Oregon Health Authority’s Rethink the Drink campaign promotes July 4 safety
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) --- The Oregon Health Authority is encouraging residents to plan for safe July 4 celebrations, urging individuals to "Rethink the Drink" to prevent excessive alcohol use. The initiative emphasizes planning ahead to protect individuals, families and communities as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to motor vehicle crashes, preventable deaths and other health concerns across the state.
More than one in five adults in Oregon drink excessively, contributing to more than 3,000 alcohol-related deaths each year. Alcohol is involved in more than one-third of motor vehicle crashes in Oregon, with impaired driving remaining a leading cause of preventable death.
The Oregon Health Authority is the lead agency for the "Rethink the Drink" campaign, which aims to address these issues.
Independence Day celebrations frequently involve barbecues, parades, fireworks and gatherings with friends and loved ones. Alcohol is often part of these celebrations and its widespread presence can lead people to drink more than they intended or feel pressure to drink.
Binge drinking, defined as four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men on a single occasion, poses particular risks during holiday weekends. Beyond motor vehicle crashes, it can lead to violence, falls and other preventable injuries. Data shows that people in their 30s and 40s report binge drinking at nearly the same rate as younger individuals, though most in this age group do not have an alcohol use disorder.
Long-term effects of drinking beyond recommended limits include serious health consequences such as liver and heart disease and several types of cancers. Excessive drinking can also influence how children and teens view alcohol if it is consistently associated with holidays and celebrations.
Dr. Tom Jeanne, deputy state health officer and deputy epidemiologist at OHA, stressed the importance of holiday safety and planning. “This weekend is about celebrating our nation's history and spending time with the people who matter most,” Dr. Jeanne said. “As people across Oregon gather to mark our country's 250th birthday, we want everyone to plan ahead so the holiday is both fun and safe. If alcohol is part of your plan, arrange for a safe ride home before you go. Setting a limit and tracking your drinks can also help you avoid drinking more than you intended.”
The OHA offers several tips for a safe celebration, including planning a designated driver, using public transportation or ride-share services and hosting responsibly by offering non-alcoholic beverages. They also recommend staying hydrated by drinking water and eating food while consuming alcohol and considering drinking less by swapping alcoholic beverages with water or low-sugar mixers, or watering down drinks. Additional advice includes setting a weekly limit, tracking drinks using mobile apps or other tools and having conversations with loved ones about the prevalence of alcohol in daily life.
Dr. Jeanne also highlighted the broader health benefits of reducing alcohol intake. “Even small changes in drinking habits can meaningfully improve your health,” Dr. Jeanne said. “And no matter who you are, drinking less is better for your health than drinking more.”
The "Rethink the Drink" campaign is a health communications initiative led by OHA in partnership with Oregon's Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission and the Oregon Department of Transportation. This collaboration invites Oregonians to engage in mindful conversations about when, how much and why they drink, not only during holidays but throughout the year.
Resources are available at RethinkTheDrink.com to help individuals who want to drink less, or to support those with alcohol use disorder and their loved ones. The campaign also maintains a presence on Facebook and Instagram.
