YEAR-LONG PROGRAMS Because prevention isn’t just NCAAW...

National Collegiate Health and Wellness Week

NCHWW is always held the first Sunday in March through the following Saturday. In 1998, that will be March 1-7. Like NCAAW, there is major national publicity for this week sponsored by the Task Force. This is a great week to sponsor programs which emphasize topics such as nutrition, exercise, mental health, sexual health, and others.

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is always observed on December 1. Perhaps you could sponsor a speaker, or a workshop on “how to help a friend who is HlV-positive.” How about a candlelight remembrance program; passing out red ribbons; a display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt? Maybe you could have “A Day Without Art” where you memorialize the impact of the AIDS crisis on the world of art and entertainment by covering up anything on your campus that is artistic. Maybe you could fund-raise for your local AIDS service organization. Many campuses choose to observe AIDS awareness weeks or month during February to coincide with Valentine’s Day and the obvious event tie-ins available that month.

Women’s Health Month

March is Women’s Health Month. Perhaps you could hold a women’s health fair. Work with a campus sorority to promote breast self-exams to prevent breast cancer. Maybe you could do a program on preventing sexual assault. The possibilities are limitless, and the Women’s Center on your campus would probably love to co-sponsor activities with you.

Safe Spring Break

Each year, The BACCHUS and GAMMA Peer Education Network sponsors a “Play it Safe” Spring Break Campaign. Students are encouraged to sign “SSB Pledges” promising that they won’t drive impaired, ride with an impaired driver, or forget to wear their seat belts. BACCHUS gives away a vehicle each year to one lucky student who signs an SSB pledge. You can build a whole week of activities around this theme, doing programs on topics such as impaired driving, safer sex, alcohol poisoning, safe travel skills, sun/skin care, and others. For more information on the Safe Spring Break Campaign, call (303) 871-0901.

Finals Stress Busters!

Remember that fraternities and sororities, Greek Week, residence halls, athletic teams, and other student groups are always looking for educational programs! You don’t have to have an occasion! Everyone gets nuts around finals time. So, what can you do to help students manage the stress? Maybe you could pitch a tent in the middle of campus with “stress buster” activities. How about a midnight breakfast where students can get some free nourishment and relieve some stress? Maybe you could put together care packages with healthy food samples from local stores. Maybe a free massage hour in the union.

Safe Senior Week/Graduation

Why not get out there and talk to those seniors? Remind them to party smart during the celebration. You may want to provide some fun events during their week or pass out promotional items or serve mocktails at an event. Focus on issues such as impaired driving prevention, peer pressure, alcohol poisoning, and more!

And More!

Remember that fraternities and sororities, Greek Week, residence halls, athletic teams, and other student groups are always looking for educational programs! You don’t have to have an occasion!