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Congressman Jim Gerlach brings Ask, Listen, Learn to Lionville Middle School

Exton, PA — Today, Congressman Jim Gerlach partnered with The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility’s Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix program to encourage students at Lionville Middle School to “say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and ‘NO’ to underage drinking.”

“As a parent, I know the conversation on underage drinking can be difficult,” said Congressman Gerlach. “I’m proud to be here today with Ask, Listen, Learn to share this key message and encourage families in my district to talk with their kids about the importance of making healthy decisions in middle school for thriving, happy adulthoods.”

Congressman Gerlach cheered on the middle schoolers as they energetically competed for high scores in the running competition on Ask, Listen, Learn’s interactive game. The game enables youth to learn about the negative consequences of underage drinking and the benefits of making healthy decisions while they exercise. The premise is based on research by Harvard Medical School’s Dr. John Ratey, showing that for a person’s brain to function at its peak, the body needs to move. The multimedia program includes the game and print materials, with the website presenting a pledge to live a healthy lifestyle, online games and pages featuring Ask, Listen, Learn Superstars.

Lionville Middle School Principal Jonathan Ross praised The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility’s efforts to reach his students on this essential issue. “I’m not surprised Ask, Listen, Learn is popular in middle schools across the country. I haven’t seen another alcohol education program out there that can coordinate fun learning on the interactive game in the classroom with serious conversations about underage drinking at home.”

“Even though the availability of alcohol to underage youth has declined for more than a decade, 11 percent of 8th graders report they have consumed alcohol in the past month,” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. “We hope today’s event will jumpstart conversations about the dangers of underage drinking and the rewards of living a healthy lifestyle so these students can stay on track for successful futures.”

About Ask, Listen, Learn

Ask, Listen, Learn is the most widely distributed alcohol education program of its kind. Ask, Listen, Learn’s initiatives include Asklistenlearn.com, a website that encourages kids to “say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and ‘NO’ to underage drinking” by offering kids interactive and educational games and videos. On the site kids can read about positive role models and take a pledge to make healthy choices. Parents and educators are also encouraged to visit the site for tips on how to facilitate these conversations and read interviews with gymnast Aly Raisman’s parents on how they talked to their kids about underage drinking. Ask, Listen, Learn is also on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest constantly promoting a healthy lifestyle message.

About The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility is a national not-for-profit leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol and develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns which ignite action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, their initiatives are highlighted online at www.www.responsibility.org and www.asklistenlearn.org.

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