Local coalition to sponsor free "Talking Matters" ice cream social Thursday to discuss underage drinking

Underage drinking in the local community might have more of an impact than most people realize, according to Helping Services for Northeast Iowa.
The Iowa Youth Survey reveals that 23% of Allamakee County eighth graders reported having at least one drink of alcohol in the past 30 days. Even if parents know that statistic does not involve their child, it may involve someone they sit next to in school, play ball with at the park or hang out with on the weekend.
Thursday, April 14, community members will have the opportunity to talk with each other about the topic and help create ways to decrease underage drinking. Participants will learn about and have the opportunity to discuss Iowa alcohol laws, risky behaviors associated with alcohol, how alcohol use can impact car insurance, the pros and cons of social networking sites, and the importance of leading a substance-free lifestyle.
The purpose of this event is to stimulate long-lasting conversations on the topic of underage drinking and binge drinking. The overall goal of the event is to decrease underage drinking and binge drinking rates in the area.
Panel presenters at the event will include Deputy Clark Mellick - Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department, Courtney Adam - Health Educator at Northeast Iowa Community Action, Wade Bucknell - Farm Bureau Insurance, Torey Rogness - Luther College Student, and Rachel Wobeter - Food & Fitness Initiative.

Substance-Free Allamakee will host this first annual Underage Drinking/Binge Drinking Town Hall Meeting at Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank in Waukon from 6-8 p.m. All Allamakee County residents are encouraged to attend this event, which will include free ice cream sundaes and frozen yogurt.
To hear more about the event or how to get involved contact Katie Bee at kbee@helpingservices.org or by phone at 563-387-1720, ext. 104.