The Mercer County community partners with a local university to discuss underage drinking.
Concord Professor Dr. Joan Pendergast and students enrolled in the social work department teamed up with the Mercer County Creating Opportunities for Youth (COFY) Coalition to host the town hall meeting.
Organizers said it's important to talk about the dangers of underage drinking and identify solutions.
"Even though we know prescription drugs is the key core problem in our community, you cannot discount underage drinking, you cannot discount tobacco use and marijuana use as well," Greg Puckett, with Community Connections, said. "We still have to focus on all those other things and do it comprehensively to make a dent."
Puckett said communication is key when it comes to preventing abuse of any substance.
West Virginia's SADD Development coordinator agrees that a collaborative, community-wide approach is the best way to maintain a happier, healthier community.
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