KENTUCKY — A 2020 study from safehome.org shows Kentucky is the 43rd heaviest drinking state in America.

The report says that nearly 60% of Americans say they are regular drinkers, and the average American consumes 2.3 gallons of alcohol annually.

Tara McGuire works with the nonprofit New Vista Regional Prevention Center which is based in Lexington and joins In Focus Kentucky to discuss information about the Kentucky statewide alcohol prevention enhancement specialist program. 

"It is really important to bring light to this important issue in our state, you know, because there are so many things that Kentucky, in recent years, has seen really positive outcomes in regards to alcohol prevention, such as decreases in underage drinking, and even alcohol-related collisions. But despite these positive things, much still needs to be done to reduce underage drinking, high risk alcohol use, and the related consequences across Kentucky," explained McGuire.