Meeting will address teen alcohol abuse
Staff reporter
Underage drinking is not just against the law — it can cause long-term problems for teens.
Teen brains are still developing and drugs such as alcohol can affect that development process.
So, is there a teen drinking problem in Marion County?
According to research information from 2005, nearly one-third of Marion County eighth grade students admitted they drank alcohol during the past month. In one more year, these same students legally will be able to drive.
Linda Ogden, director of Communities in Schools of Marion County, finds those statistics disturbing.
"This is higher than the state or national average," said Ogden.
As part of a national initiative, Ogden and other professionals from Eighth Judicial District Court Services, Prairie View Inc., and Flint Hills Regional Prevention Center, will hold a Marion County town hall at 7 p.m. March 30, at Marion City Auditorium.
The purpose of the meeting is to increase community awareness of underage drinking, identify affects underage drinking have on communities, and find solutions.
"There will be cutting edge information introduced regarding brain development and alcohol that every parent should hear," said Ogden. The meeting also will attract those who work with teens such as teachers and employers.
Ogden said the majority of juvenile cases tried in youth court are underage drinking.
Acceptance of alcohol has been a generation issue.
"Many adults believe that alcohol is not a drug or use of it is not the same as an illegal drug," said Ogden. If adults do not recognize the harm, children will not either.
The town meeting will enlighten and educate participants about teen drinking and serious affects it can cause.
"Most kids in Marion County get alcohol from adults who think it's OK to provide alcohol to minors," said Ogden, and target those adults who furnish alcohol to minors.
The meeting will be moderated by Eighth Judicial District Court Chief Judge Michael Powers. Panel discussion will include information pertinent to Marion County and its youth.
For more information, contact Ogden at (620) 947-3184.
