CDC survey calls Columbia drunkest city in Missouri

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found Columbia as the drunkest city in the state of Missouri. The survey shows that 44.4% of driving deaths in the state are related to alcohol.

Heather Harlan, a prevention and treatment engagement specialist with the Phoenix Health Programs, said driving deaths are the worst outcome, but those numbers don’t even come close to other negative outcomes.

“People drink alcohol irresponsibly or supply it to those under the influence … Negative outcomes that include: head injuries, unintentional deaths, unplanned pregnancies, lower grades, family conflicts, academics problems, suicide and homicide,” Harlan said.

With a large number of college students living in Columbia, Harlan stated that students are a significant factor when it comes to heavy drinking.

She said the study highlights the need for education about alcohol.