Town hall meetings scheduled at Centre, Peabody
Peabody-Burns High School and Centre High School will host community dinner meetings to address the problem of underage drinking in Marion County.
The meeting at Peabody will be at 6 p.m. April 3 at the high school. Registration is required and due Thursday by calling 620-983-2198.
The meeting at Centre High School is at 6 p.m. April 7 at the school. Registration is due Wednesday by calling 785-983-4304.
Both sessions will be conducted in conjunction with Communities in Schools of Marion County. Both meetings are free.
According to CIS director Linda Ogden, research indicates children who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are five times more likely than those who start after age 21 to develop alcohol problems.
Alcohol use among youth is strongly correlated with violence, risky sexual behavior, poor academic performance, and other harmful behaviors.
The meeting will include special speakers, PowerPoint presentations, discussion, and a free meal. Child care will be provided.
All interested individuals including law enforcement officers, city officials, teachers and administrators, ministers, businessmen, parents, grandparents, patrons, and youth in grades 7-12 are invited to attend.
