SUNY Geneseo will benefit from a $2.5 million state grant awarded to 20 SUNY and CUNY colleges in 17 counties across New York to help prevent and reduce underage drinking and drug abuse.
The funding from the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (OASAS) will support the development of campus/community coalitions and foster community partnerships to help strengthen local prevention efforts and will be specifically targeted at students from 18 to 24 years of age.
Sarah Covell, alcohol and other drug program coordinator at Geneseo, will be project director for the college’s portion of the grant, which will total $125,000 per year over five years. The award provides for start-up funding and annual operating support, including salary for a full-time College Prevention Coordinator (CPC), who will oversee all funded prevention activities. The grant award period is July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2022.
“This grant support will greatly benefit our efforts to address this increasing problem we’re seeing on college campuses,” said Covell. “While the primary goal is to prevent and reduce underage drinking and other drug use, prevention efforts may also reduce excessive alcohol use and other drug use among student who are 21 years and older. We expect this funding will result in a decrease in alcohol and drug-related consequences.”
The college helped launch the Healthy Campus Community Coalition (HCCC) in Geneseo in 2002, which comprises a group of businesspersons, local and college officials, college students and local citizens focused on preventing underage and excessive drinking. The new grant coincides with an HCCC decision to expand its scope to include drug abuse.
“I am very excited about the possibilities this grant brings,” said Village of Geneseo Board of Trustees member Margaret Duff, who represents the board on the coalition. “I believe we will be able to increase collaboration between the Village and University to improve the quality of life for all residents, students and families alike. The current membership has worked together well and I anticipate greater participation in the future.”
The initiative further advances Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s goal of promoting strategies that prevent underage drinking and equip students and their families with essential knowledge, while continuing to make state campuses and communities safer.
“This funding will go a long way in providing a supportive environment both on and off campus to prevent underage drinking and drug use,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “We applaud the governor for making such an important investment in the safety and well-being of SUNY students so that they have a best opportunity for a quality education.”
Photo: Sarah Covell
Media Contact:
David Irwin
(585) 245-5529
Irwin@geneseo.edu