In honor of National Alcohol Awareness Month, community organizations across Illinois are hosting town hall meetings in April and May to discuss underage drinking.  The closest event is on April 22^nd in Mount Vernon.  The town hall meetings, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, will bring together community leaders and residents to discuss the problem of underage drinking in their community and work together to find solutions.  Now in its 28^th year, National Alcohol Awareness Month takes place every April to encourage families and communities to reflect on the societal and health effects of alcohol consumption and promote drinking prevention for adolescents.  Underage drinking is associated with an increased risk of negative outcomes like poor academic performance, violence and sexual assault, and serious car accidents and fatalities.  The theme of the 2014 meetings is “Our Town, Our Health. Our Future.”  These events are open to anyone and are free of charge.  Mission Possible Coalition is hosting the event at the Rolland Lewis Building in Veteran’s Park beginning at 6 PM.