Ohio Parents for Drug Free Youth announced that Denison University President Dale T. Knobel has agreed to chair the Ohio College Initiative to Reduce High Risk Drinking. Ohio Parents for Drug Free Youth began the Ohio College Initiative to Reduce High Risk Drinking in 1996 to address high-risk drinking among college students. Currently there are 42 four-year institutions participating.

"Denison has been actively involved in the initiative from the start," Ohio Parents for Drug Free Youth Executive Director Patricia Harmon said. "We are honored to have President Knobel lead the effort as we continue to work toward healthier environments for college students."

"I am pleased to follow my presidential colleagues at Ohio State, Miami, and Ohio University in giving leadership to this initiative," said Knobel. "The Ohio College Initiative brings together private and public colleges and universities to address an issue that is not only about student health but about the sustenance of campus environments that are conducive to learning and growing. Denison has learned much from the experiences of other universities and, in turn, is in a position to share its successes in promoting healthy student choices with Ohio campuses large and small. That is the value of a coalition."

The initiative encourages and supports the collaboration of campus and community to implement environmental changes such as restricting marketing and promotion of alcohol and increasing consistent enforcement of laws and policies. Denison's efforts have included working withVillage Council to use alcohol-related fines to fund alcohol education and prevention, requiring first-year students to complete an online alcohol abuse education course, and partnering with off-campus retailers to reduce drink specials that promote excessive alcohol consumption.

Ohio Parents for Drug Free Youth is a not-for-profit organization, which provides leadership and fosters networks in order to promote safe and drug free communities throughout Ohio. A complete list of the Ohio College Initiative membership is available at www.ohioparents.org.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

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(740) 587-8575