For More Information: David Glisczinski, publicist, 608-262-5258 Joel Waldinger, executive producer, 608-890-2840 The next television broadcast of Teen Connection addresses the risks of underage drinking and provides support to help prevent casual drinking and alcohol dependence among Wisconsin teens. Teen Connection "Underage Drinking" airs statewide 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 on Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) and on MPTV in Milwaukee. The program will be streamed live on wpt.org/teenconnection. The inherent risks of underage drinking include injuries from car accidents, sexual assault, homicide, suicide, and the potential for alcohol abuse and dependence. In addition to physical and emotional costs, underage drinking costs the citizens of Wisconsin approximately $1 billion every year. These costs can linger into adulthood — young people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence. The live, call-in program features a guest panel that will discuss the following: -  What are the root causes of underage drinking and its associated risks? -  Are young people more vulnerable to develop alcohol dependency than adults? -  What are the signs that a person might be developing an alcohol problem? -  Where can young people find help dealing with alcohol problems? The panel includes a young adult who is in recovery for alcohol abuse and expert advisors, including: Dan Terrio, director of Brown County Teen Leadership; Lt. Investigator Jamie Graff, Kaukauna Police Department; Tom Ritchie, clinical supervisor at Libertas Treatment Center; Taylor Putz, a youth leader at Marian University; and members from Winnebago County re:TH!NK, a project of the Winnebago County Health Department.  Teen Connection is co-produced by NEWIST/CESA 7, Educational TV Productions of Northeast Wisconsin (ETP-NEW) and WPT. Host Kathryn Bracho appears courtesy of WBAY-Channel 2 in Green Bay. The live program features a call-in option at 877-988-2888. It is a toll-free call. The service will be provided courtesy of Nsight Teleservices. For more resources, including streaming video of this and previous broadcasts, check wpt.org/TeenConnection. Viewers can text in their questions to 920-288-2574. Standard text message rates apply. Viewers can also submit questions on Teen Connection's Facebook page before or during the program at facebook.com/WisconsinTeenConnection. Joel Waldinger of WPT is the executive producer of Teen Connection. Dean Leisgang of Educational Television Productions of Northeastern Wisconsin and Eileen Littig, NEWIST/CESA #7, are co-producers. WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension. Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV, Madison; WPNE-TV, Green Bay; WHRM-TV, Wausau; WLEF-TV, Park Falls; WHLA-TV, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV, Menomonie-Eau Claire.