14 public and private postsecondary institutions in Kentucky are participating in an effort to reduce underage drinking and impaired driving among college students.
The three-year million-dollar pilot program is called Responsible Alcohol and Substance Misuse Education. It’s modeled after established programs in other states. Bluegrass Community and Technical College Director of Counseling Services Anita Nelums said drinking is a long-standing reality in the college setting.
“The direct age with a lot of young people drinking directly coincides with college, right. Actually, that is about the same time that some mental health illnesses would start to manifest themselves as well,” said Nelums.
Nelums said the development of the RASME program will likely be tailored differently on each campus.
The BCTC counseling director noted the impact can go beyond the campus setting.
“Any targeted efforts that any school or any entity can make…move that particular group of students a little closer to success..and if we’re able to do that then of course it helps the community at large,” said Nelums.
The idea is to implement a holistic well-being initiative centered on education and harm reduction while providing support to ensure consistency and accountability. Contributions from Kentucky’s signature Bourbon Industry will fund the program for its first three years.
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