NEWS RELEASE
February 2, 1999

Engler Administration Works to Curb College Binge Drinking

Governor John Engler's plan to curb college binge drinking was outlined today by Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr., at the Presidents' Council of State Universities of Michigan meeting in Lansing.

"Tragically, four young people have died in the past four months on college campuses in Michigan," said Engler. "No family should have to experience the pain and suffering these four families have endured. We must take aggressive steps to combat the dangers of alcohol."

• In October, Courtney Cantor, 18 years old, died when she fell from her dormitory window at the University of Michigan;
• In November, Bradley McCue, a Michigan State University student, died of alcohol poisoning on his 21st birthday after drinking 24 shots of alcohol in 90 minutes;
• In December, Alan Hewer, 24 years old, died of alcohol poisoning after a sorority part at Ferris State University;
• In January, Adriane Allen, 20 years old, died when she fell from her apartment window at Ferris State University.

According to a Journal of American College Health survey, one third more drinkers "drank to get drunk" in 1997 compared to 1993, with the proportion increasing from 39% to 52%.

"I am tired of the naysayers who claim nothing can be done to stop students from drinking. They shrug their shoulders and act as if our only option is to sit back and watch our children die," said Haveman. "They are wrong, there is much that can and will be done to educate students of the dangers of binge drinking. Binge drinking is not social behavior. It's deadly behavior."

The Department of Community Health will use $433,000 to fund comprehensive five week mentoring programs at Universities statewide to emphasize an alcohol and drug-free approach to campus life. The mentoring program will include alcohol and drug-free activities for freshman students.

The Department will also fund a $50,000 initiative to train University Health Professionals to recognize and deal with binge drinking problems on campus. The Department will fund $150,000 of advertising to educate college students of the dangers of alcohol and drugs in student newspapers and on radio stations.

"We will work closely with the Universities, Michigan State Police, Local Law Enforcement and the Liquor Control Commission to stop underage drinking and excessive drinking," said Haveman. "No student should be able to walk into a bar and drink 24 shots of liquor in 90 minutes. Bars and restaurants must be held accountable."

Former State Representative Jim McBryde, who now serves as Special Assistant for Drug Policy at the Department of Community Health, will work with University Alcohol Teams statewide to curb student drinking. The Department will launch a web site to inform parents of each college and university action plan on alcohol and drugs. "This information will be a valuable tool to parents and students in selecting a college or university," said McBryde.

Haveman called on all University Presidents to end the secrecy associated with students and drinking. "It is time for Universities to inform parents when their child is involved in underage drinking and binge drinking," said Haveman.

"I am pleased that Universities have begun to address this critical issue," said Engler. "In addition to their efforts, Michigan must begin this aggressive approach to save the lives of our children."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Geralyn Lasher
February 2, 1999 (517) 241-2112