Top Story Pioneer Press November 6, 2008 ~ Teen drinking's dangerous

Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller gave a presentation October 28, 2008 during Adlai Stevenson High School located in Lincolnshire, IL, this was part of the schools Red Ribbon Week activities. He spoke to both parents and students about the effects of alcohol and drugs.

This event was covered by reporter Katie Okon of the Pioneer Press, her article made headline news.

"To the parents in the audience ~
Keller stated "Alcohol is a big problem. We are seeing more and more of that at a younger age."

"You cannot scare your kids into behaving, but if you give them the facts 10, 20, 50 times, it sinks in."
Read the rest of the story here ~

Stevenson High School Lake County Coroner Speaks

I spoke with a group of 40 students at Stevenson High School yesterday. I told them about what the Coroner and his “Office” does (in some detail, I had an hour and 15 minutes). Who we are in our office and what we do (often a bit more than is done in other coroner offices). I answered a number of questions. We discussed causes of death, manners of death (natural, accident, suicide, homicide and undetermined), ways of identification, post-mortem entomology, all manners of stuff “coroner”.

It was a bit tricky because the instructors had already written the test questions based on my talks the last 2 years and I don’t talk from notes, so I can’t necessarily guaranty repetition of all the material from one year to the next. I was prompted to cover an entomology point by a question from one of the instructors, so I must have got the other material, thankfully for the test-takers.

Most importantly, at times hopefully cleverly and at times blatantly, I peppered my talk (as I always do) with tips and reminders useful in their forestalling death. Honest warnings about drugs, recommendations about making good choices and not taking chances.

Interesting, informative, cautionary, I do my best. Besides, as I told them, giving those types talks are my favorite part of the job.

What a great man~