Recent drowning spurs alcohol education

Bouquets of flowers and notes left from loved ones decorate the walkway by Riverside Park outside the Marriott Hotel of La Crosse to honor the life of Craig Meyers, 21-year-old Western Technical student. Mementos were left as reminders to all of the most recent Mississippi River drowning and the tragedy alcohol can cause.
Meyer's death represents the ninth drowning incident involving young men in the past 13 years in La Crosse.
"The drowning in the river was a tragedy and could have been prevented," Sue Danielson, Viterbo Health Services registered nurse, told Lumen. "It serves as a reminder to me that alcohol is a drug and if it is used excessively, terrible things may occur.
"We live in a community where excessive drinking seems to be socially acceptable, as you see by the drink specials in the bars," Danielson said.
According to a study done by the Harvard School of Public Health, 44 percent of college students are binge drinkers. For college students, partying with friends can be an enjoyable pastime, but it is important to know when to stop, Danielson said.
Viterbo has begun implementing its own alcohol prevention plans to protect students.
The week before spring break, free Spring Break Kits were handed out to students to create more awareness as they travel, Danielson said. Items included in the kits included blood alcohol concentration (BAC) cards for students to determine BAC levels over time based on gender and body weight.
"This enables students to better determine safer BAC levels if considering driving," Danielson said. A biphasic curve card was also included that demonstrates when BAC levels approach 0.06. Alcohol acts strongly as a depressant.
Other items included information on sexually transmitted diseases, suicide and mental health information, first aid supplies, and suggestions for safe drinking habits.
Danielson offered tips for safe drinking habits, including alternating alcoholic drinks with a glass of water or soda. Drink water first and eat a meal before drinking alcohol.
Changing the Culture of Risky Drinking Behavior, a grant awarded to the La Crosse area to address alcohol-related injuries in 2007, sponsored the Spring Break Kits, Danielson said. The three campuses along with Gunderson Lutheran and Franciscan Skemp act as partners in the grant. In April of 2009, the project was awarded a three-year $300,000 impact award from the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program to carry out their plan to reduce alcohol-related injuries.
The impact award focuses on reducing injuries and deaths related to underage drinking and will fund activities related to policy changes and education, Danielson said.
"Don't drink and drive," Danielson said. "There is a Safe Ride program available in La Crosse and students can utilize that rather than getting behind the wheel or going with someone else who has been drinking."
The Safe Ride Bus Service provides free transportation for Viterbo, UW-La Crosse, and Western Tech students on Thursdays from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Viterbo also has alcohol awareness programs planned during orientation weekend for the fall of 2010 incoming students.
"The La Crosse Police Department and Campus Safety will team up to do a presentation that will teach new students about the drinking/ party culture in La Crosse and how to make responsible decisions that will keep students safe," said Kari Hartogh, campus activities and orientation coordinator, introducing students immediately to the choices they will make about alcohol in college.