Belgreen students get DUI message on day of prom

RUSSELLVILLE — Belgreen High School students took part in an alcohol awareness event on prom day last week where speakers talked about the dangers of driving under the influence.

They also learned about the dangers of vaping, fentanyl and other types of impaired driving.

The Belgreen High School Youth Coalition and Belgreen Ambassadors Against Substance Abuse partnered with Northwest Alabama Mental Health Coalition (NAMHC) to host the event.

Amy Tubbs, program coordinator with NAMHC, said the program was scheduled hours before prom to reach students at a critical time when alcoholrelated risks tend to rise.

Speakers from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board spoke to students. Some students drove a John Deere Gator through a course while wearing impairment goggles. An Alabama Law Enforcement Agency officer accompanied students while driving the course.

Tubbs said the goal was to give students a clearer understanding of the risks associated with substance use.

Mike Reese, a representative with the Alabama ABC Board, encouraged students to think about the consequences of their decisions.

“The main point we want to make is about choices, making good choices, because they all have the ability to do that,” Reese said.

He said fentanyl remains a concern because people may not realize they have been exposed to it.

“Most of the deaths from fentanyl happen when people are unaware they’re even being exposed to it,” he said.

Reese said counterfeit pills designed to resemble prescription medications are one way people encounter fentanyl.

Dean Argo, Alabama ABC Board representative, advised students to think carefully about the choices they make. He emphasized the importance of avoiding alcohol and drugs and making decisions that prioritize safety.

“You’re going to be on your own, and you need to make the best choices possible,” Argo said. “You can have the time of your life without being high on a substance.”