Officials warn of dangers of underage drinking

Posted on December 23, 2014

Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in Illinois. (Photo courtesy BernstRostad/flickr)

By Joe Ragusa

SPRINGFIELD – Underage drinking can lead to a minefield of other problems: sexual assault, violence and driving while under the influence.

Kim Fornero is the Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Positive Youth Development with the Illinois Department of Human Services. She's trying to get the word out about underage consumption of alcohol and other substances.

"We're making sure that we're bringing awareness up, and I think that means people are looking at things differently and are making sure they have designated driver or making other plans to arrive home safety as opposed to getting behind the wheel," Fornero said.

Fornero said alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in Illinois.

Joe Ragusa can be reached [email protected].

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