NORTHFIELD, Vt. -
Binge drinking on college campuses... it's not new, but the push to combat the problem is stronger than ever.
People dedicated to that fight got together today at Norwich University to talk about solutions.
The good news is, they're realists, and they know that binge drinking unfortunately isn't going to stop, but if even one life can be saved, they say the energy they're putting toward the problem is worth it.
"A car full of kids, a drunk driver, an unbelted passenger gets thrown from the car, he's now paralyzed for the rest of his life," Health Commissioner Harry Chen said.
It's one story of many the Commissioner Chen shared with me about his time as an emergency room doctor. We also see it on the news, far too often, alcohol is the cause of a crime or a crash. People between the ages of 18 and 25 are at the greatest risk.
"Vermont perennially has some of the highest binge drinking rates in the country," Commissioner Chen said.
"Around one o'clock they'll come back after they get busted and then cause trouble," College Student Michael Shalginewicz said.
The student from Castleton State College sits on the alcohol and drug task force. His message isn't no drinking, it's responsible drinking.
"How many is enough for you? And how many is not too many?" Shalginewicz said.
The policies vary from school to school but students at Norwich know the consequences are a bit more severe.
"If you're caught, you're out," Commissioner Chen said.
"Your academics should come first, so you really shouldn't be drinking on campus anyway's," a Norwich college freshman said.
Other colleges make kids pay up, complete community service, or write another paper. Police aren't brought into the mix unless someone's seriously ill, hurt, violent or off campus. If there are multiple offenses, a substance abuse counselor steps in.
"What we see are students affected by academics, not making it to class the next day, they're not prepared, a dry campus, it rains a lot because students try to get away with stuff," Southern Vermont College Director of Counseling, Mike Goodwin said.
But if the group can reduce some of that, college campuses will be safer... and if even one life is saved, it's worth it.
Many of the school representatives who I spoke with today say partnering with the community is another important asset.
