by Taylor Bryant
University of West Georgia peer educators recently gave several presentations on alcohol awareness at the 2013 Power in Truth Conference. The conference, designed to empower Douglas County youth to resist underage drinking, tobacco use and all other substance abuse, included a total of 1,500 students from Douglas County middle and high schools.
“Prevention is the primary focus, particularly for our youth,” says UWG’s Lead Health Educator Ron King. “Our peer educators provided these presentations with an emphasis on empowering youth to resist media manipulation and peer pressure. These presentations are so powerful because peer-to-peer presentations are often times better received.”
The Power in Truth Conference is a part of Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide campaign for prevention awareness of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and violence. The conference also addressed current trends in these areas as well as intervention strategies. This year marked the thirteenth year of the conference, which included keynote sessions that were open to parents, educators, political leaders and general public.
“These presentations are crucial to both UWG and high school students because they expound upon vital information surrounding blood alcohol content, alcohol poisoning and safety tips on avoiding and treating alcohol related illnesses,” adds Ron.
UWG peer educators teach classes and facilitate speakers on a wide range of topics through health education. In addition to alcohol awareness, they are trained to teach on safe sex, sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition and exercise.
For more information on classes taught by UWG peer educators, visit www.westga.edu/health or call 678-839-4164.
