Wisconsin has one of the highest rates of alcohol use in the nation, according to the state's department of health and family services.

Underage drinking is a widespread problem throughout the country.

And one community right here is taking action to reduce underage drinking among its young adults.

Underage drinking was the topic of discussion Wednesday night at Osseo-Fairchild High School.

The meeting was set up in response to the Youth Behavior Risk Survey, which the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released at the end of last year.

This survey found that 24 percent of high school students reported experimenting with alcohol before the age of 13.

About half reported drinking alcohol in the 30 days prior to taking the survey.

Community leaders are looking to develop a plan to deal with underage drinking.

Both the police chief and a local insurance agent, who are also parents themselves, are leading the effort in Osseo.

About 35 people discussed why underage drinking even takes place before watching a short film about where the majority of underage drinkers get their alcohol.

The answer? Their own home.

"I hope the community leaves with an action plan that we can implement," said Heidi Styer-Weir, elementary guidance counselor for the Osseo-Fairchild school district.

Organizers say they're trying to raise awareness of the severe effects that alcohol has on the brain as well the liability issues parents will face if they host an underage drinking party.

Janet Porter is the parent of a high school freshman.

She says she's talked to her daughter about drinking but is concerned about the issue.

"I want to see what our community has in mind to help deal with the issue, and i want to be proactive."

Osseo was one of eleven communities in Wisconsin to hold a meeting like this one in response to the survey.

The Osseo school district has programs in place to help prevent alcohol use, as well as a guidance class, and "safe and drug free" after-school programs for children in grades K-5.