The BACCHUS Blog

Win a Free General Assembly Registration by Creating the Theme for GA 2012

2012-01-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

General Assembly 2012 will be held November 1-4 in Orlando, Florida. Our conference hotel is The Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal.
This year we invite our student members to submit their ideas for the conference theme. The person submitting the winning theme will receive one
free conference registration fee. If duplicate winning themes are submitted, we will place all duplicates into a drawing for one winner.

Ideas are due by 5 PM Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

Include the following in an email to admin@bacchusnetwork.org
1. Subject Line is "GA 2012 Theme"
2. Your Full Name:
3. A Phone Number Where We Can Contact You:
4. Campus Peer Education Group Name:
5. Campus:
6. Your Conference Theme:
7. A Narrative about the graphic or artwork you might associate with this
theme: (Limit 70 words)

Make the most of your creativity and budget by submitting an entry!
Winner will be announced on the website.

You Can Be Smart, Sexy and Safe for Sexual Responsibility Week

2012-01-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

The 2012 SRW campaign contains the latest statistics, strategies for healthy relationships, and engaging programming activities for your campus.

Giveaway items include Valentine postcards, kiss-shaped magnets, and posters.

Follow these easy steps to access the campaign:

1. Go to "Sexual Responsibility Week" under Campaigns.

2. Click the Click Here to Begin link.

3. On the login page click the Forgot Your Password link.

4. Enter the advisor email address you used to affiliate with BACCHUS and click submit.

5. Your assigned password will be immediately emailed to the address entered.

6. Login using email address and supplied password.

Bidding is Closed

2011-12-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

Bidding is CLOSED.

Below is the winner...

Shawn Decker & Gwenn Barringer
HIV/Sexual Health program
http://www.shawnandgwenn.com/
Value $3300
Min. Bid $500
Winning Bid: $550.00 by Hastings College!

Stay tuned for opportunities to grab the speaking engagements not taken.

Bidding ends Monday, Dec. 12th!

2011-12-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

Just two business days left to bid! To place a bid, simply email katied@bacchusnetwork.org (include speaker's name, your bid and institution name).

Bidding closes Monday, December 12th at 5pm EST.

NOTE: All bids must increase at an increment of $50 over a previous bid.

Current Bids as of 7:00am MST on Friday, December 9th:

Mark Dawson

Safe Dating, Consent, Communication, Healthy Relationships, Bystander Intervention, and Sexual Assault

http://www.GotConsent.com

Value $4500

Min. Bid $500

Mark's trademark program, Hookin' Up and Getting’ Some, is an entertaining and inspiring program that leaves the audience with a whole new way of looking at dating, sex, communication, dating violence, sexual assault and consent. This is not your typical program or speaker. Mark’s approach is relevant, positive and refreshing. He will have the audience laughing one minute and hanging on every word the next as he shares his personal stories of being in a relationship with a rape survivor.

CURRENT BID: None. Get in on this one!

Shawn Decker & Gwenn
BarringerHIV/Sexual Health program

http://www.shawnandgwenn.com/

Value $3300

Min. Bid $500

Restrictions: Unavailable Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 2011 and February 12-18, 2012.

CURRENT BID: $500

Paul Jones "BiPolar Boy"

"It's all mental" - Mental Health Program

http://www.bipolarboy.com/

Value $3,000

Min. Bid $500

Restrictions: Must book by 12/31/2011 for a date during the remaining 2011-2012 academic year. May not be applied to existing bookings.Institution is responsible for travel/lodging of $750.
Additional travel fees may apply depending on location.

CURRENT BID: None. Be the first to bid on Paul!

Sally Spencer-Thomas

Mental Health/Suicide Prevention/Hope

http://www.campuspeak.com/speakers/spencer-thomas/

Value $2,500

Min. Bid $500

Restrictions: Only for use at a BACCHUS area conference. Unavailable February 22-24, April 17-22, & May 17-20 during 2012.

CURRENT BID: None. Book Sally for your Area conference this Spring!

Sean Heffron

Leadership, motivational speaking - various topics

Value $700

Min. Bid $250

Restrictions: Unable to speak during January 2012 and some springweekends TBD once the baseball schedule is finalized (Sean coachescollege baseball).

CURRENT BID: None. Sean was a keynote at GA & well-received!

Meghan Rothschild

Sun safety/skin cancer program

http://SurvivingSkin.org

Value $1000

Min. Bid $250

Restrictions: Check with Meghan for availability.

CURRENT BID: None. Book Meghan for as little as $250!

Brent Scarpo (3 speaking engagements available!)

"The Last Call" AOD program

http://brentscarpo.com

Value $3,000

Min. Bid $500

Restrictions: For use between November 2011-November
2012. UNAVAILABLE: Jan. 20-22, 2012; Feb. 28; March 1-15 & 26-31. Contact
brent@brentscarpo.com for availability and booking.

CURRENT BIDS: None. Book Brent for $500!

Update & New Speaker Donation

2011-12-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

One week left to bid! See below for the current bids. To place a bid, simply email katied@bacchusnetwork.org (include speaker's name, your bid and institution name). Bidding closes Monday, December 12th at 5pm EST.

NOTE: All bids must increase at an increment of $50 over a previous bid.

Current Bids as of 5:00pm@ MST on Monday, December 5th:

Mark Dawson *NEW SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT AVAILABLE*
Safe Dating, Consent, Communication, Healthy Relationships, Bystander Intervention, and Sexual Assault
http://www.GotConsent.com
Value $4500
Min. Bid $500
Mark's trademark program, Hookin' Up and Getting’ Some, is an entertaining and inspiring program that leaves the audience with a whole new way of looking at dating, sex, communication, dating violence, sexual assault and consent. This is not your typical program or speaker. Mark’s approach is relevant, positive and refreshing. He will have the audience laughing one minute and hanging on every word the next as he shares his personal stories of being in a relationship with a rape survivor.

Meghan Rothschild
Sun safety/skin cancer program
http://survivingskin.org/
Value $1000
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Shawn Decker & Gwenn Barringer
HIV/Sexual Health program
http://www.shawnandgwenn.com/
Value $3300
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $500.00

Sally Spencer-Thomas
Mental Health/Suicide Prevention/Hope
http://www.campuspeak.com/speakers/spencer-thomas/
Value $2,500
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Sean Heffron
Leadership, motivational speaking - various topics
Value $700
Min. Bid $250
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Paul Jones "BiPolar Boy"
"It's all mental" - Mental Health Program
http://www.bipolarboy.com/
Value $3,000
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Brent Scarpo #1
"The Last Call" AOD program
http://brentscarpo.com/
Value $3,000
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Brent Scarpo #2
"The Last Call" AOD program
http://brentscarpo.com/
Value $3,000
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Brent Scarpo #3
"The Last Call" AOD program
http://brentscarpo.com/
Value $3,000
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Great American Smokeout--TODAY

2011-11-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Great American Smokeout! Today we celebrate the people who have made the brave and life-saving decision to transition to a life free of tobacco.

Those who quit for today’s 24 hour period will need support to keep the healthy lifestyle change moving. Please take the time to connect with those who are quitting and offer your assistance, whether it’s directing them to nicotine replacement medications, checking in on their quit attempt progress, or just offering up words of encouragement.

Speaking of...the White House released this short video congratulating those making a quit attempt:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/11/17/president-obama-congratulations-everyone-taking-part-todays-great-american-smokeout

And don’t forget: BACCHUS is here to help campuses make the move to tobacco free and to better promote cessation.

Thanks again for all you do to make campuses healthier and safer places!

The Tobacco Team at BACCHUS

Bidding Update for Wednesday, November 30th

2011-11-15T11:12:00.000-08:00

Bidding has begun! See below for the current bids. To place a bid, simply email katied@bacchusnetwork.org (include speaker's name, your bid and institution name). Bidding closes Monday, December 12th at 5pm EST.

NOTE: All bids must increase at an increment of $50 over a previous bid.

Current Bids as of 2:00pm@ MST:

Meghan Rothschild
Sun safety/skin cancer program
http://SurvivingSkin.org
Value $1000
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Shawn Decker & Gwenn Barringer
HIV/Sexual Health program
http://www.shawnandgwenn.com/
Value $3300
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $500.00

Sally Spencer-Thomas
Mental Health/Suicide Prevention/Hope
http://www.campuspeak.com/speakers/spencer-thomas/
Value $2,500
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Sean Heffron
Leadership, motivational speaking - various topics
Value $700
Min. Bid $250
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Paul Jones "BiPolar Boy"
"It's all mental" - Mental Health Program
http://www.bipolarboy.com/
Value $3,000
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Brent Scarpo #1
"The Last Call" AOD program
http://brentscarpo.com
Value $3,000
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Brent Scarpo #2
"The Last Call" AOD program
http://brentscarpo.com
Value $3,000
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Brent Scarpo #3
"The Last Call" AOD program
http://brentscarpo.com
Value $3,000
Min. Bid $500
Current Bid: $ (no bid)

Bidding begins on Monday, November 28th!

