Expert Shines Spotlight on Underage Drinking Epidemic

Police chiefs, sheriffs and a local judge will convene and host a town hall meeting this week to deal with an underage-drinking epidemic that, officials say, may worsen during summer break.

Law officials, including North Canton Police Chief Stephan Wilder, will discuss how underage drinking has played a part in teen arrests, injuries and fatalities in the region, and what steps can be taken to stem the problem, according to the project’s coordinator, Fran Gerbig.

North Canton Police Sgt. John Minock said Wilder will likely focus on the fact that many local stores were recently cited for illegally selling alcohol to minors, and how that crackdown may help reduce teen drinking. 

“With the end of the school year fast approaching, this is a time when the rate of youth illegally using alcohol rises exponentially, said Gerbig, who represents both the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Stark County and the Stark County Anti-Drug Coalition.

Parents and even neighborhoods need to be aware of what is happening around them and be vigilant in making sure graduation parties, social gatherings and other summertime events where underage children are involved are alcohol and drug-free.”

According to Gerbig, attendees will come away with a better understanding of:

• Why providing alcohol to an underage teenager is not a “rite of passage”.
• The laws that put adults at risk of fines and/or jail time if they knowingly provide alcohol to children.
• How the teen brain is still developing and how that affects their decision making abilities.
• Guidelines for how to talk to your teens about this issue and how to monitor their activity.
• Learn the signs of underage drinking and what to do if you suspect your teen is abusing alcohol.

Perry Township Police Chief Michael Pomesky, Stark County Sheriff George Maier, and the Honorable Judge Rosemarie Hall will also offer presentations during the free community event.

The meeting will be held April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the R.G. Drage Career Technical Center, located at 2800 Richville Dr. SW in Massillon.