KDChi, Zeta Chapter at SHSU Helps prepare students for a Safe Spring Break

SHSU Houstonian Online, By: Shawn Ramsey - Contributing Writer

Next week is R.I.D.D. Week, also known as Reducing Irresponsible Drinking and Drugs Week, at Sam Houston State University. The SHSU University Alcohol and Drug Abuse Initiative, along with the National Health Education Honorary, Eta Sigma Gamma, fraternity Omega Delta Phi, and the Zeta Chapter of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority is hosting the annual event all week until Friday in order to prepare students for a safe spring break.

"The goal for the week is to insure that our students can make good, rational decisions about drugs and alcohol with the help of scientific studies of the dangers of using these harmful substances," said SHSU Alcohol and Drug Abuse Initiative Director, Rosanne Keathley.

The theme for R.I.D.D. this year is "myths of drugs and alcohol." Every day next week in the LSC Mall area on campus, and other locations, these myths will be daily theme of activities for that day:

o The week was originally scheduled to kick off on Monday, March 8 with "Truth or Consequences?" along with the myth that drugs and alcohol can enhance sexual, physical and academic performance. However, due to inclement weather, all events scheduled yesterday were cancelled.

o Tuesday, March 9 the theme is "Advertising doesn't affect your personal choices."

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., R.I.D.D. is hosting a "Swap meet" where students can bring items with alcohol or drug references and exchange those items for SHSU merchandise. Also from 10:00 to 2:00 there is a scheduled scavenger hunt that will allow students to win prizes as they advance through the search.

o Wednesday, March 10, the theme is "Get high" in a different way from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every kite needs a "tale," students are asked to come share them and fly high! The second theme of the day is "Designated Drivers Don't Drink," campus wide from 10:00 until noon; catch the Kat Kab with Student Activities for free prizes.

o Thursday, March 11 theme is "Save a Life" with the myth "It won't happen to me." There will be a webcast with Nicole Martingano, survivor of a near-death experience with alcohol from 11a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in a location to be determined later. The second theme and myth of the day is "Alcohol-emia" also known as the "Alcohol Diet." Members of the National Health Education Honorary, Eta Sigma Gamma, will teach students the tricks behind dieting without the use of alcohol or other dangerous substances.

The festivities wrap up on Friday, March 12, with a reality check of the myth, "Spring Break doesn't count." Students can join with members of Kappa Delta Chi and Omega Delta Phi in navigating a safety maze from 10:00 am until 1pm.

"With the R.I.D.D. week, we are hoping, ultimately, that students will be able to make positive decisions, like avoiding driving drunk, riding with friends who have been drinking, binge drinking, and staying away from all types of drugs that can be harmful," said Keathley.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the SHSU Ladies Softball game against the Monmouth Hawks at 3:30 on Wednesday March 10th at the Softball Complex on campus. The first 100 students to attend will receive a free official R.I.D.D. t-shirt to help promote the fight against alcohol and drug abuse.

"We would love to have everyone come out and participate in the week's activities. It is important to have students advocate to other students about the dangers of drinking alcohol or partaking of harmful drugs," said Keathley.