2011-11-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

Looking for a great campus speaker at a fraction of the cost? Then get ready to bid on a Silent Auction speaking engagement.

Bidding will open on Monday, November 28th at 8am MST and close on Monday, December 12th at 5pm EST. All bids must be emailed directly to Katie Dunker at katied@bacchusnetwork.org. Highest bid wins. Current bids will be updated via the BACCHUS Blog at http://bacchusnetwork.blogspot.com/.

These speaking engagements have been generously donated to The BACCHUS Network, meaning your bid goes back to BACCHUS to support health promotion efforts across hundreds of college campuses.

Credit, check, and purchase orders will be accepted for payment. In addition to bid amount, winner pays speaker's travel expenses, to include: roundtrip coach airfare, one night of hotel in business class hotel, meals, and ground transportation to and from campus.

Speaking Engagements Available for Bidding:

Shawn Decker & Gwenn Barringer
HIV/Sexual Health program
http://www.shawnandgwenn.com/
Value $3300
Min. Bid $500
Restrictions: Unavailable Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 2011 and February 12-18, 2012.

Paul Jones "BiPolar Boy"
"It's all mental" - Mental Health Program
http://www.bipolarboy.com/
Value $3,000
Min. Bid $500
Restrictions: Must book by 12/31/2011 for a date during the remaining
2011-2012 academic year. May not be applied to existing bookings.
Institution is responsible for travel/lodging of $750. Additional
travel fees may apply depending on location.

Sally Spencer-Thomas
Mental Health/Suicide Prevention/Hope
http://www.campuspeak.com/speakers/spencer-thomas/
Value $2,500
Min. Bid $500
Restrictions: Only for use at a BACCHUS area conference. Unavailable
February 22-24, April 17-22, & May 17-20 during 2012.

Sean Heffron
Leadership, motivational speaking - various topics
Value $700
Min. Bid $250
Restrictions: Unable to speak during January 2012 and some spring
weekends TBD once the baseball schedule is finalized (Sean coaches
college baseball).

Meghan Rothschild
Sun safety/skin cancer program
http://SurvivingSkin.org
Value $1000
Min. Bid $500
Restrictions: Check with Meghan for availability.

Brent Scarpo (3 speaking engagements available!)
"The Last Call" AOD program
http://brentscarpo.com
Value $3,000
Min. Bid $500
Restrictions: For use between November 2011-November 2012. UNAVAILABLE:
Jan. 20-22, 2012; Feb. 28; March 1-15 & 26-31. Contact brent@brentscarpo.com for availability and booking.

More Wellness, Less Waste: BACCHUS Goes Green

2011-04-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, The BACCHUS Network has become more “green” over the past few months. The Sexual Responsibility Week and Safe Spring Break campaigns were delivered electronically. The Peer Educator™ magazine is now an online, interactive publication. BACCHUS monthly updates and the quarterly newsletter from your Student Advisory Committee member arrived in your email box using Constant Contact. A paper version of the annual charter renewal form was not mailed out this year but is available to be filled out quickly and easily on the BACCHUS website.

You, our members, have encouraged us to reduce our use of paper and we listened. The response from our Network has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, we have had one of the highest early return rates of charter renewal forms in our history.

Because it has been so well received, you will be seeing more electronic delivery of BACCHUS materials and communications including information about General Assembly registration, call for programs, and awards applications, and NCAAW campaign materials. Be sure you are receiving these timely notifications by

• Renewing your BACCHUS affiliation so your current email address is in our database
• Subscribe to the BACCHUS Twitter feed
• Join the BACCHUS Facebook Fan Page
• Subscribe to the BACCHUS listserv
• If you have not been receiving our communications, contact admin@bacchusnetwork.org and we can offer suggestions to assist you

You can view back issues of our BACCHUS e-newsletters on our website.

If you have opted-out from our Constant Contact e-newsletter and would like to receive it again, please email ann@bacchusnetwork.org for instructions on how to re-subscribe.

Five Super Easy Outreach Programs for the End of Fall

2010-11-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

We have passed the halfway point of the Fall term. Finals and the holidays are fast approaching. Your peer educators are exhausted from all the programs they have implemented and need to catch up on course work; yet, promoting healthy decisions to the student body is even more important at this time of year. Here are five quick programming ideas that do not take a lot of time, people power, or funding.

Stress Busters

You can feel the tension rising on campus as it gets closer to finals. Everyone is talking about being stressed. Spread the word on how to reduce stress through social media. Have your peer educators brainstorm ways to reduce stress and take turns posting them on Facebook, Twitter, and your campus website. Have a little more time? Create a video of stress relieving breathing exercises and post it to YouTube.

Impaired Driving Prevention

Holidays are a high-risk time for driving under the influence. Create a holiday pledge for students to sign and promise to not drink and drive, let friends drink and drive, or ride with an impaired driver. Print the pledge and distribute in the residence halls and student center, or create a group or fan page on Facebook. Develop your own pledge or use the following: This holiday season, I give my friends and myself the gift of life. I pledge to not drink and drive, ride with an impaired driver, let my friends drink and drive or ride with an impaired driver, and to always wear my seatbelt. If your peer educators have the time and energy, have them serve BAC-tails, delicious non-alcoholic drinks, in the student center and invite students to sign the pledge.

Managing Money

As first year students approach the completion of three months or more of living away from home, many may realize that they have not done well with managing their money. Growing credit card debt along with shrinking savings may be causing stress. Partner with a finance faculty member or your campus banking institution to develop a bookmark of money management tips. Have the bookmarks available at the bookstore, library, and ATMs.

Healthy Holiday Eating

Many students are looking forward to home cooking and a break from dining hall food or cooking for themselves. Holiday celebrations and parties may temp students to over indulge in their favorite foods. Publish a list of your peer educators’ favorite tips for healthy eating over the holidays on your website, in your “Potty Press,” or on table tents and place them in the dining hall.

New Year’s Resolutions

The New Year, and new academic term, is a great time to make a behavior change for health. Encourage students to begin planning before January 1^st about how they will make the change, such as quitting smoking, beginning an exercise program, or managing money better. Create a planning worksheet using the Stages of Change model. Ask students to write down

What are the good things and the not-so-good things about the behavior they want to change?
What would be different in their life if they change the behavior?
Who would support them in the process to make this change?
What is one thing they can do before January 1, 2011 that will help them get ready to make the change? For example, picking up a quit kit from your office or contacting the campus recreation center about spring exercise classes.

Provide a list of campus and community resources that will help students develop their healthy habits. If students are willing to provide an email address, your peer educators can follow up with them at the beginning of the new academic term to provide motivation and resources to continue the efforts to become healthier.

Students may not have time to attend programs at this time of year, but they will appreciate receiving timely health promotion tips to get them to the end of the school term and position them for a great holiday break. If your peer education group has a quick and easy program, please share it by commenting on this blog.

Staying Healthy: Fuel for School!

2010-09-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

By Tiffany Mathews, Keene State College
BACCHUS Maine State Coordinator

Eating well in college is not only important, it's also easy. By following these five nutrition tips, you can fuel your body with the essential nutrients it needs to keep up with your busy schedule.

Tip #1- Choose natural and unprocessed foods such as veggies, fruit, wraps and sandwiches made with whole grain breads. Eat locally whenever possible to get the most nutrients for your money.

Tip #2- Limit salt, sugar, and fat intake by choosing fresh foods that are served raw, broiled, baked, or stir fried.

Tip #3- Increase water consumption by getting into the habit of carrying around a bottle of water and sipping on it throughout the day. You can add fruit juice or fresh fruit to your water to give it a different taste. A rule of thumb is to drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day, however you can also increase your water intake by consuming fruit and veggies, which are usually good sources of water.

Tip#4- Know the nutrition facts. Read the labels on foods you eat. Notice the differences of nutrients among foods and keep an eye on the ingredients list. Choose foods with a short list of ingredients to ensure that you are getting a natural source of energy.

Tip #5- Eat small meals throughout the day to keep you energized. Eating foods high in vitamins, minerals, and whole grains will help you sustain your energy. Balance your plate with 50% fruits and veggies, 25% protein, and 25% whole grains to keep you going.

For more information about eating well, visit the American Dietetics Association website at www.eatright.org.

Five Tips for Great Classroom Presentations

2010-08-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

As peer education advisors, peer educators, and health educators, we want to be asked by faculty to present on collegiate health and safety issues. Classroom presentations provide outreach to students, increase awareness of services available on campus, and are a great peer educator recruitment tool. These presentations can also be challenging. Fifty-minutes is not a lot of time to thoroughly cover many health issues.

Rachel Billowitz, MPH (Rachel.Billowitz@nau.edu), a health sciences lecturer at Northern Arizona University, suggests the following tips to increase the effectiveness of one-time presentations to classes. These were originally posted to the HEDIR Listserv in regards to sexual health presentations and are reprinted here with permission.

1. If possible, try to ask the instructor for two class periods, so you are not trying to condense all the content into one.

2. Ask the students to do the reading prior to your presentation so they are familiar with the content.

3. Work with the class instructor to solicit anonymous questions from the students about the topics. Small squares of paper collected in an envelope work just fine. Obtain those questions before the presentation, and tailor your presentation to address the unique concerns of that student group.

4. Do not try to focus on delivering a large amount of factual information in the presentation. Instead, consider focusing your presentation on activities that ask the students to apply the knowledge gained from the reading to real-world scenarios to help facilitate skill building. For example, put students into groups of three and ask them to: brainstorm factors a heterosexual couple should consider when selecting a birth control method; brainstorm ways to negotiate condom use; brainstorm ways to give and get consent in a fun/ sexy way, etc.

5. Connect students with online resources that can link them to medically accurate sexual [or other] health information. Several sites have functions that allow people to ask questions anonymously and a health educator posts the answers within a day or two. An excellent site is the Go Ask Alice site from Columbia.

Thank you to Rachel for these great tips. Do you have any additional tips for classroom presentations? Share your tips with others by posting them as a comment to this article.

Resource for Tobacco Prevention: The ATTACK Toolkit

2010-06-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

The ATTACK website (www.ATTACKtobacco.org) serves as a resource for organizations, agencies, college campuses, etc. wanting to create an ATTACK plan to counter tobacco industry targeting tactics aimed at young adults. The toolkit offers latest information about the tobacco industry marketing tactics; best intervention strategies in policy, lifestyle branding, community education and cessation. In addition, it provides tools to create research and evaluation plans. The toolkit also hosts a password protected networking feature so that tobacco control professionals can share tools and collaborate with each other.

ATTACK Toolkit Training Webinar
Date: Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am (PST)
RSVP: email Alex Tyannikov atyannikov@sacbreathe.org
This interactive training is designed for tobacco control advocates and enthusiasts working with youth and young adults. In the training, we will review content and navigation of the ATTACK Toolkit. After the training you will be comfortable with utilizing tools in the toolkit, connecting with other tobacco control advocates and updating your profile.

Five Peer Educator Recruiting Blunders to Avoid

2010-06-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to plan your recruitment strategies for the 2010-11 academic year. Here are five major mistakes to avoid. Planning ahead will increase your recruiting success.

1. Waiting until September to start recruiting.

First year and transfer students are attending summer orientation, checking your school’s website for information, and receiving emails from other groups on your campus throughout the summer months. Begin recruiting now by having a presence at summer orientation events, collecting new student emails, and sending emails or e-newsletters throughout the summer. Be sure your web page is up-to-date and clearly explains how to get involved. Invite new students to join your Facebook group and post your recruitment meetings as events.

2. Only recruiting first year students.

The National Peer Educator Study (NPES) conducted by Michigan State University has found that the majority of peer educators became involved after their freshman year. Juniors and seniors are looking for opportunities to apply what they are learning in their majors and to build career skills. Decide from what academic subjects you would like to attract students and talk with faculty about how being a peer educator provides practical, career-relevant experience (i.e., leadership, delegation, time and management planning).

3. Not answering the “W” questions.

Before a student commits to becoming a peer educator, he or she wants to know four things: Why me? Why now? What for? and Who says? Some students do not see themselves as peer educators. If you see in a student the qualities necessary to be a peer educator, tell him or her. When recruiting, talk about the issues students on your campus are facing now and how peer educators can help. Highlight your peer education group’s past successes. Your current peer educators are the best spokespersons for your group. Encourage them to speak about what they have received from being a peer educator.

4. Making it hard to be a peer educator.

It is okay to be selective in choosing peer educators (click here for sample peer educator applications and interview questions: http://www.bacchusnetwork.org/peeredapps.asp). We also need to recognize that peer educators are students first and have busy schedules. Think about how you can make being a peer educator work in a student’s schedule. Develop position descriptions for peer educators that clearly define what they are to do and the time it takes. Find the day and time when the fewest classes take place and schedule your meetings during that time. Plan your trainings and events with the academic calendar in mind. Having large, intensive events during midterms will create frustration and burn out. Finally, offer a safety net to students who become overwhelmed by allowing them take a break from being a peer educator to attend to other issues.

5. Not making recruitment everyone’s responsibility.

Recruitment is an ongoing, year round process. Every program, event, web posting, or flyer is a potential recruitment tool. As mentioned earlier, your peer educators are your best spokespersons for your group and your best recruiters. If they speak positively of their peer education experience and share their enthusiasm for what they are doing, others will want to join. Encourage them to invite students to the meeting and teach them how to welcome new people to the group.

Do you have a recruiting tip? Share it with others by commenting on this article.

posted by: Ann Quinn-Zobeck, BACCHUS Director of Education and Training

Student Award for Mental Health Education

2010-02-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

BACCHUS encourages peer educators to apply for the following award honoring excellence in reducing stigma around mental health.

The 2010 Jerry Greenspan
Student "Voice of Mental Health" Award

The Jerry Greenspan Student "Voice of Mental Health" Award was established to honor a student who is reducing stigma around mental illness, raising awareness of mental health problems on campus, or encouraging help-seeking among his or her peers.

The student selected for this honor will receive:
* a $2,000 cash award
* recognition through The Jed Foundation's website and events
* assistance with composing a video of the student's work
* a trip to New York to attend The Jed Foundation's annual gala on June 10, 2010
* video highlighting the student's award-winning work, which will be showcased during The Jed Foundation's gala
* an opportunity to appear on MTVU**

This award is designed to encourage dialogue about mental health on campuses and reduction of stigma around emotional disorders, and to raise visibility of the amazing people who are tackling these issues at schools across the country.

Applications must be completed online at http://jedfoundation.org/programs/student-voice-of-mental-health-award, and will consist of one essay.

The essay should demonstrate how the applicant is:

* Creating and/or leading campus programs or events that decrease stigma or encourage help-seeking
or

* Sharing a personal story about dealing with a mental health issue or helping a friend with an emotional problem
or

* Working to improve campus policies, programs and services

Entries will be judged by a panel that includes a mental health expert, a television/film professional, a campus professional and individuals with a personal connection to mental health or suicide.

Deadline for submissions is March 15, 2010. Only full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students who are currently enrolled at an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university in the United States are eligible to apply.

Please direct any questions to studentaward@jedfoundation.org.

** The mtvU appearance is dependent on the focus and content of the winner's submission. This appearance is not guaranteed to the scholarship winner.

Cracking Down on Spam

2010-01-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note: we are freely deleting comments to blog posts that are clearly spam. We continue to encourage constructive discussion about the issues presented here. However, if you are pushing a product or website, you should reconsider before posting here.

Thank you!

Enforcement for Tobacco Policies

2009-12-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

We have worked with many campuses developing and implementing tobacco-free and smoke-free policies. Every campus is unique and their readiness for policy change varies. Many campuses have had a smooth transition to and high compliance with the new policies when they have built in an education/awareness period prior to the policy start date. This period is used to inform faculty, staff, students, and guests of the upcoming change, to highlight the health benefits of the new policy, and to promote cessation services and resources.

Campuses have also found it helpful to include a grace period after the policy begins. During this time, violators receive educational information about the policy including the reasons for the policy, the consequences at the end of the grace period, and cessation resources.

The policy does need to have some teeth in that after a certain grace period, violators need to be issued citations. Ideally this would be handled by those who currently enforce other campus policies. The smoke/tobacco-free policy needs to be treated with the same respect as other policies. If Resident Advisors cite students for resident hall violations (alcohol, noise, etc.), they should also cite students smoking near their dorms. Although the campus/community police may not like it, try to build a partnership where they are willing to enforce the smoke/tobacco-free policy on just a one random day each week. Nobody wants to be the tobacco police 24/7, but random days of enforcement where citations are issued will help curb the problems.

Sample Citation Progression...

First offense: written warning
Second offense: written citation, $25 fine
Third offense: written citation, $50 fine and meeting with Dean of Students (for student violators) or Campus President/Director of HR (faculty/staff violators)
Fourth offense: written citation, $75 fine – academic probation (students), one week suspension (faculty/staff)
Fifth offense: expulsion from school (students), termination from employment (faculty/staff)
While the enforcement/citation measures are needed to ensure the policy is followed, continue to emphasize the purpose of the policy is to respect the health of everyone on campus – not to “catch” smokers in the act. Research shows that SHS kills approx. 50,000 nonsmoking U.S. adults per year, and smokers need to respect everyone’s right to breathe clean air.
Emphasize to smokers that the policy isn’t anti-smoker, it’s anti-smoke. Recognize that tobacco use is an addiction and adjusting to the policy could be difficult, but similar to smoke-free restaurants and airplanes – they need to make the adjustment to respect the health of others.
Make cessation resources widely available for those who want to quit.

Certification for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

2009-11-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

NEW! Does your campus have a strong tobacco-free or smoke-free policy? Get certified by BACCHUS!

The BACCHUS Network™ is currently accepting applications for a new Tobacco-Free Campus Policy Certification. This certification recognizes college and university campuses that have implemented strong tobacco policies, demonstrating excellence in their commitment to the health and safety of students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

The Tobacco-Free Campus Policy Certification honors campuses at three different levels. A full description of each level is included in the announcement brochure, though a summary is listed here:

Silver Award: No smoking is allowed on campus grounds or in campus-owned vehicles. Tobacco is not sold, marketed, or distributed on campus grounds. Sponsorships and promotions from tobacco companies are not allowed.

Gold Award: No tobacco (smoking or smokeless) is allowed on campus grounds or in campus-owned vehicles. Tobacco is not sold, marketed, or distributed on campus grounds. Sponsorships and promotions from tobacco companies are not allowed.

Diamond Award: All conditions of the 'Gold Level' are fulfilled. The campus divests all holdings in tobacco companies and does not accept any direct funding from tobacco companies for any purpose. Sponsorships and promotions from tobacco companies are not allowed.

This award will provide campuses with recognition that can be helpful in recruiting students, community learners, as well as grant opportunities from prominent health-related organizations and agencies. BACCHUS will provide campuses with an award logo that can be displayed on websites and in printed materials. Applications are due by January 31, 2010.

For more information and an application, please visit: www.tobaccofreeU.org and click on the links under Certification for Tobacco-Free Campus Policy.

Tobacco Position Deadline Extended

2009-08-04T10:41:00.001-07:00

We have extended the application deadline for the tobacco position in Denver, CO. (See the post under the "e-cigarette" post, located below.) Applications will be accepted through August 14, 2009.

Please click here to view the position announcement.

BACCHUS Tobacco Position in Montana

2009-07-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

BACCHUS has an open position as the Montana Project Director. This position will be based in Missoula, Montana.

The Montana Project Director will work with the Montana Collegiate Tobacco Prevention Initiative staff to accomplish grant activities in the following four major areas:

Oversight and Reporting

Financial claim reporting and management of funds
Submit quarterly program reports
Submit annual report
Create and submit annual application for funding

Providing Training and Technical Assistance to Campuses

Provide technical assistance and training on grant initiatives to the participating campuses
Recruit new campuses to participate in grant
Coordinate materials orders and fulfillment to campuses
Coordinate and co-present trainings for participating campuses
Host 2-3 meetings of participants per year
Provide site visits as needed
Visit the BACCHUS national office in Denver for training as needed

Creating Partnerships

Serve on joint agency projects and committees with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP) and other State Contractors’ personnel as needed
Maintain consistent contact with the MTUPP project officer and staff
Represent BACCHUS at local and state meetings concerning student health and safety issues

Other Provisions: This ten month full-time position is grant funded and may change over time based upon funding opportunities or restraints. Employment is subject to available funding as well as the normal supervisory items per the letter of agreement. The BACCHUS Network™ is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religious preference, sexual orientation or physical ability.

For a complete job description, click here and look on the right hand side under, "Position Openings."

FDA Report on E-cigarettes

2009-07-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

The Food and Drug Administration released information on the potential health risks associated with electronic cigarettes, also known as "e-cigarettes." This is the first testing conducted on the new products and the liquid used to create the vapor.

A press release and additional materials can be found on FDA's Website at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm172906.htm

-posted by Tad Spencer

Tobacco Position at BACCHUS

2009-07-10T08:58:00.001-07:00

BACCHUS is now accepting applications for a position on our tobacco team. For a complete job description and application instructions, please visit tobaccofreeU.org and look in the "What's New" section.

Deadline Approaching for NOYS Award

2009-05-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Submit a program and WIN BIG for your campus. There are $500 and $1000 awards!

BACCHUS Affliates, do you have a traffic or vehicle safety program to share? Apply for the National Organization for Youth Safety (NOYS) FIFTY BEST Awards

The community contest sponsored by The Allstate Foundation awards $1,000 to 50 youth organizations for their youth-developed and -implemented projects that demonstrate a strong community/campus project focused on youth traffic safety.

Applications are due May 31! Remember, you can't win if you don't enter.

Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) Toolkit for Colleges

2009-05-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

Identified as an effective strategy for addressing alcohol abuse among college students, The BACCHUS Network™, under a cooperative agreement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, created a toolkit to assist college and university campuses utilize screening and brief intervention. Click here to download the pdf of the toolkit and to learn more about this strategy.

http://www.friendsdrivesober.org/documents/SBI_College.pdf

Limited Space Still Available for Social Norms Conference

2009-05-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

The National Conference on the Social Norms Approach is a unique and exciting opportunity to meet and interact with some of the leading researchers and practitioners in this rapidly expanding area of health promotion. It is the only national conference devoted entirely to this effective approach, and at no other meeting will so many issues and questions about social norms—from its past success to its future development—be so intensively explored and discussed.

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sunday, July 12 - Tuesday, July 14, 2009

For more information and online registration: http://www.bacchusnetwork.org/social-norms.asp

Junk Food – The Next Frontier

2009-05-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

This article discusses the research of former FDA commissioner Dr. David Kessler. He has begun to look into the “magic formula” for many fast foods—a sugar, fat, salt combination that may have a larger effect on our brains than previously imagined.

http://www.denverpost.com/fitness/ci_12281394

Dr. Kessler suggests several steps that mimic what has been done with tobacco control, including litigation.

What do you think is the most effective strategy for steering people toward healthier food choices? Is tobacco control the ideal model for this health issue? What are the most realistic options at this point in time?

-posted by Tad Spencer

Lung cancer increasing due to cigarette design

2009-05-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, it’s true…the blog is back! Rejoice! I know you all have been waiting for some new tobacco information. Well, I will not disappoint…

A new study conducted by the University of California at San Diego School of Medicine suggests that an increase in nitrosamine levels in American cigarettes has led to an increase in lung cancer. The researchers compared American and Australia cigarettes and found the only major difference to be their nitrosamine levels, with American cigarettes having much higher levels. This is important info because lung cancer death rates are lower in Australia than the United States. The study also says that lung cancer rates could be cut in half with stricter regulation of cigarette composition. For the full article, click here.

Source: CBS News

- posted by Chris Miller

A Shout Out From Area 12

2009-03-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

If you have never been to an Area 12 conference, this video is a testament to the school/group/area spirit that they have. Is your Area louder? Send in proof to the BACCHUS Blog.

Thanks to Area 12 SAC Mark Freeman for submitting this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR0HooPakvo

General Assembly 2009

2009-03-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that registration and preliminary information for General Assembly 2009 is available online now? It's true.

The quick details:
General Assembly 2009 - "Superheroes for Health and Safety"
November 5 - 8
Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

Take advantage of a tremendous selection of learning opportunities during the conference at 70+ educational sessions, 2 keynotes, and 6 featured health issue presentations. If you feel like you need some specialized trainings, you can also take advantage of the pre-conference CPE (Certified Peer Educator) Training or the free Advisor’s College sessions.

There are many great opportunities for professionals, students and guests. At the Assembly, peer educators gain new ideas and strategies for their programming and awareness events. Advisors learn how to make prevention efforts stronger on their campuses while supporting the students who make it happen. Our advisors come from many different areas of the campus but all join together to network and to learn from each other. As a student peer educator, whether your emphasis is alcohol abuse prevention, drug education, sexual responsibility, mental health, nutrition, sexual assault, violence prevention, tobacco prevention, or other health and safety issues, you will find program offerings and other peer education groups similar to yours to gain and share new ideas.

We hope to see you there!

“Social” Smokers

2009-03-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

A recently published study analyzed the demographics of intermittent, or “social,” smokers. According to the study, “People with high education and high income, Spanish-speaking Hispanics, and women were the most likely to be intermittent rather than daily smokers.”

It is clear that more can be done to encourage cessation for intermittent smokers.

These smokers may be more "hidden" on campus, as they may primarily use tobacco in social settings off-campus. This is a potential obstacle to creating targeted marketing to this population--simply identifying the population. Are there ways to connect with this group and tailor health promotions and cessation efforts to them? What are campuses currently doing to address the “social smoking” phenomenon?

Bring BACCHUS Expertise to Your Campus

2009-03-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Looking to improve your comprehensive prevention programming and need some ideas on how to do it? BACCHUS can help. The BACCHUS Network™ is offering staff facilitated trainings. Take advantage of these affordable opportunities to bring BACCHUS expertise to your campus. Prices range from $1000 for half-day consultation to $2500 for a day-and-half training and includes travel.

Campus Site Visit & Consultation
BACCHUS will send a senior staff member on a site visit to consult with you, your chief student affairs officer, your students, your campus or community task force, and other key stakeholders to assess program strengths and suggest ways to improve prevention efforts. This structured visit will include a follow up report to assist you with future strategic planning, writing for grants, and budget development.

Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) Training for Student Life Staff
Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) has emerged as an effective tool to reduce college alcohol abuse. This training provides a brief screening tool and incorporates motivational interviewing techniques to assist student life staff in having intentional conversations with students. Participants will leave with tools for implementing SBI and resources for assisting students to consider a behavior change.

Certified Peer Educator (CPE) Training
Does the idea of bringing in our national trainer to conduct BACCHUS CPE Training for your campus sound appealing? You can utilize the convenient and affordable option of having The BACCHUS Network™ come to your campus and conduct the training. A BACCHUS staff member will work with you every step of the way to plan the CPE training. The independently evaluated CPE program has increased knowledge, confidence and skills in peer educators completing the training. For less than the cost of many national speakers who present for an hour, you can have a twelve-hour training that empowers your students to commit to healthy and safe lifestyle choices.

Tobacco Cessation Program Training
Tobacco cessation for young adults is a challenging piece of the campus tobacco control puzzle. BACCHUS staff members have expertise in providing cessation efforts on campus. A full-day training includes the top 10 list of campus cessation efforts including: assessment; empathy for addiction; Stages of Change; working with health and counseling centers; medications; cessation groups; technology; targeted promotion; events; staff involvement; and national resources. Participants will leave with strategies for implementing a comprehensive cessation program on campus.

For more information on fees and scheduling, please contact Ann Quinn-Zobeck, Director of Education and Training, at ann@bacchusnetwork.org or 303-871-0901.

Secondhand smoke exposure linked to depression

2009-03-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

As we continue to strongly encourage all colleges/universities to pass 100% tobacco-free policies and eliminate secondhand smoke exposure on campus, here is some new research that further justifies passing these policies as soon as possible. The study reports that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work are more than twice as likely to have major depression than those who are not exposed.

We encourage you to combine this new knowledge about secondhand smoke with other established facts in your tobacco education efforts.

Source: USA Today

- posted by Chris Miller

Reminder - Charter Renewals

2009-03-06T14:50:00.000-08:00

As part of your annual affiliation renewal to keep your charter active with The BACCHUS Network, each affiliate must complete and return their 2009 Charter Renewal Form by March 30. For those returning the form on time, your campus will be placed in a drawing for either a CPE Training Kit or a registration fee to the 2009 General Assembly in Orlando, Florida, Nov. 5-8. You can submit the form online, by fax, or postal mail. Mailing was sent to each campus' advisor on record, Feb 20. Check out more information here.

Not a member of BACCHUS? Click here for all the information.

Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) Toolkit for Colleges

2009-03-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

Many campuses will implement brief alcohol screenings for their campus students and staff on April 9, 2009, this year's Alcohol Screening Day. These quick assessments, particularly when followed with a brief, intentional conversation, can help students and staff to identify potentially high-risk alcohol use as well as strategies for decreasing their drinking. Take advantage of a free Screening and Brief Intervention Toolkit for campuses to help your campus effectively address alcohol abuse. BACCHUS will post additional SBI resources in the near future as well.

Caring for Veterans

2009-02-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

As more and more veterans return home and enroll in college, it will be crucial that health educators on campus be prepared with knowledge and empathy to help them with unique concerns.

What are campuses currently doing in this area? Do you have plans to expand professional development for staff/peer educators? Will you ramp-up services in your wellness center to provide extra assistance to servicemen and servicewomen? Please share ideas with other affiliates so that we can continue to learn from one another.

Warn ROTC Students about the Dangers of Binge Drinking

2009-02-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Over 16,000 active-military personnel were surveyed in 2005 to determine their health-related behaviors, and 43% of respondents reported binge drinking over the past month. The average binge drinker did so 30 times per year, and two-thirds of all binge-drinking episodes were by personnel between 17 and 25 years old. Not surprisingly, binge drinkers were much more likely to have job performance issues and drive while impaired.

Binge drinking can also lead to alcohol poisoning, which is deadly. The brain begins to shut down involuntary functions that regulate breathing and heart rate, sometimes resulting in death. The amount of alcohol that causes alcohol poisoning is different for every person. It is not possible to accurately predict for each person what amount will cause them to overdose.

While binge drinking is a danger for everyone on campus, this study shows campuses should consider targeted outreach and education to ROTC students. Check out http://www.friendsdrivesober.org/ for programming ideas. The Alcohol Poisoning Response Kit is another useful resource.

Source: Medical News Today

-posted by Chris Miller

The Haunting of Scare Tactics

2009-02-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

A recently released study details the health status of hundreds of so-called “crack babies” from the late 80s/early 90s. For those old enough to remember, “crack babies” were a major topic of health discussion during those years. Not only that, but they were also used as a tool of propaganda in the War on Drugs. Common were prophecies of an entire generation of children with severe mental impairment and lingering health issues. This was an accepted, terrifying “truth” with a strong undertone of morality.

Article: http://www.jointogether.org/news/headlines/inthenews/2009/crack-had-little-long-term.html

Fast-forward 20 years to check in on these now-grown-up children. As it turns out, their health problems have been relatively minimal, at least much less than the original scare tactic had implied. The biggest factor in the health of these children appears related to the overall socioeconomic status of their mothers and the mothers’ ability to take care of themselves through proper nutrition, hydration and exercise. Certainly, crack and cocaine have wreaked havoc on many, many lives, and in this case, parenting ability has suffered. But the lingering images we had, and the assumptions that were made (thankfully) have not materialized.

There is a lesson here about credibility, scare tactics and fear in general. Hopefully we have learned to avoid trumpeting a health epidemic for which we have little concrete evidence. The public takes note of exaggerations and fears that do not come to pass. As with any brand (and, yes, “public health” is a brand), credibility is paramount. People want to know that you/we will deliver on our promises and that we will be honest with them. Creating anxiety in hopes that it will motivate people to change or abstain from a behavior is simply a poor way to promote health.

-posted by Tad Spencer

Great American Spit Out

2009-02-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

Based on the success of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, health professionals created the Great American Spit Out, an annual celebration that coincides with Through with Chew Week (the third full week of February). This day encourages those that use spit/smokeless tobacco to quit for a day or longer. Tobacco companies are looking to expand their smokeless tobacco market, so campuses need to be ready.

Through with Chew Week 2009: February 15 - 21
Great American Spit Out: February 19

Don’t know much about spit tobacco? No problem! Here are a few items that can help your peer educators, staff, and campus population.

Visit http://www.tobaccofreeu.org/store/ for more details.

Spit It Out “program-in-a-box”: This set comes complete with a PowerPoint presentation (ready to integrate into “clicker” software), a facilitator’s guide, brochures, and quit kits. Perfect for educating student groups, athletic teams, or a tobacco task force!

Quit the Spit pamphlets: This pamphlet is a quick and easy guide to the health effects of spit tobacco and tips for quitting. Be sure your health and wellness centers have these on hand.

Spit Quit Kits: These re-sealable bags contain a Quit the Spit pamphlet, a Medications Options pamphlet, sugar-free gum, toothpicks, and tips for quitting. Feel free to add items to these kits to make them more campus/community specific.

The BACCHUS Tobacco Store also has lots of promotional items to help boost interest in your Spit Out events. Choose from toothpicks, sunflower seeds, gum, pens, water bottles, and more.

You can also download the Tobacco Materials Catalog here: http://www.tobaccofreeu.org/documents/TobaccoCatalog08-09.pdf

Happy programming!

-posted by Tad Spencer

Green Isn't Good Enough

2009-01-30T13:32:00.000-08:00

This article in the environmentally friendly Plenty magazine discusses the ongoing popularity of the Natural American Spirit cigarettes and “natural” tobacco farming. Even though the tobacco is pesticide free, the net result is not that different than administering an alcohol swab prior to a lethal injection. It’s still tobacco; it still has nicotine; it still has tar, carcinogens and carbon monoxide. Oh yeah, and it is ultimately owned by Reynolds American, Inc., the second largest tobacco manufacturer in the U.S.

Everyone is jumping on the sustainability bandwagon, even tobacco companies. The article is good to remind people that much environmental destruction and social injustice are a direct result of tobacco farming. By next year, 87% of tobacco will be grown in developing countries. Despite “good guy” public relations efforts by the tobacco companies (including building schools in developing nations), the overall harm done to the world as a whole far outweighs any purported benefit.

I encourage students to think critically about the full scope of tobacco industry practices and to question the legitimacy of “natural” tobacco.

http://www.plentymag.com/features/2008/12/the_green_cigarette.php

-posted by Tad Spencer

2009 Area Conferences

2009-01-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Reasons for Attending a 2009 Spring Area Conference

10. It rejuvenates the energy level of the leaders in your peer group.

9. You learn about new program ideas from other schools.

8. You NETWORK with other peer educators and advisors who do what you do.

7. Driving in a college van for several hours is excellent team building.

6. You will see some new speakers and presenters to bring to campus.

5. You can watch someone from your campus be recognized as an area award winner (if you apply)!

4. You can get ideas for publicity and fundraising from other campus groups.

3. It’s a bargain – the cost of spring area conferences is VERY ECONOMICAL.

2. It will help you plan out your Fall programming schedule.

1. You get to meet your area leadership team so you can rely on them for support throughout the year.

Spring Area Conferences 2009

Each spring our 12 areas host a regional conference. If you would like additional information on a particular conference, contact the individuals below in charge. If you have an event on your campus that prevents your attendance at your own area conference, you might consider another area conference nearby. Just e-mail the contact person for more information.

Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Area 1	April 4	Washington State University - Vancouver	Vancouver, WA
Contact: Mark Shaw, Area 1 Consultant, University of Washington, e-mail / (206) 616-8476

Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada
Area 2	April 3-4	University of California, Riverside	Riverside, CA
Contact: Cyndra Krogen, Area 2 Consultant, CSU Sacramento, e-mail / (916) 278-6026

Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming
Area 3	April 3-4	University of Utah Guest House	Salt Lake City, UT
Contact: Marc Goldfarb, Area 3 Consultant, Fort Lewis College, e-mail / (970) 247-7153

Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Area 4	April 3-4	University of Minnesota	St. Paul, MN
Contact:Amy Melichar, Area 4 Consultant, Marquette University, e-mail / (414) 288-5217

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
Area 5	April 2-4	Kansas City Marriott @ Airport	Kansas City, MO
Contact: Joan Masters, Area 5 Consultant, University of Missouri-Columbia, e-mail / (573) 884-7551 Click here for all conference information.

Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Area 6	March 27-28	Texas State University San Marcos	San Marcos, TX
Contact: Kim Harvey-Livingston, Area 6 Consultant, UT Tyler, e-mail / (903 ) 566-7197

Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio
Area 7	March 20-21	University of Cincinnati	Cincinnati, OH
Contact: Marc West, Area 7 Consultant, Baldwin-Wallace College, e-mail / (440) 826-2356

Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee
Area 8	March 28	University of Alabama	Tuscaloosa, AL
Contact Marianne Luther, Area 8 Consultant, Rhodes College, e-mail / (901) 843-3241

Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, South Carolina
Area 9	February 27-28	Georgia College and State University	Milledgeville, GA
Contact: Nanette Vega, Area 9 Consultant, University of Miami, e-mail / (305) 284-2443

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Area 10	February 28	Eastern Connecticut State University	Willimantic, CT
Contact: Lisa Currie, Area 10 Consultant, Wesleyan University, e-mail / (860) 685-2466 Click here for more conference information.

New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
Area 11	February 27 - March 1	University of Scranton	Scranton, PA
Contact: Michael McNeil, NY State Coordinator, Columbia University, e-mail / (212) 854-5453 Click here to download the Registration Guide.

Delaware, D.C., Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
Area 12	March 27-28	University of North Carolina Wilmington	Wilmington, NC
Contact: Georgia Childs, Area 12 Consultant, East Carolina University, e-mail / (252) 328-5172

What Do You Mean By That?

2008-12-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

New research shows that researchers and subjects often have different definitions for drinking terms and classifications. For example, many women in the study described themselves as “tipsy,” which actually met the definition for high-risk drinking.

This is nothing new for health behavior research. For years we have known that many people who “smoke socially” do not consider themselves to be smokers. Therefore, not only is the research inaccurate, but also it is harder to provide treatment. Researchers and treatment providers should look closer at the terminology and communication used to talk about these issues.

http://www.jointogether.org/news/research/summaries/2008/study-researchers-subjects.html

-posted by Tad Spencer

The importance to use prescription painkillers only as prescribed

2008-12-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

Often when discussing campus health, we focus on tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and sexual behavior. However, a recent review of accidental overdose deaths in the state of West Virginia shows that prescription drug abuse of opioid painkillers is a grave concern. 295 people died in West Virginia from accidental prescription overdoses in 2006, and use of these drugs without a prescription was most common for 18-24 year-olds. In addition, the 2008 Monitoring the Future Survey reveals that nationwide nearly 10% of high school seniors have used Vicodin and 4.7% have used Oxycontin (both opioid painkillers) for non-medical use in the past year. Campus health centers should warn students about the dangers of prescription drug overdose to themselves and others and strongly encourage them to only use the prescribed amount.

Source: Medical News Today

-posted by Chris Miller

The More Things Change…

2008-12-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Lane Medical Library at Stanford University’s School of Medicine has compiled an extensive gallery of cigarette advertising over the years. Many of these ads date back to the 1950s and earlier. For an especially disturbing experience, look through the collection marked “Then and Now.” This will show you precisely how many ad concepts have never disappeared; they simply get rehashed in the name of nostalgia.

http://lane.stanford.edu/tobacco/index.html

-posted by Tad Spencer

Educating on Sexual Assault

2008-12-09T13:22:00.002-08:00

This article, though disconcerting in its reminders of how much work still needs to be done to eliminate sexual violence, is an excellent talking piece for how peer education programs can be effective. Specifically highlighted here is the RSVP (Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention) Peer Education group at the University of Missouri – Columbia.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/131613.php

How is your campus peer education group addressing this topic? Please share your programming ideas with the rest of the Network.

-posted by Tad Spencer

News from BACCHUS HQ

2008-12-09T13:22:00.001-08:00

From the “Rarely a Dull Moment” file:
Staff at the BACCHUS office came in on Monday morning (Dec 8) to discover a stray bullet had made its way through one of our office windows and lodged in the opposite wall. No one was in the office at the time. The shot was most likely part of an altercation in the nearby retail area. This is a very rare and rather random occurrence. Building management is replacing the broken window, and life at BACCHUS continues.

-posted by Tad Spencer

Marijuana Education

2008-11-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

Despite what some laws suggest, marijuana isn’t safe. Massachusetts recently passed a law that makes it legal to possess less than an ounce of marijuana. Unfortunately this is going to send the message that marijuana is safe and will probably lead to more people trying it. Advisors and peer educators should tell students the truth about marijuana:

• Marijuana does contain carcinogens
• Per puff, marijuana has 3 to 5 times more tar and carbon monoxide than a cigarette
• Small amounts of marijuana impair a person’s driving ability
• Marijuana use can become addictive and is linked with a greater risk for future illicit drug dependence

Source: Office of National Drug Control Policy: “Marijuana Myths and Facts”

-posted by Chris Miller

Great American Smokeout

2008-11-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

Today is the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, an annual tradition where smokers are encouraged to quit for 24 hours. If that is successful, they should try two days, then four, then eight, etc.

This is a day where we remember those that we have lost to tobacco-related illness. It is also a day where we honor those who are fighting for their lives to escape the grips of the most powerful addiction we know.

Congratulations to those who are working to quit and transition to a life free of tobacco. At BACCHUS, it is our honor to help you in that process.

Please visit our tobacco site: www.tobaccofreeU.org

-posted by Tad Spencer and the BACCHUS Tobacco Team

Thank You

2008-11-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

The BACCHUS Network™’s General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio was a tremendous success! We would like to acknowledge the people that helped make the event such a memorable experience.

