One in four Sophomore high school students in Dubois County drink alcohol on a monthly basis and it’s easier for youth to get their hands on marijuana than alcohol.
Both are staggering thoughts that are of concern to community members and parents and a new group has been formed in Dubois County to address local issues of alcohol and drug use among youth.
The group, Dubois County Coalition for Adolescent Resilience and Empowerment Strategies or also known as “CARES” has been working to organize itself and introduce the coalition to the community.
In a news release, it describes the initiation of four town hall style meetings or community conversations will be held in each of the county’s four school districts.
The first will take place next Monday April 4th, at the Dubois Middle School.
Community conversations will focus on how alcohol and drug use, specifically marijuana, are impacting youth, families and Dubois County as a whole.
Discussions will cover what the Indiana Youth survey says about local youth substance use. In addition, materials will be available to prepare parents, grandparents, and friends to talk to their youth.
The community meetings are an opportunity to learn more about alcohol and drug use among youth, how to talk to youth about issues with substance use, and ways you can help the coalition achieve its mission to empower youth to be alcohol and drug free.
Each community conversation event is open to the public and free of charge. Conversations will begin at 7 pm and parents, grandparents, community members and those who work with youth are encouraged to attend.
Other meetings are set for:
- Wednesday, April 13th at Jasper Middle School
- Monday, April 18th at the Southridge Middle School Auditorium
- And Wednesday April 27th at the Tri-County YMCA in Ferdinand
Residents are invited to join in the conversation to learn more about ways they can help CARES in its mission and more importantly support a sustainable alcohol and drug free culture for Dubois County youth.
For more information contact:
Donna Oeding 812-481-7050 dcoeding@duboiscountyin.org
or Bill Potter 812-639-6952 gm@dcbroadcasting.com
