Research conducted by the Core Institute and the Harvard School of Public Health show that almost 50% of the Nation’s college students are binge drinkers. The same studies also show that binge drinkers are 11 times more likely to fall behind in school and 10 times more likely to drive after drinking.

“Underage drinking is a problem increasingly faced by all campuses,” states Daemen President Dr. Martin J. Anisman. “Daemen has a considerably small student population, and one of the challenges for Daemen is providing personnel and facilities aimed at specifically addressing these issues. We believe that through campus-community partnerships, we can not only meet this challenge, but, moreover, create an important long-term benefit to our students and their families.”

Some of the strategies identified by researchers to prevent underage drinking include providing accurate alcohol and drug information; promoting health-enhancing life skills, communication, and problem solving; decision-making based on low-risk choices, critical thinking, and general assertiveness; stress reduction, and consumer awareness. Also, supporting positive alternatives to activities that traditionally focus on alcohol use; training people who have an impact on the behavior of others: administrators, faculty members, staff, student leaders, campus police, health care professionals; and re-evaluating campus substance abuse policies and
norms.

Daemen has already addressed some of these strategies. Each year during Alcohol Awareness Week, Daemen holds a simulated car crash showing the effects of drinking and driving. Daemen students are volunteer participants; the driver is portrayed as drunk, and a simulated student death is also portrayed. The Amherst Police Department and Rescue Squad participate with the Daemen Office of Student Affairs in creating this powerful and moving program. Daemen has also recently updated its Alcohol Policy on campus, offering on-line training courses for students, and providing individual programming in the residence halls.

With the funds from New York State, Daemen will be able to build on these strategies. The College will first identify partners and implement a coalition of campus and community resources. The New York State funds will then be used to administer a CORE survey – a questionnaire assessing students’ knowledge and practices surrounding alcohol and drugs. Additionally, Daemen representatives will attend a statewide learning institute, purchase informational posters and materials, and host a campus-wide educational event that is attended by all first-year, full-time freshmen.

For more information about NYS OASAS, go to http://www.oasas.state.ny.us/ For more information about the Campus-Community Coalition, or to become involved, contact the Daemen Office of Student Affairs.