Many thanks to all of our area consultants and state coordinators who presented programs and hosted events at General Assembly. Everyone did a fantastic job providing a quality conference experience to our affiliate campuses.

Our guest speakers rocked - David Coleman, Tish Norman, Rosemary Laack, Paul Jones, Mike Domitrz, GTC Dramatic Dialogues from High Impact training, Matt Bellace, Jim Painter and Erin Weed. You can read about them in detail in the next Peer Educator!

Area 7 through the leadership of Marc West gave us something fun to do when the lights went out (had to be there). With no electricity, we still had urban line dancing lessons and a lot of positive energy! You're the best.

Thank you to all the participants—students, advisors, professionals, and community members. Your enthusiasm and passion is what makes our Network truly exceptional.

Thank you to everyone who submitted and presented a breakout session at General Assembly. This year’s program offered great variety and creativity. Participants were excited to take back to their campuses the new ideas they learned from you.

Thank you to our host city of Columbus and the fantastic staff at the Hyatt.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the silent auction: donors, bidders, and winners.

We hope to see you all next year in Orlando, November 5 – 8, 2009!

Tracking the Flu

2008-11-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

Web-based technologies continue to make an impact on the way we talk about/distribute health information. The big news today is the launch of Google’s Flu Trends: http://www.google.org/flutrends/ This website provides near real-time data on known cases of influenza, around the country. You can get information for the entire U.S. or state-level. This is an exciting breakthrough because of the quickness in information. Normally, it would take two weeks to gather a recent count of flu cases.

This also makes me wonder how programs like Twitter could be used in the future to alert specific areas of increased flu or disease risk. Campuses have already used Twitter to quickly post security alerts. Certainly, the same could be done with health-related outbreaks.

-posted by Tad Spencer

Tobacco Industry Continues to Target Females

2008-11-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

A year after RJ Reynolds introduced its Camel No. 9 brand of “fashionable” cigarettes, Philip Morris is responding with new Virginia Slims “purse packs.” These smaller cigarettes come in a case specifically designed for carrying in purses and handbags.

Story:
http://www.jointogether.org/news/headlines/inthenews/2008/phillip-morris-to-release.html

So far, we have not seen a significant increase in college female smoking rates. However, if the industry is putting dollars toward development of these products, we should pay attention.

Have women on campus noticed an increase in marketing toward them? It might be worthwhile for a campus to conduct surveys to measure the amount and placement of tobacco marketing encountered by all students.

-posted by Tad Spencer

Phone Coaching for Weight Loss

2008-10-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

This article highlights a study done at Brigham Young University on the use of phone-based coaching to promote modest weight loss. This concept is intriguing, particularly considering the success we have seen with tobacco quitlines.

Are there ways that campuses can utilize phone, texting, and other technology to help with healthy weight initiatives? Has anyone looked into the possibilities?

Click here for the article:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/127682.php

-posted by Tad Spencer

Health Behaviors and Student GPA Are Related

2008-10-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

If you have ever been questioned as to why health promotion efforts are needed on college campuses, a study just released by the University of Minnesota Boyton Health Services will give you some great talking points. "Our study shows that there is a direct link between college students' health and their academic achievement. This is the first time that anything like this has been published where Grade Point Average is linked to all these behaviors," said Dr. Ed Ehlinger, the director and chief health officer of the University of Minnesota Boynton Health Service.

To download the study, go to http://www.bhs.umn.edu/reports/HealthAcademicPerformanceReport_2007.zip

To view a video about the study, visit http://www1.umn.edu/urelate/newsservice

post from: Ann Quinn-Zobeck

The power of social norming and peer education

2008-10-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

The University of Virginia has not had a student die from an alcohol-related incident since 1998. Dr. James Turner, a BACCHUS Board of Trustees member, and the UVA peer educators organize an alcohol-free festival in the fall to educate new students that the number of students who dangerously drink is far less than their perceptions. The peer educators also realize that some underage students will still choose to drink and instead of pushing these students away through a negative attitude, they convey messages about staying safe while drinking and keeping their BAC at an acceptable level.

You can read the full article here.

-posted by Chris Miller

STI E-Card Notification

2008-10-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

An organization is utilizing technology to help patients notify their sexual partners about possible STI exposure. inSPOT has created a system that allows people to send e-cards to past partners. The benefit is that it can be done quickly and in a private manner. The site also directs people to health resources and treatments. More research is needed, but this may be an indication of how the transfer of health information can be conducted via technology.

Click here for the article

-posted by Tad Spencer

Ok so you only smoke a couple of cigarettes a week – no big deal, right? Actually…

2008-10-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Even if you’re a healthy college student, smoking just one cigarette impairs how your arteries function over the course of the next few days. A recent study showed that the arteries of nine college students who smoke less than a pack a week, and who hadn’t smoked in two days, were 36% less responsive to blood flow changes than non-smokers. The study notes that reduced responsiveness to blood flow “is an early sign of arterial damage that often foreshadows cardiovascular disease.”

Combine this knowledge with the fact that nicotine addiction becomes stronger after each use, that you can become addicted after smoking just a few cigarettes, and that tobacco is the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. – is it really worth it?

-posted by Chris Miller

Personal Stories of Eating Disorders

2008-10-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

We found this interactive feature on the NY Times website. The page features a slideshow and audio stories of people who have struggled with various eating disorders. This might be a useful educational tool for peer educators.

-posted by Tad Spencer

Donate to the GA silent auction!

2008-10-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the GA silent auction. All donations will help BACCHUS provide valuable materials to affiliates to support peer education and create healthier campuses. Popular items include apparel or other items from your school, speaking engagements, retail gift certificates, tickets to sporting events or concerts, jewelry, art and other collectibles, books, etc. Be creative! You can mail the item to BACCHUS beforehand or bring it with you if you are going to Columbus. Contact Chris Miller at chris@bacchusnetwork.org or 303-871-0901 to donate. Any donation big or small would be greatly appreciated!

-posted by Chris Miller

GA Update

2008-10-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Make Hotel Reservations Today!
October 22 Rates Change
Room Block Almost Full!

Contact Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 North High Street, Columbus Ohio, 43215.

Phone: 614-463-1234 (Reference The BACCHUS General Assembly at time of reservation)

$147 single/double/triple/quad
THIS RATE EXPIRES ON OCTOBER 22 OR EARLIER IF ROOM BLOCK FILLS!

Specific Award Categories Submission Extended to Monday, October 20, 2008
Award submissions only for

Outstanding Alumni

and Outstanding Programs in these two categories:

Illegal Drug/Drug Misuse
Peer Education Recruitment

Email applications to awards@bacchusnetwork.org by 5 pm Eastern Time, Monday, October 20, 2008.

Call for Programs Update
Acceptance letters are being faxed and emailed this week. A final program schedule will be ready and posted to the BACCHUS website by Monday, October 27.

Important Deadlines & Quick Links...

Before Wednesday, 10/22
Make Hotel Reservations

Monday, 10/20
Select Award Applications Deadline Extended

Wednesday, 10/22
Early Bird Registration Deadline
Student Trustee Election Packets Due

On or After Wednesday, October 22
Sign Up for BAC-Tail Contest & School Exhibits

-post from: Ann Quinn-Zobeck

Even if you quit, smoking during younger years negatively affects health later in life

2008-10-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

A study conducted by Dr. Arto Y. Strandberg at the University of Helsinki followed 1,658 men born between 1919 and 1934. They were considered healthy in 1974 and a follow-up in 2000 showed that those who never smoked lived about ten years longer than those who had smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day. Even those that had quit smoking between 1974 and 2000 lived shorter lives. Although nearly 70% of 1974 smokers had quit by 2000, about 44% had already died; and those who had survived had considerably worse health than never-smokers.

Campuses can use the results of the study to help encourage cessation and tobacco-free policies. Students can be informed that even if they eventually quit smoking, their current use of tobacco is negatively affecting their future health. The study showed that health problems increase as the number of cigarettes smoked increases, so it’s best to quit as soon as possible.

Source: Medical News Today

-posted by Chris Miller

New Tobacco Products

2008-10-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

In their unending attempts to circumvent smoke-free laws, the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company has unveiled several new "smokeless" products to be test marketed in early 2009. These three new products are dissolvable in the mouth, and they come in sticks, strips and "orbs." Each carries the signature Camel brand.

RJR says they will test market these products starting in January in Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis, and Portland, Oregon.

BACCHUS encourages campuses to work toward tobacco-free campus policies, rather than just smoke-free. Exchanging one addictive product for another is not a consistent health message. These new products clearly indicate the dedication that tobacco companies have for perpetuating tobacco addiction.

