Statistics I find interesting or unusual
According to CDC (2017), 25.1% of adults aged 18 years and above were engaged in heavy drinking in 2016. The minimum age for alcohol consumption is at 21 years (Fromme, Wetherill & Neal, 2010). These statistics are disturbing. First, it implies that the minimum age restriction is disregarded and therefore there is a need for reemphasizing this restriction. Secondly, the percentage rate heavy drinking; this implies that this percentage could be engaged in continuous drinking as part of their lifestyle, which indicates that the society is at risk of developing complications resulting from alcohol consumption.
The ways these statistics can help policymakers protect public health
Policies are directed at streamlining operations in the social set up as well as other organizational levels. The success of a policy depends on the underlying principles. Policies based on sufficient the amount of statistical evidence addresses the urgent needs or most relevant needs in the society (Macintyre, 2003). For instance, a society can report 5% annual rise in delinquency, breakage of families due to alcohol and other drug intakes: on the other hand, the same society could be having a facility supported by the community that educates families to avoid alcohol intake and conduct rehabilitation programs. If the facility records a 15% annual improvement in its results, the statistics work in favor of passing a bill that supports the financing of community initiatives to educate families on the dangers of alcohol and other drug intakes as well as rehabilitating those that are extremely affected. In this case, the bill is evidenced-based because it relies on the statistics showing the negative impacts of drugs use and the positive effect of running a rehabilitation center. Thus, such policies find strong support from the community and other legislatures. This enhances the protection of community interest by improving its health, safety, social integrity, and access to taxes.
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References
Fromme, K., Wetherill, R. R., & Neal, D. J. (2010). Turning 21 and the associated changes in drinking and driving after drinking among college students. Journal of American College Health, 59 (1), 21-27.
Macintyre, S. (2003). Evidence-based policy making: impact on health inequalities still needs to be assessed. BMJ, 326 (7379): 5–6.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017). Alcohol Use. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm
