UNIVERSITY NEWS - OCTOBER 2003

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine M. McGrath
561-297-1168, kmcgrath@fau.edu

FAU Campaigns For Change In Drinking Cultures

BOCA RATON, FL (September 23, 2003) - Addressing the issues of underage drinking, the National Academies, a national organization that serves as an advisor to the nation on Science, Engineering and Medicine, released a congressionally mandated report indicating the effects of high-risk underage drinking extend beyond campus boundaries and negatively affect the quality of life in our communities.

In an effort to spread the message of the National Academies report, Florida Atlantic University's Substance Abuse and Prevention and Research Office has established the 2003-2004 Make A Difference Become a Partner Campaign, a new prevention initiative designed to raise awareness, increase student and community involvement and expand resources to help support research and substance abuse prevention programs.

"Many people are not aware of the pervasive and destructive problems associated with college binge drinking. The most serious problems are often associated with excessive use of alcohol by underage students," said Dr. Barry M. Gregory, assistant director of counseling and substance abuse prevention and research programs. "To prevent alcohol related problems and reduce the economic costs to society, colleges and universities need to collaborate with the community to help change the culture of high-risk underage drinking".

The Partner Campaign will develop prevention partnerships, serve as a resource for our local community and conduct research to help develop and test new substance abuse prevention programs.

For questions or more information on how to become a partner and make a difference, please contact Dr. Gregory at 561-297-2167.
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