Each year more than 16,000 Americans die in traffic crashes involving drunk drivers, and alcohol abuse costs taxpayers an estimated $184.6 billion.

On April 11, HRSA, together with other federal agencies and private organizations, will sponsor National Alcohol Screening Day 2002, an outreach, education and screening program that raises awareness about alcohol misuse and refers individuals with alcohol problems for further evaluation.

Registered providers may conduct a special outreach event on April 11, or they can begin regular screenings of scheduled patients or clients for existing or developing alcohol abuse.  Participants receive ready-to-use education and screening materials -- including brochures, flyers and screening forms -- that elicit alcohol problems ranging from at-risk drinking to dependence.  Sites also receive step-by-step instructions for planning and conducting a screening event. 

Health care providers who want to participate in National Alcohol Screening Day 2002 should begin planning now.  Providers and health care sites that want to be listed on a toll-free telephone service used by the public to find local alcohol screening sites must complete and submit a registration form by March 1.  However, it is not necessary to register by March 1 to participate in National Alcohol Screening Day.

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