Angels to roam High Street Thursday night

Students to educate peers about drinking risks

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – As West Virginia University’s fall semester gets underway, parties and nightlife await both returning students and new arrivals. This Thursday (August 25) will mark the tenth straight year WVU students will hit Morgantown’s main drag to educate their peers about the dangers of binge drinking.

The event informs and reminds WVU students about the responsibilities of safe and responsible drinking behavior for those who are of age. Participating ‘angels’ will distribute blood alcohol strips that give an approximation of one’s blood alcohol level along with coasters that check for the presence of drugs such as ketamine and GHB, substances sometimes used as ‘date rape drugs.’

Students from various majors will participate in the Angels on High Street event, including several from WVU’s Department of Community Medicine.

“We have a responsibility to educate our students about alcohol, the dangers of binge drinking, safety, and reinforcing the concept of not driving while drinking and not riding with someone who is drinking,” said Ruth Kershner, Ed.D., associate professor in the Department of Community Medicine and alcohol educator for the WVU School of Medicine.

In addition to alcohol-monitoring materials, urinal screens printed with alcohol safety messages will be given to area bars.

For information on the Department of Community Medicine, visit http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/.