In addition to the harm caused by impaired driving and other alcohol-related trauma and violence, alcohol has been linked with over 60 diseases or conditions. According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, costs attributable to alcohol in Canada total close to 15 billion for health care, enforcement and lost productivity. In Ontario alone costs total 5.3 billion. In a comparison of direct alcohol-related revenue and costs in Ontario in 2002-2003, the deficit totaled more than $456 million.

KFL&A Public Health works closely with community partners and coordinates the Greater Kingston Area Safe & Sober Community Alliance. Several working groups including Youth Initiatives, Post Secondary, and Alcohol Strategy provide a means of targeting this work in the community. The Alcohol Strategy Working group recently provided guidance in the development of a local alcohol report which will help increase public awareness and dialogue on this important public health issue.