WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT) has been recognized by The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers, for his outstanding commitment to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. Congressman Himes was one of 16 Members of Congress to be honored for his ongoing dedication.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 10,839 alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities in 2009. Understanding the scope of this national epidemic, this year’s award recipients joined The Century Council to help educate middle school youth and their parents about responsible decision-making concerning beverage alcohol.
In May of 2010, Congressman Himes hosted The Century Council’s Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix program in Fairfield, Connecticut at Fairfield Woods Middle School. The Ask, Listen, Learn program incorporates an interactive activity that encourages kids to “say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and ‘NO’ to underage drinking.” The initiative is based on recent research by Harvard Medical School’s Dr. John Ratey, showing that for a person’s brain to function at its peak; the body needs to move. The interactive activity, as well as a supporting website, encourages kids to live a healthy lifestyle. The website also provides parents with information and strategies to help jumpstart the conversation about the dangers of underage drinking.
The Century Council is a not-for-profit organization funded by distillers including: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; Pernod Ricard USA and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. Through legislation, education, and public awareness campaigns, The Century Council is a leader in the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking and promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol.