Leading the nation in underage drinking is one of Wisconsin’s more dubious distinctions.
According to a report released last week by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the rate of underage drinking (ages 12 to 20) was highest in Wisconsin at 39.5 percent and lowest in Utah, at 21.3 percent.
To help address the problem, a consortium of local groups are sponsoring a town hall meeting on middle school drinking tonight at the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center. The program, “Start Talking Before They Start Drinking,” is aimed at parents and other adults who are concerned about youngsters and alcohol abuse.