Thinking about Drinking

GAMBIER, Ohio (March 24, 2010) A town hall-style meeting will bring the dangers of alcohol abuse into focus on Thursday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Brandi Recital Hall.

"Alcohol Is No Joke"—a title pegged to April Fool's Day—will include students and safety and health experts. The U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has declared April Alcohol Awareness Month and is a sponsor of the event. SAMHSA asked Kenyon to host the panel, said Anne Vleck, assistant director of student activities.

"I'm looking to increase the awareness of what is actually happening on campus, and we're hoping that the dialogue continues in the community," she said. "We want to keep talking about it." Vleck hopes for a frank discussion about the College party policies.

Students, she said, may benefit from a timely reminder about the dangers of alcohol abuse as the semester nears its end and social events become more frequent.

The panel will include Kenyon students; Duane Gomez, head cross country and track and field coach; Amy Lanuzza, a registered nurse and Emergency Medical Services coordinator at Knox Community Hospital; Mary Samuell, youth counselor and prevention manager at the Alcohol and Drug Freedom Center of Knox County; and a representative from the Office of Campus Safety. Michael Durham, substance abuse educator and counselor, will moderate the panel.

The event is supported by grants from SAMHSA and the Ohio Department of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services and is open to the entire Gambier community. Refreshments will be served after the meeting.