Johnstown, PA (April 9, 2021) – Spring is here and so is Alcohol Awareness Month! As we move into warmer weather and the easing of COVID-related restrictions regarding community events, fundraisers, and festivals where alcohol may be served, it is essential that nonprofit and charitable organizations with club or catering club liquor licenses and/or special permits to serve alcohol do so safely.
That’s why Cambria County Drug & Alcohol Program has partnered with The Learning Lamp to coordinate two free RAMP (Responsible Alcohol Management Program) Server/Seller Training sessions in the month of April. The three-hour trainings, led by a PA Liquor Control Board-approved RAMP trainer, aim to raise awareness of the rules and ensure staff and/or volunteers know how to safely serve alcohol by recognizing the signs of intoxication and ensuring customers are 21 or older.
Alcohol is the most widely used substance by youth and adults in the U.S. About 95,000 Americans die from alcohol-related causes annually. In 2020, Cambria County Drug & Alcohol Program and its provider partners conducted a comprehensive assessment of substance use from the PA Youth Survey and other data sources. Among both youth and adult sectors, 30-day use of alcohol, which is typically characterized as regular use, was identified as among the top four substance use problems county-wide.
“We are pleased to offer these free trainings to our community organizations,” said Fred Oliveros, Administrator, Cambria County Drug & Alcohol Program. “Our goal is to raise awareness of the dangers associated with alcohol use and to ensure that alcohol-related events are managed properly.”
For special occasion permit holders or one-day licensees, RAMP certification is not required but is strongly encouraged to reduce potential liability for problems associated with serving alcohol. In fact, insurance companies often offer discounts as an incentive for organizations to complete RAMP training.
Upcoming trainings will be held Saturday, April 24 from 1-4 p.m. at the Cresson American Legion, 222 Ashcroft Avenue, in Cresson and Wednesday, April 28 from 5-8 p.m. at the Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center, 445 Schoolhouse Road, in Richland Township. Seating is limited to 40 participants for each training. Registration is required.
People can register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AprilRAMP.
For more information, contact Prevention Specialist Elizabeth ElBayly at 814-262-0732 ext. 287 or email eelbayly@thelearninglamp.org.