America's chief health educator will make his first appearance in Wyoming this week, said first lady Nancy Freudenthal.

U.S. Surgeon General Steven Galson will speak in Riverton Monday about underage drinking.

The Wyoming First Lady's Initiative, in conjunction with the Wyoming Department of Health, will hold a town hall meeting to examine the science and consequences of underage drinking.

"People see underage drinking as a rite of passage and think nothing will come of it," Freudenthal said. "We are really moving away from the moral lecture to parents and want to talk to them about the health risks."

She said to have "the top public health educator" talking about the health risks of underage drinking in Wyoming should have a significant impact.

More than three decades ago, when the surgeon general spoke out against cigarette smoke, Freudenthal said, it resulted in warning labels on cigarettes and a reduction in smokers.

Surgeon General Galson has now presented his stand to prevent underage drinking.

Laura Griffith, coordinator for the Wyoming First Lady's Initiative, said there were two reasons the surgeon general will be in the state.

One is so the state can support his call to action to reduce underage drinking and to celebrate the number and scope of prevention programs in Wyoming. People involved in many of these programs have been invited to attend Monday's event. The event is open to the public.

"We think it's a great honor to have him," Griffith said. "It will provide some visibility to our ongoing discussions about underage drinking."

Community coalitions, youth programs, public health nurses, physicians, teachers and other interested parties have been invited to attend.

"We expect a statewide audience," Griffith said.

The surgeon general will also have breakfast with health care providers Tuesday morning and then make a visit to the Wind River Indian Reservation. He will visit students at the local schools.

Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.