An important discussion on underage and high-risk drinking and possible solutions for this national issue will take place on the West Virginia University campus Wednesday, April 16, from 5:30-7 p.m. in Room G20 Ming Hsieh Hall, Downtown Campus. The community at large – from students and parents to school officials and health care professionals – is encouraged to attend and participate in the dialogue.

The town hall-style meeting is being co-sponsored by WVU and the City of Morgantown with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It will feature representatives from the health care profession, law enforcement, student organizations, elected officials and the alcohol beverage commission.

Scheduled panelists at the town hall meeting titled “Underage and High Risk Drinking: A Solution-Based Town Hall Dialogue” include:

  • Evan McIntyre, WVU Interfraternity Council president
  • Bob Roberts, WVU Police chief
  • Jenny Selin, mayor, City of Morgantown
  • Dr. Charles Whiteman, M.D., emergency medicine physician, Ruby Memorial Hospital
  • Gary (Gig) Robinson, education and public Information spokesman, WV Alcohol Beverage Control Administration
  • Helen Stubbs, vice president for higher education, EverFi (an organization devoted to the health and development of college students)

L. Christopher Plein, associate professor of public administration and Eberly Family Professor for Outstanding Public Service, will moderate the dialogue.

“Substance abuse in children ages 12 and older is growing, placing our young people’s health at risk,” said Cathy Yura, assistant vice president, WELLWVU. “This is not just a college-age issue, but one that we must all be concerned about as parents, as school officials as health care professionals and as enforcement agencies. We hope this dialogue will help all of us look for additional ways to curb this type of destructive and unhealthy behavior that begins at an early age.”

To view a video of the entire meeting, click here

Mayor Selin added, “Alcohol consumption by area youth contributes to many of the issues we have in our community – injuries, destruction of property, DUIs – and while much is being done to curb this type of unhealthy and risky behavior, we can do more. I encourage the community to partner with us on ideas and solutions.”

Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston, school board members, senior University leaders, elected officials and others are expected to be on hand for the discussion.

Parking in Lot 5, below the Business and Economics Building, that evening is free.

-WVU-

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