-posted by Tad Spencer

Health Behaviors and The Economy

2008-10-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

On a daily basis, we are bombarded with advertisements for “value” or “dollar menus,” many of which, quite frankly, do not offer the most nutritious food. With the economy struggling, it’s easy to see how some people might not eat as well.

That’s the common thought, anyway. Now may be a great time to help students learn that eating well does not have to cost a lot or be time-consuming.

A Cigna study suggests that many people are open to taking better care of their health during hard economic times. The healthier practices may help boost their energy and job performance, not to mention improving their overall mood.

Consider hosting events that show practical ways for students to keep healthy snacks on hand and methods for cooking on a budget with limited tools. Also emphasize the benefits of improving one’s health during these times, rather than allowing it to slide backward.

-posted by Tad Spencer

New Physical Activity Guidelines

2008-10-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

The Federal Government had just issued its first-ever physical activity guidelines for Americans. On the Department of Health and Human Services website, you will find guidelines, a toolkit, an activity guide for adults, and a report from the advisory committee.

http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/

A few questions for affiliates:

How are you promoting physical activity on campus?
How will your promotion efforts change throughout the year (and through weather changes)?
What partnerships/collaborations have you formed through your efforts?

-posted by Tad Spencer

Still time to get NCAAW materials

2008-10-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Order now for NCAAW 2008!

You still have time to order materials and giveaway items to support your National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week activities. From cups to chip clips to pens to jelly bean packets to key-shaped air fresheners (in addition to posters and pamphlets) -- they are all available to help you get the message out to your students:

U DECIDE — It starts with your decisions

DECIDE — to take care of yourself and friends
DECIDE — to not allow others to pressure you into drinking or drinking too much
DECIDE — to keep safe by not drinking to excess, by not driving after drinking, and by not riding with a driver who has been drinking

You can view images of each item as well as an order form by visiting http://www.bacchusnetwork.org/ncaaw.asp

Or download the descriptions and order form (2 MB file) directly at: http://www.bacchusnetwork.org/documents/2008NCAAWItems_000.pdf

Place your order with the BACCHUS Materials Center by Wednesday, October 8 and your materials will arrive on campus by Friday, October 17. See the order form for information about how to place your order.

BACCHUS wishes you the best with your NCAAW programs!

-post from Andrea Zelinko

Study Shows Link Between Early Alcohol Exposure and Adult Heavy Drinking

2008-09-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

A new study from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is described in this article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7641312.stm

Excerpts from the article:

The NIAAA found drinking before the age of 15 increased a child's risk of becoming a heavy drinker.
A teenager's fast-developing brain becomes programmed to link alcohol with pleasure, experts believe.
Research shows that by the age of seven most children will have tasted alcohol.
Research also shows the likelihood of developing alcohol-use disorders in adulthood is about 50% higher for people who start drinking before the age of 15 as for those who abstain until they are 18 or older.
"The data support the notion of delaying the onset of drinking behavior as late as possible."

Question for campuses:
How might this potentially impact your alcohol programming and interventions on campus?

-posted by Tad Spencer

GA Call for Programs Deadline Extended!

2008-09-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

Submit a Program and Share Your Expertise!

There is still time to submit your program to present at General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio.

Call for Programs New Deadline: October 6, 2008

For information about submitting a program: http://www.bacchusnetwork.org/documents/GA08CallforProgramsFinal.pdf

To submit a program online: https://www.bacchusnetwork.org/regphp/generalAssemblyCallforPrograms.php

-post from: Ann Quinn-Zobeck

Study shows casual young-adult smokers more likely to dangerously drink

2008-09-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

A new study conducted by the Yale University School of Medicine surveyed nearly 6,000 young-adults aged 18-25 and found that casual smokers are 16 times more likely to be hazardous drinkers and five times more likely to have alcohol-use disorders than their nonsmoking peers. This strong link between social smoking and dangerous drinking should help guide health educators on campus. When your campus health center refers a smoker to cessation services, perhaps they should also ask questions to see if providing information about the dangers of binge drinking would be appropriate.

Click here for the full article.

-posted by: Chris Miller

General Assembly - The Place to Be

2008-09-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

Did you know that half of the U.S. population is within 550 miles of Columbus, Ohio?

The BACCHUS Network General Assembly 2008 - November 13-16 - Columbus, Ohio

It's time to hit the road on a Journey to Peer Education Success this November! Take advantage of a tremendous selection of learning opportunities during the conference at 70+ educational sessions, 2 keynotes, and 6 featured health issue presentations. If you feel like you need some specialized trainings, you can also take advantage of the pre-conference CPE (Certified Peer Educator) Training or the free Advisor's College sessions.

Call for Programs
Share your talents with our network! Submit an educational session for our General Assembly. Teach us the latest information and prevention strategies on alcohol abuse and drug education, tobacco control, eating disorders mental health issues, sexual health and sexual violence. Spotlight progams on health and wellness issues that affect the quality of life on campus. Help us to become stronger advocates in knowing resources and ways to promote a healthy lifestyle.

For more information about submitting a program click here.
To submit a program online, click here.

Register Online Now
Be a part of the premier conference focusing on student health issues and peer education programs for colleges and universities.

Registration Costs
On or Before Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Advisor/Student $290
Guest $330
Agency Exhibit $500

After Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Advisor/Student $320
Guest $360
Agency Exhibit $550

To download the conference registration booklet, click here.
To register online, click here now!

Apply for Awards and Scholarships
Awards submissions are due Monday, October 13th for
· Outstanding Students
· Outstanding Advisors
· Outstanding Alumni
· Outstanding Affiliates
· Outstanding Programs

Click here to download the Awards Submission Form

Scholarships
Eleven scholarships are available for students this year. Click here to find out more. Scholarship applications must be received in Denver no later than Monday, October 6th.
Email: scholarships@bacchusnetwork.org OR FAX: 303-871-0907

Hotel Information
Participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.
Hyatt Regency Columbus
350 North High Street,
Columbus, Ohio, USA 43215
PH: 614.463.1234 for block rates.

$147 Single/Double/Triple/Quad, plus applicable taxes.

Call the direct number listed to receive the conference rate! Do not use the Hyatt 800 - REFERENCE THE BACCHUS GENERAL ASSEMBLY at time of reservation.

· Check-In Time: 3 PM
· Check-Out Time: 12 Noon

-post written by: Ann Quinn-Zobeck

What are you doing for NCAAW?

2008-09-23T14:42:00.001-07:00

By now, campuses should have received their "U Decide" campaign mailing for National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week 2008. Hopefully you have had time to go through the manual and campaign items with your peer educators.

What programs are you planning for NCAAW?
Are there particular BACCHUS items that you like this year?
How can you sustain the impact of your NCAAW programs throughout the year?

-posted by: Tad Spencer

Smoke-Free Pennsylvania

2008-09-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Pennsylvania’s 14 state-owned universities. In addition to the state going smoke-free, the campuses have made all their grounds completely smoke-free, as well.

Though there has been some backlash over the new policy, we encourage campuses to stay on-message about the health benefits of smoke-free/tobacco-free environments, and emphasizing that healthy behaviors are the norm.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08257/911949-85.stm

-posted by: Tad Spencer

American Lung Association Study on College Students and Tobacco

2008-09-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

On Monday, September 8, the American Lung Association released this report, analyzing the current status of tobacco use on college campuses.

The study recommends changing the campus norm—the perception that most students use tobacco. The truth is that, nationwide, only about 20% of students use tobacco, meaning that around 80% do not. While the use rate is still higher than what we would prefer, it is much lower than the perceived norm.

The BACCHUS Network and the American Lung Association share the same belief that campuses should pursue tobacco-free campus policies. This population-based strategy has been shown to provide the largest decreases in use. BACCHUS affiliates should look for the annual collegiate tobacco mailing, arriving in early October. This year, we focus more specifically on policy change and how you can tweak your current tobacco events to work toward a tobacco-free campus.

For more tobacco-related information, please visit: www.tobaccofreeU.org

-posted by: Tad Spencer

Loud Music and Drinking Behavior

2008-09-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

This article discusses a recent French study on the correlation between loud music and drinking levels. Subjects exposed to louder music tended to drink faster and order more drinks than those exposed to lower music volumes.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/115587.php

There are two hypotheses posited: 1) loud music caused higher brain arousal, which in turn caused people to drink more, and 2) loud music made it harder for people to talk to one another, resulting in more drinking to fill the time.

Certainly, casino owners have known for years that highly arousing environments encourage compulsive behavior. It looks like the same may be true for bars and concert facilities.

-posted by: Tad Spencer