PORTSMOUTH – Shawnee State University’s Counseling and Health Services will be promoting awareness for Substance Abuse Awareness Week during the week of Oct. 19 through 23.

One of the major events lined up is the Black Ribbon Campaign which is sponsored by King Daughter’s Medical Center. The campaign will feature 2200 black ribbon stakes placed in front of the Clark Memorial Library to represent the number of people who die every year from alcohol poisoning.

Other activities throughout the week include:

• Myth or Fact Quiz: tests each individual’s knowledge about the myths and truths surrounding substance abuse.

• Poster Sessions: SSU nursing students will present different topics to raise awareness and educate the public about different issues related to substance abuse. Participants will be given a chance to enter into a drawing for a gift card during the poster sessions.

• Drunk Goggle Obstacle Course: with help from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), SSU’s Counseling and Health Services will set up an obstacle course simulation.

• Drug Take Back: also with help from DPS, this event will be open to the community, as well as SSU faculty, staff and students, where participants can bring any unwanted or leftover prescription medication to be disposed of safely.

“Substance Abuse Awareness Week focuses on promoting and raising awareness about the consequences of using and abusing substances and also to debunk certain myths such as coffee sobering a person up after drinking too much. The SSU Counseling and Health Services also provide outreach for those who feel they need help or may be concerned for a loved one in regards to substance abuse,” said Anna Settle, Chemical Dependency Counselor at SSU’s Counseling and Health Services.

For more information about Substance Abuse Awareness Week, contact Anna Settle at 740.351.3848 or by e-mail at asettle@shawnee.edu.