The University of Denver’s Peer Education Group is offering students a fun and educational approach to alcohol awareness from Oct. 23-25.
Halloween themed activities such as pumpkin painting and trivia games will be used to spark students’ interest in the theme of responsible alcohol use.
Events will be held in Centennial Halls on Oct. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., in Nelson Hall on Oct. 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and in Sidelines Pub in Driscoll Center on Oct. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All the events are free for students.
The peer educators are especially interested in teaching students the dangers of alcohol-induced blackouts and alcohol abuse.
“It’s really scary to think that [you are missing] three hours of your life that you didn’t know where you were or what you did or who you were with,” said peer educator Kali Smith.
According to the Peer Education Group, blackouts are more than being forgetful.
They affect the creation of new memories and can endanger students’ health.
Peer Education Coordinator Kelly Fenson-Hood said, “We just really want to help students understand what it means when you blackout and I think that’s also what the scary piece is, is that ‘oh my gosh I’m not forming new memories.'”
The Peer Education Group is a new service offered by DU’s Health and Counseling Center as part of its outreach program. The program has nine students who practice research-based guidance.
“It’s students educating students so we’re giving the presentation so that people who may not normally come out may because it’s someone they can relate to,” said Smith.
DU’s outreach program also offers other upcoming events, including the National Depression Screening Day on Nov. 6 and Eating Disorder Awareness later in the school year. The health center encourages students from all backgrounds to come to these events to learn how to stay healthy while studying.
Additional counseling services are also offered at the health center. Students can seek out individual or group sessions.
This quarter group sessions will be covering topics such as eating disorders, stress management and relationship counseling.
Individual sessions cost $15 for students with the University of Denver Insurance and the Health and Counseling Fee. Group sessions are $15 for all students including those without insurance.
Health and Counseling Director Michael Maley said the best way students can stay healthy is to, “eat well, sleep well, and exercise” and the best way students can avoid alcohol abuse is to “do everything in moderation.”
Additional information:
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