Agency for alcohol poisoning: Krefeld relies on prevention for young people

Agency for alcohol poisoning: Krefeld relies on prevention for young people

Krefeld, Deutschland - In 2023, 51 children and young people with alcohol poisoning were hospitalized in Krefeld. The current study by the DAK shows a remarkable decrease of 39 percent compared to previous years. The age group comprises children from the age of ten up to young adults up to 19 years. Holger Heynckes of DAK-Gesundheit in Krefeld expressed that these numbers were gratifying, but he emphasizes that the problem must continue to be taken seriously. "Although the decline helps, many young people still drink until alcohol intoxication," he says. To counteract this, the alcohol prevention campaign "Colorful instead of blue" continues. As part of this initiative, a 12,000 euro poster competition will be held by the end of March 2025, the aim of which is to create awareness and to inform about excessive consumption. The final goal is to continue the positive development and to further reduce hospital stays due to alcohol abuse, according to the DAK.

youth surveys for Krefeld's future

At the same time, the city of Krefeld would like to hear the concerns of its young citizens. In response to the rising number of votes for the AfD of 18- to 24-year-olds in the federal states of Thuringia and Saxony, city director Markus Schön and his team offer a comprehensive youth survey. This survey enables young people to express their wishes and needs to ensure that their perspectives are integrated into the update of the municipal children's and youth development plan for 2026 to 2030. Nicely explains that many of the voters from frustration and the feeling of not being taken seriously have chosen. "It is important that we show young people that their concerns don't care about us," he emphasizes. Such measures should not only be heard the voice of the young people, but at the same time a sign of belonging and appreciation, as reported by the Westdeutsche Zeitung.