MEDIA ADVISORY

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Center for Health and Counseling is participating in National Alcohol Screening Day by offering free, anonymous screenings and information sessions Thursday, April 8 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the UAF Wood Center. More than 2,000 screening sites have been set up across the country, including about 500 on college campuses, to increase awareness about problems associated with alcohol abuse and how people can get help. The UAF Alcohol Screening Day information line is 907-474-7030.

Alcohol-related offenses continue to be a leading factor in student disciplinary actions and police responses at UAF. Getting students to recognize signs of risky behavior and possible abuse situations can be difficult, however.

By providing free screenings – a written self-test taken confidentially– participants can privately identify problems like binge drinking, alcohol or dependence abuse. The screening takes about 10 minutes.

The program is designed to help people in a way that is non-threatening, easily accessible and offers a direct connection with treatment resources in the Fairbanks community. Six UAF Health Center staff members will be on hand to provide information about alcohol abuse and referrals to local treatment and support programs, as well as to talk individually with participants about their concerns.

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CONTACT: Ron Smith, UAF Health Center, (907) 474-5421.