WHO: Employee & Family Resources, Central Iowa Communities in Action, Substance Abuse Prevention Community Coalition, and Valley High School

WHAT: FREE West Des Moines Town Hall Event – to discuss Iowa’s new ‘social host’ law, prevention of underage drinking, and dangers of drinking and driving

WHERE: Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Avenue, West Des Moine

WHEN: Monday, June 30, at 7 p.m.

WHY: Kathi Berry is the mother of a victim of drunk driving. There will also be a panel of professionals to discuss ways to help young people make safe and healthy decisions and reduce underage drinking in the community.

A new ‘social host’ law in Iowa, passed this year, creates penalties for adults who allow young people to drink alcohol on their property.

Underage drinking, and drinking and driving statistics:

• Adolescents who begin drinking at the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence and 2 ½ times more likely to become abusers of alcohol than those who begin drinking at the age of 21.
• Alcohol related traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death in the 5-34 yr age group.
• Underage drinking cost the state of Iowa $600 million in 2010, according to the Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center.