GSW receives $12K grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to promote alcohol awareness

AMERICUS, GA (December, 3, 2024) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is proud to announce the receipt of $11,800.00 awarded by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) with federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These funds are awarded to participate in the Georgia Young Adult Program (GYAP) through iHelp Peer Educators at GSW. The GOHS addresses young adult driver crashes, injuries, and fatalities, and partners with colleges and universities nationwide to implement this program.

"Part of the GOHS mission is to assist in implementing programs and campaigns designed to prevent crashes and eliminate traffic deaths on our roads," said Allen Poole, director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. "GOHS will continue to develop new partnerships and continue existing ones to create, refine, and implement safety programs designed to help our state and nation reach our goal of zero traffic deaths. The GYAP has proven to be successful in using strategies such as peer education, providing educational speakers to schools, and encouraging schools to develop creative, innovative techniques to reduce young adult crashes, injuries, and fatalities in their communities.”

With the grant funds, GSW’s iHelp Peer Educators plan to host workshops and events on alcohol awareness. The mission of iHelp Peer Educators is to encourage GSW students to make healthy, low-risk lifestyle choices by promoting low-risk drinking behaviors and educating students, faculty, and staff about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse. The University also plans to communicate the dangers of alcohol abuse throughout the school year by email and on social media.

Programming often surrounds events such as National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week in October, Safe Spring Break Week in the spring, and summer orientation. Programs involve collaborations with Health and Counseling Services, Campus Safety, and Residence Life.

The grant runs from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. Angie Christmas is the GOHS Project Director and iHelp Peer Educators Advisor. For more information, contact angie.christmas@gsw.edu.