Fresno County billboard campaign against underage drinking unveiled

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Some hardworking teenagers are sending a very public and not so subtle message that may save someone's life.

Fresno County Friday Night Live youth leaders unveiled their healthy billboard campaign against underage drinking this week. It's designed to encourage their peers to remain sober during graduation season.

Alcohol is the most widely abused substance among teens. Nationally, 14 percent of 10th graders and 28 percent of 12th graders reported being drunk at least once in the last month.

"So we want to send a positive message like this, and we also want to make a positive change in our community for future generations to come," said Yessenia Cuenca, a sophomore at Hoover High School.

Each year, approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking.

Partial funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.