Angels returning to High Street on Thursday

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University School of Public Health will hold its annual Angels on High Street alcohol awareness event from 9:30 to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26 at High and Wall streets in downtown Morgantown. Student volunteers will provide blood alcohol strips and coasters that check drinks for the presence of GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) and ketamine.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2011, more than 9,800 deaths occurred in which alcohol was a factor. Also that year, 91 alcohol-related fatalities were reported in West Virginia, according to the Century Council, a national, independent, non-profit organization founded in 1991 and funded by distillers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that a driver arrested for drunk driving has driven 80 times under the influence of alcohol before being cited.

“Our goal is to create awareness about drinking and driving and to encourage students to make smart choices. While many students state they do not drink and drive, the fact is that there are some who ride with someone who is intoxicated,” Ruth Kershner, Ed.D., R.N., interim assistant dean for student affairs in the WVU School of Public Health and professor in the WVU Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, said. “The School of Public Health works diligently to improve the health and well-being of our students and citizens.”