Training for alcohol servers offered

LUDINGTON — District Health Department # 10 will be holding several TIPS  (Training for Intervention Procedures) training sessions in Lake, Mason, and Oceana counties to teach local sellers and servers how to prevent drunk driving, underage drinking and alcohol abuse. Session participants will become certified in the TIPS program, the leading alcohol server training program in the country.

TIPS training enhances the people skills of the servers, sellers and consumers of alcohol. Program participants are trained by certified instructors to detect the signs of intoxication and gain the confidence needed to intervene effectively to prevent alcohol-related problems. Participants also learn to identify underage people and people who are already intoxicated.

The TIPS program offers nine different versions, each tailored to the specific sites where alcohol is sold or consumed. To date, almost 2 million people nationwide and in 22 foreign countries have been TIPS-certified.

District Health Department # 10 in coordination with Northern Michigan Substance Abuse Services has been involved with TIPS training for several years and has two certified staff members who can provide the TIPS training locally.

The cost of the course is $20 a participant and it is $10 a participant if you send more than two employees. This rate includes the training, a workbook and a certification card once the course is successfully completed. Those interested can call 231-845-7381, ext. 1057 or visit http://www.dhd10.org/health-promotion/alcohol-server-seller-training