St. Joseph’s University, New York is preventing substance abuse on campus with training and prevention courses. Recently hosted by the Long Island Campus Peer Health Educators, students were led through different stations where they found free resources and games that aimed to educate students on the dangers of substance abuse.
The resource stations included local agencies and outreach programs like Suffolk County Department of Health Services, L.I. Against Domestic Violence and Response Crisis Center. Students were able to speak with these organizations and learn how they help with substance abuse.
Students also played trivia games and experienced a walkthrough obstacle course that simulated the effects of alcohol on the human body, and how it impacts vision and other functions.
On the Brooklyn Campus, the Office of Counseling and Wellness hosted Think Before You Drink.
“This was our first substance abuse workshop with the intent to help raise awareness of the importance of responsible drinking,” said Constances Sykes, senior administrative assistant for the Office of Counseling and Wellness on the Brooklyn Campus.
In addition, the Long Island Campus Diversity Union and Psi Chi Honor Society hosted a free Narcan training this month. Father Francis Pizzarelli led students through a presentation and training.
“Narcan is an opioid antagonist, which reverses opioid overdose,” said Fr. Pizzarelli. “It sits on the receptors preventing opioids from being activated for 30-90 minutes. That’s why it’s always important, even if the person is coming out of the overdose, that you call 911.”
Students received Nasal Naloxone (Narcan) kits that included a pair of gloves, a rescue breathing face shield and two Narcan nasal sprays. Students were trained on how to use the items and were led through a demonstration about the signs of an overdose.
For more information about substance abuse and resources to help, please contact the Office of Counseling and Wellness at bkwellness@sjny.edu or liwellness@sjny.edu.
