Weeklong Program to Show Dangers of Alcohol Abuse

Several Sam Houston State University organizations will join off-campus groups for five events beginning Monday in observance of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week.

An informational display entitled "Hollywood vs. Sam" is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday in the Lowman Student Center Mall area. The display will contrast media images of college life and alcohol consumption with real life images of students at SHSU.

"This event will emphasize that drinking, particularly binge drinking, is not the norm in college life and will provide statistics on SHSU alcohol consumption behaviors," said Michelle Lovering, health programming coordinator in the university health center.

On Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., also in the LSC mall area, agent Scott Zella from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will field student questions concerning alcohol laws and fines.

Information tables will also display "sobering myths" and will instruct students on how to recognize symptoms of alcohol poisoning and what to do if they suspect a friend is suffering from alcohol poisoning.

On Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the mall area the University Police Department will use "beer goggle" training aids to perform mock field sobriety tests and emphasize drinking consequences.

Information will also be provided on blood alcohol level and its effects on the body. MADD will have an information table on the consequences of drinking and driving.

On Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in the Health and Kinesiology Center room 240 individual students, organizations, and departments are invited to participate in a non-alcoholic "mocktail blend-off." To register a team, call Tina DeAses at 936.294.3658.

Participating tasters will vote on the best drinks and winners will receive prizes. All participants will have the opportunity to view a video, "Deadly Persuasion: the Advertising of Alcohol & Tobacco" by Jean Kilbourne.

Friday's event, from 6-7 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center atrium, will be a re-showing of "Deadly Persuasion," with a discussion following.

"By attending these events, students will have the opportunity to register for raffle prizes, such as t-shirts, Bath & Body Works gift sets, and more," said Lovering.

"In addition, they will walk away with valuable information about drinking norms on campus and the personal and public safety consequences of irresponsible drinking."

Sponsors of the alcohol awareness week activities include the Student Health Center, Recreational Sports, University Police Department, Counseling Center, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and the SHSU Alcohol Abuse Initiative.

For more information on National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week events, contact Lovering by phone at 936.294.4347 or e-mail at mlovering@shsu.edu.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Oct. 15, 2004
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