Alcohol use is a major factor in traffic injuries and fatalities. In 2001, 41 percent of fatal crashes and seven percent of all crashes were alcohol related, nationally. This represents one alcohol fatality every 30 minutes, with the highest percentage involving young adults.

New Jersey demonstrates a similar pattern. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, of the 747 traffic-related fatalities that occurred in New Jersey in 2001, 40 percent were alcohol related, with a majority involving young adults.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

To increase awareness of the dangerous consequences of alcohol misuse, high school and college students have engaged in activities (especially peer leadership projects) that focus on underage drinking. In June 2002, as part of a strategy to decrease campus drinking, the College of New Jersey hosted its second annual Peer Institute. This three-day event brought a cross section of college representatives and professionals who worked together to:

• Provide a forum for college and university Peer Educators to share successful alcohol education programs; and
• Provide participants with the opportunity to obtain Bacchus and Gamma Peer Certification. (Bacchus and Gamma is an international collegiate alcohol abuse prevention and health education initiative.)

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

At the 2002 Peer Institute, each college presented its most successful underage drinking prevention and education programs. Formats included peer skits, interactive sessions, and lectures. Some of the programs included the New Jersey City University’s “Life After the Party” and the College of New Jersey Campus Wellness Peer Educator’s “Reality Check.”

Professional speakers that were both knowledgeable and entertaining provided information that highlighted the core principles of the Bacchus and Gamma Peer Certification program (such as providing resources for peer education activities and promoting a national forum on student alcohol abuse prevention). Topics included:

• Communication and presentation skills
• Creating effective media campaigns
• Hands-on activities to help participants understand the importance of team building skills

RESULTS

The students from the nine colleges represented at the Peer Institute networked, exchanged ideas, and took examples of successful programs back to their campuses for implementation. Additionally, 40 students received the Bacchus and Gamma Certification. In 2001, nine new college programs were started because of the Peer Institute. When the numbers are tabulated for 2002, it is anticipated they will be even larger. A third year is being planned, due to the positive results of this year’s event.