Lawmakers Commend SJU Drinking Prevention Program

Lancman, sixth from left, with members of the prevention program.

Noting the heavy price paid throughout the United States for youths involved in deadly alcohol related accidents Assemblymember Rory Lancman and City Councilmember James Gennaro awarded citations last week to St. John's University students who are involved in a program to combat underage drinking.

The university in Jamaica Estates is one of 13 New York schools participating in a $2 million state-sponsored marketing competition to curb underage drinking among college students.

At SJU, the Department of Student Wellness brought together 57 students and five professors, seven classes, the TV Club and the Radio Club in a semester long, inter-department project, called Sober 24-7. The project created a multi-media advertising campaign aimed at sharply reducing underage drinking.

Lancman (D- Flushing) and Gennaro (D- Fresh Meadows), who came to the university to award citations to the Student Wellness Department and those who created the 24-7 Project, pointed out that each year in the United States, 3,000 18 to 20- year-olds die in alcohol-related auto-mobile accidents.

More than 1 million more, they noted, end up in emergency rooms with serious injuries. Also, 95 percent of violent crimes on college campuses are linked to alcohol.

Citing these deadly statistics, Lancman stated: "Underage and binge drinking are serious problems on too many college campuses, impacting students and the community alike. The 24/7 project created by St. John's is an innovative, powerful effort to encourage responsible behavior. The students, faculty and administration who put this project together have done a tremendous service to our community."

Lancman and Gennaro also applauded the fact that the program was developed and launched for students by students. Their finished product contains 11 advertisements and marketing designs each anchored by the slogan"…24/7".

The public service announcement includes television and radio commercials, print ads, posters, billboard designs, teeshirts, water bottle labels and a live, interactive Web site where visitors can win great prizes by participating in contests, quizzes and even an online scavenger hunt.- John Toscano