Underage drinking reaches new highs.

• Position: New Year's Celebrations - Brief article

Hospital emergency department visits involving underage drinking increase more than 250% on New Years Day, according to a study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Washington, D.C. There are an estimated 1,980 emergency department visits involving underage drinking, compared to 546 such visits on an average day.

These admission levels surpass other national holidays, which past SAMHSA studies have revealed often far exceed normal daily rates. For instance, the New Year's Day estimate is 191% higher than the Memorial Day level and 110% higher than the Fourth of July.

'This stunning increase in underage drinking-related emergency room visits on New Year's Day should be a wake-up call to parents, community leaders, and all caring adults about the potential risks our young people face for alcohol-related accidents, injuries, and death during this time of year," stresses administrator Pamela S. Hyde. "Parents, clergy, coaches, teachers, and other role models must do...