We applaud the city of Albert Lea and Freeborn County for their support of the Freeborn County Zero Adult Provider Program. The program will continue, thanks to a combined $4,000 allocation from the two entities.

The program has received state and national recognition, and was funded by a $5,000 grant from the Minnesota Institute of Public Health, which ran out Oct. 31.

The money will go toward paying the overtime used for bringing in off-duty police officers to address underage drinking and make Freeborn County a safer place to live.

The program is a joint effort by the Albert Lea Police Department, Freeborn County Sheriff’s

Office, Freeborn County Court Services, Freeborn County judges, Albert Lea Medical Center, Fountain Centers, Chemical Dependency Center, Freeborn County Public Health, Albert Lea School District, Alden Conger School District, Glenville Emmons School District, City Attorney, County Attorney, Alden Police Department and the MIPH.

Already, the benefits of the program can be seen. The goals of the ZAP program were to see a 50-percent increase in underage drinking arrests and a 150-percent increase in adult provider arrests. There has been a 34- percent increase in underage drinking arrests and a 600-percent increase in adult provider arrests from 2004 to 2005.

We thank the city and county for investing in the health and future of our youths.