New York, NY - Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement in recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, which takes place during the month of April:

"Every year, during the month of April, our nation observes Alcohol Awareness Month. This is a unique time to facilitate discussion of alcohol-related issues to raise public understanding of the physical and psychological effects that alcohol abuse can have on our communities.

Alcohol is one of the most prevalent causes of mortality in America today. Its abuse claims over 15,000 deaths annually. Over 50% of adults in the United States claim to use alcohol frequently and over 20% engage in harmful binge drinking activities on a somewhat regular basis.

Alcohol-related hospitalization rate in Manhattan has increased over the last decade. This is a serious problem. Alcohol abuse has been directly linked to depression, suicide, and personal violence in our society. In 2009 alone, over 300 people were killed in New York City as a result of drunk driving.

But we cannot only worry about adults. Each year, about 5,000 underage individuals die of alcohol-related activities. Studies have also shown that alcohol abuse among adolescents can also inhibit liver, bone, and brain development, posing a long-term threat to communities throughout the nation. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to discuss the effects of alcohol with those who may not fully understand its implications.

We must recognize what we, as community members, can do to decrease the prevalence of alcohol-related illnesses. I strongly urge everybody to make use of the resources at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (http://www.niaaa.nih.gov) as well those provided as a result of the good work done by the Century Council, the Alcoholism Council of New York, and at Alcoholics Anonymous to start a local discussion about the truly adverse effects of alcohol abuse."