The federal government is cosponsoring a series of more than 1,600 town-hall meetings nationwide in March and April focused on the problem of underage drinking.

The first meeting was held on March 24 in Riverton, Wyo., and was attended by Acting U.S. Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, Wyoming first lady Nancy Freudenthal, and U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo). The meetings are being sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking, and state and local leaders.

The intent of the meetings is to raise awareness of the dangers of underage drinking and educate parents, community leaders and others on how to combat the problem locally. Attendees will include public officials, parents, youths, community leaders, law-enforcement officials, highway-safety experts, alcohol-control officers, and business leaders.

"This problem is not going away on its own," said Galson. "Only by working together can we make a difference."

More information about the town hall meetings -- which will be held in all 50 states -- can be found online at www.stopalcoholabuse.gov or by calling 1-877-SAMHSA7.