Community discussion on underage drinking set for April 30

Research scientist Julia Dilley will speak about the state and local impacts of liquor privatization during a town hall-style community discussion on underage drinking in Whatcom County from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, at the St Luke’s Community Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham.

The event, free and open to the public, also will include Bellingham youth who will share results from their recent survey of alcohol advertising and marketing in our community.

“We will explore how our misperceptions about youth alcohol consumption can affect our ability to address this issue at the community level,” said Ann Russell, Campus Community Coalition coordinator.

Dilley currently works with state and local health departments and tribes in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and New Mexico. Her current research projects include studies of health disparities and the impact of policy – including alcohol privatization – on behaviors and public health outcomes. She is a senior research scientist and principal investigator with Program Design and Evaluation Services, an interagency public health research and evaluation unit within Multnomah County Health Department and Oregon Health Authority.

During the community discussion, participants will examine the changes all of us can make – whether student, parent, teacher, neighbor, family, friend or health care professional – to create an environment in Whatcom County where youth can feel supported and inspired.

The event will empower attendees to address some of the environmental attributes that affect underage alcohol use in Whatcom County. By learning to promote health and commit to keeping misperceptions in check the discussion will help encourage a community that supports all its members to make positive choices about their health and quality of life.

This event may be especially useful to students, parents, teachers, policy makers, neighborhood residents and health care professionals.

Light refreshments will be provided. Translation services can be made available. Reservations are strongly encouraged (to plan for food and seats).

This event is sponsored by The Campus Community Coalition, The Whatcom Prevention Coalition, WWU Prevention and Wellness Services and the Whatcom County Health Department, and made possible with funding from the Campus Community Coalition, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.