MONROE — The Green County Healthy Community Coalition (GCHCC) is hosting a Parents Night Out from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Ludlow Mansion (1417 Mansion Dr, Monroe). This event is open to all parents, guardians, and caregivers.

At this event, parents will learn about skills and resources to help them have conversations with kids in their lives about alcohol and other drugs. Attendees should RSVP for this event on the GCHCC website: greencohcc.org.

The beginning of Parents Night Out will start with time for parents to socialize and enjoy free food and non-alcoholic “mocktails”. During this time, parents can also connect with several local community organizations who will be available to talk with parents about their programs and services. Afterward, parents will have the opportunity to hear from local professionals and ask questions about how to have conversations about underage drinking.

This event will feature the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) “Talk. They Hear You.” curriculum, which helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other substance use. Parents who are unable to attend Parents Night Out can visit the SAMHSA website to learn more and find additional resources: samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you.

The state of Wisconsin has one of the highest binge drinking rates in the country, and Green County has one of the highest binge drinking rates in the state, with 26% of Green County adults reporting binge drinking in 2021. In the same year, 7% of Green County high school students reported binge drinking in the past 30 days, according to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Alcohol and other drug use during the teen years can interfere with normal brain development and can increase a kid’s risk of developing a substance use disorder.

Parents, guardians, caregivers, and trusted adults can make a difference in kids’ perceptions of alcohol. Research shows that kids form opinions on alcohol as early as eight years old, and this is a good time to start having conversations with kids about the dangers of underage drinking.

To learn more about the Green County Healthy Community Coalition, visit their website and Facebook page. Those interested in joining the coalition can reach out through the “Contact” page on the website.