LEWISTON – SAD 52 and Healthy Androscoggin have announced two upcoming events that address underage drinking.

Maine’s First Lady Karen Baldacci will present “Reach Out Now,” an underage drinking prevention program to SAD 52 fifth- and sixth-graders on Monday, May 12.

At 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, Healthy Androscoggin will host a town hall meeting and recognition ceremony for underage drinking prevention in the Lewiston High School cafeteria.

Reach Out Now is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Baldacci will lead the discussion about why and how young people can avoid alcohol use at Turner Elementary School.

“Most fifth- and sixth-graders in our communities are not using alcohol, but it is a decision many face,” said Baldacci, a member of the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, a national campaign lead by governors’ spouses.

She said, “Far too many children are beginning to drink at a dangerously early age. This Reach Out Now Teach-In is an important step in helping our kids get a clear and consistent message at home and at school that underage drinking is dangerous, illegal and unacceptable.”

The Healthy Androscoggin event will begin with refreshments catered by the Green Ladle, the Lewiston Regional Technical Center Culinary Arts Program.

Steven Rowe, Maine’s Attorney General, will open the evening with information about the damaging effects of alcohol use on the young brain and on the community.

Several Androscoggin County groups, including the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council and the Lisbon High School Students Against Destructive Decisions Chapter, will be recognized for their efforts to prevent youth alcohol use.

The public is invited to attend the free event. For more information, contact Healthy Androscoggin at 795-5990, [email protected] or visit www.healthyandroscoggin.org.