Underage drinking subject of youth meeting tonight

A meeting tonight hosted by the Community Council on Youth will explore underage drinking in Carson City.

"We really want the public to bring their concerns, maybe some of their ideas on what they could do to hopefully change the drinking patterns," said Barbara Jones of CCOY.

According to Students Against Drunk Driving, in 2005, 75 percent of students had consumed alcohol (more than just a few sips) by the end of high school. About 41 percent of students have consumed alcohol (more than just a few sips) by 8th grade.

Jones said alcohol-related traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among youth.

Eric Ohlson, executive director of CCOY and a panel of speakers will be on hand to offer information and answer questions from the public.

Jones said the meeting will be valuable for parents to learn about and discuss the problem of underage drinking in Carson City, as well as discuss possible strategies for reducing underage drinking.

The meeting is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Sierra Room at the Carson City Community Center.

The meeting will also be carried live on Charter Cable Channel 26.