(KLZA)-- The 4 County Collaborative of southeast Nebraska is conducting an awareness campaign concerning underage drinking and opioid awareness. Members of the Collaborative would like to reach the public with some important messages this spring. This includes several messages that are important about under age drinking. First, parents need to realize that their kids may be discussing drinking with someone else. It- important for parents to engage their children in a discussion on this topic. Resources on how to start a conversation can be found at TalkHeart2Heart.org. The Collaborative wants area youth to understand the potential consequences of underage drinking. These include blackouts leading to unwanted sexual activity, legal issues such as charges for minor in possession of alcohol, unstable relationships or fighting with friends, and difficulty getting to school or work on time as well as difficulty keeping your grades up. It is also important for adults to understand that if they provide alcohol to a minor, they face some potential consequences as well. Providing alcohol to a minor can result in jail time, a fine or both. If youth who are provided alcohol end up causing property damage, bodily harm or death, then the adult who provided the beverage(s) can face additional charges as well. Free Responsible Beverage Server training is available to owners and employees of businesses that sell alcohol to help prevent underage drinking and over-serving alcohol to adults. Free Responsible Beverage Server trainings are scheduled for Monday, May 22nd at the Auburn American Legion Post #23. For businesses who sell alcohol for off-site consumption will have a course that begins at 10 am that day. For those who sell for on-site consumption the course will begin at 1 pm. Pre-registration is required and can be done via email to FourCountyCollaborative@gmail.com or by calling 402-414-2460. Other types of responsible beverage server training are available upon request as well. Opioid awareness is another issue the Collaborative wants to increase. Young people may misuse prescription opioids for many reasons, including curiosity, peer pressure, and wanting to fit in. They may also be easier to get than other drugs. After marijuana and alcohol, prescription drugs are the most commonly misused substances among Americans ages 14 and older. Teens and young adults are the biggest misusers of prescription pain medication. Recently, we have also seen opioids being purchased illegally in the U.S. that can be laced with fentanyl, which can be instantly deadly. So it- important to be clear and consistent with your kids about your expectations regarding opioids and other drug use. Parents are urged to visit TalkHeart2Heart.org for tips on how to discuss opioids with their children. People are also urged to dispose of their unused medications at med safes located throughout southeast Nebraska.” For more information visit TalkHeart2Heart.org. Anyone living or working in Nemaha, Johnson, Pawnee or Richardson counties is welcome to join the 4 County Collaborative by contacting Laura Osborne at 402-414-2460 or at FourCountyCollaborative@gmail.com.