Team: Talk it Out NC Ambassadors and staff will be available for one-on-one chats to share strategies for addressing underage drinking. Local representatives from different ABC Boards will rotate throughout to discuss the impact of their efforts in local communities.
3. Hands-On Activities: Stop by to help us color our giant Talk it Out mural! Talk it Out NC will discuss how positive activities help build a community and allow children to connect with positive role models.
4. Giveaways and Handouts: A better understanding of the impacts of underage drinking isn't the only thing families will take away from "Safety City." Talk it Out NC's booth will be filled with giveaways and handouts to keep the conversation going well after the fair.
5. Tips to Start the Conversation: Research shows early and often how conversations help reduce underage drinking. Age-appropriate conversations can be a challenge for some parents, but Talk it Out NC Ambassadors and staff will be on hand with tools and tips to Start the Conversation.

"Safety City" will be at the N.C. State Fair from October 12 to 22. "Safety City" is located behind the Kerr Scott Building at 4285 Trinity Road in Raleigh, located at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds . The exhibit is a collaboration between state, county, and local agencies, as well as law enforcement and nonprofit organizations.