Education and Surveillance
Increasing students’ knowledge remains a cornerstone for addressing many public health problems, including alcohol. The goal is to provide opportunities for students to learn why they need to drink less, take fewer risks, and experience fewer harmful consequences. Evidence will verify that including education and awareness programs can positively impact college campuses.
For the AODE program, surveillance means the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data related to alcohol and other drug use/misuse, including the size of the alcohol problem at K-State as well as determining changes in health practices. This process is essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of resources to decrease alcohol and other drug use/misuse. The program implements the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) to collect data on excessive alcohol use, including binge and underage drinking. By collecting these data, AODE can provide the university and local communities with the evidence to support the implementation of strategies to reduce excessive drinking. Data from this survey also covers smoking habits, contraception use, mental health issues, relationship difficulties, sexual behaviors, exercise habits, and preventive health practices.
Available education programs include:
Alcohol & Sexual Assault Prevention Program (ASAP)
As part of K-State's comprehensive and proactive approach to encourage students to stay safe and healthy, K-State requires all students to complete the annual web-based program
Peer Education
- The WellCAT Ambassadors are a group of peer educators that advocate for overall health and well-being at Kansas State University. The WellCATs provide education, host events, collaborate with other groups, and serve as role models in order to promote total wellness to their peers on campus. They are knowledgeable in a variety of health issues pertinent to the college population including sexual health, alcohol use, bystander intervention, eating disorder prevention, food safety, nutrition, physical activity, physical health, and more.
Outreach
- Presentations and Media (harm reduction, social norms)
- Community Collaboration
- MARPC
- City of Manhattan
