Title
Proclamation declaring September 22, 2008 "Family Day" in Allegheny County.
Body
WHEREAS, the use of illegal and prescription drugs and the abuse of alcohol and nicotine constitute the greatest threats to the well-being of America's children; and
WHEREAS, thirteen years of surveys conducted by The National Center on Addition and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University have consistently found that the more often children and teenagers eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, and use illegal drugs; and
WHEREAS, frequent family dining is associated with lower rates of teen smoking, drinking, illegal drug use, and prescription drug abuse; and
WHEREAS, the correlation between frequent family dinners and reduced risk for teen substance abuse is well-documented; and
WHEREAS, parents who are engaged in their children's lives through such activities as frequent family dinners are less likely to have children who abuse substances; and
WHEREAS, family dinners have long constituted a substantial pillar of family life in America;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Allegheny County Council hereby declares Monday, September 22, 2008 “Family Day” in Allegheny County. Furthermore, we urge all citizen recognize and participate in the observance of Family Day-A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children.