DIXFIELD – Police are preparing to launch a program targeting underage drinking with grant funding provided by the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition.

Sgt. Jeff Howe said plans are under way to bring the four-hour anti-alcohol session to Dirigo High School this spring.

He said goggles that show how vision and balance are affected by intoxication, as well as the so-called “convincer” that demonstrates what can happen when a seat belt is not used, are among the items to be displayed.

He said part of the program will encompass the entire high school population. Special emphasis will be on juniors and seniors. According to state statistics on underage drinking, River Valley-area young people drink more often than others in the state or Oxford County.

For seniors, 52.6 percent of River Valley youths said they had consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. That compares with 45.6 percent of Oxford County students, and 44.9 of seniors statewide. The survey was taken in 2008.

The department is working to acquire golf carts to use during the demonstration that would show the difficulty of driving and drinking. The goggles will be used to show the impact.

Town police also are working with law enforcement agencies from Rumford, Mexico, Oxford County, Fryeburg and the Maine State Police to organize a team that would respond to underage drinking parties, said Howe.