Share:
Time.com health writer, Alexandra Sifferin, recently published an article on alternative strategies by colleges and universities to reduce binge drinking. Sifferin notes that some in our field consider traditional public health campaigns outdated. Considering alternatives, she referenced University at Buffalo research, which identified a possible new approach to public health campaigns. The research highlights the impact of campaigns using alcohol-related health risks – including risk of cancer – as an alternative to the more commonly referenced risks including drunk driving, unsafe sex, and injury, or even death.
Opinions and research about the effectiveness of outreach strategies may differ, but there is one thing we can all agree on – we cannot stop the outreach!
Yes, some institutions continue to “crack down” on binge drinking. However, Sifferin highlighted some alternatives she considers unique:
Free Bartender Training (Yale College)
Party Grants (Harvard University)
Perks for Designated Drivers (University of Virginia)
Let Students Party – with standards (Hamilton College)
Social Norming (Hobart & William Smith Colleges)
In doing some quick research, I found a few other ideas I think are proactive and interesting, and complement Sifferin’s references:
Safe Party Host Guide (Saint Louis University)
Curriculum Infusion (University of Scranton)
We want to hear from you! What strategies does your campus use to educate students on binge drinking?
