OTTUMWA, IOWA -- After Ottumwa students dance the night away at prom they can come to the Ottumwa High School gym for a chaperoned party.
Each year the Ottumwa Substance Abuse Task Force puts together a fun-filled after-prom event for all Ottumwa ninth through twelfth graders.
The task force hopes their party keeps students away from drugs and alcohol at other events.
Director, Kathy Hasley, told KTVO that across the nation hundreds of teens are killed in alcohol-related accidents connected with prom-night celebrations.
"The other things that happen with alcohol use is not just losing a child in an accident or something, they can get alcohol poisoning. They can make poor decisions, such as engaging in sexual activity, which they normally may not do if they weren't under the influence,” Hasley said.
Hasley also reminds parents that it's important to talk to your teens to find out their after-prom plans.
The substance-free party takes place from 11:30 until 2 a.m. on Saturday.
Everything from inflatables to prizes to boxing and jousting will be at the event.