The Gift Therapist Advocates Alternatives to Underage Drinking

Communities That Care, in collaboration with Westmoreland Human Opportunities/Community Prevention Services of Westmoreland and the Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc. in Westmoreland County, Pa, is one of hundreds of communities nationwide that will hold an Underage Drinking Prevention National Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, April 3, 2008 in the Monessen High School Auditorium to discuss and raise awareness about the issue of underage drinking. Communities That Care, in collaboration with the Federal government’s Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Prevention of Underage Drinking is sponsoring the event. Parents, teachers, officials, youth, and other community members will be educated about the impact that underage drinking has on the community, and they will develop possible ways to address this issue.

Jennifer Melnick Carota, also known as the Gift Therapist, has been invited to serve as Master of Ceremonies for this timely event. As an author, speaker and community champion, Ms. Carota will emphasize the necessity of civic engagement, community mobilization, and innovative youth development strategies to increase positive outcomes for youth in neighborhoods throughout the Mon Valley region.

National data shows that approximately 29 percent of youth ages 12 to 20 have used alcohol illegally. By the time they reach eighth grade, 41 percent of adolescents have had at least one drink, and almost 20 percent report having been “drunk.” Also, Westmoreland County data suggests the availability of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other drugs is a major problem impacting the county.

What: Underage Drinking Prevention: National Town Hall Meeting
When: Thursday April 3 at 6pm
Where:Monessen High School Auditorium, State Road, Monessen, PA 15601

Contact Information

Jennifer Melnick Carota

Master of Ceremonies

BHRS Resources and Consulting, Inc.

Contact via E-mail