“Alcohol Awareness Month” was observed across the country throughout April. As has been the case for several years, the focus of this national campaign was on underage drinking. As part of this year’s effort, Preventionfocus created materials to support “Alcohol-Free Weekend” that were put to good use on the campuses of Niagara University and the University at Buffalo. 

 

From Friday, April 9^th through Sunday, April 11^th, students were encouraged to abstain from drinking alcohol as a way to promote a safe and healthy message and as an experiment for students who were concerned that they might be developing a drinking problem. Posters, table tent cards, flyers, radio and print public service announcements, and other materials encouraged all to “take the challenge.” On Monday, April 12^th, all of the materials were removed and replaced with new materials targeting those students who tried to go the entire weekend without drinking but failed. Those materials provided a campus phone number as well as the New York State OASAS “Hopeline” 1-877-8-HOPENY for those students to call for information on services. 

 

Preventionfocus recognizes Niagara University Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Christopher Sheffield and University at Buffalo Assistant Director of Health Promotion Marla McBride for their efforts with the campaign.