41% of alcohol-related fatalities in DC, Maryland, and Virginia involved 15 - 20 year olds. (NHTSA FARS, 2004)

Drawing The Line On Underage Alcohol Use (DTL) is a project of the Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration, Montgomery County Health and Human Services, and Family Support Center. This county-wide (Montgomery County, MD) program focuses on reducing adolescent access to alcohol and on promoting the message that underage drinking is illegal, unhealthy, and unacceptable. DTL combines education, activities, resources/support, and prevention.

DTL was developed in 1992 in cooperation with the Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Health and Human Services under a grant from the US Department of Education. Its mission is to change the public's perception regarding underage (under 21) alcohol use through:

• educational programs for schools and communities,
• healthy leisure time activities for adolescents and their communities,
• legislative change regarding underage alcohol use, and
• enforcement of the laws.

DTL is managed by Family Support Center, Inc. - a nonprofit service organization helping school staff and families prevent, recognize, and overcome mental health and behavior problems in youth from pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. It is coordinated by a Program Coordinator who calls upon prevention experts, health professionals, law enforcement personnel, and community advocates to support Drawing The Line's mission.

Funding for DTL comes from public and private sectors, as well as, foundation grants and corporations.