Awarded in August 2008 to Buffalo County Community Partners on behalf of Positive Pressure Coalition; UNK receives funds on behalf of the coalition to address the  priority area of binge drinking. 16 coalitions across the State of NE were awarded funds.

The purpose of the SPF SIG project is to reduce substance abuse at the state and local level by implementing evidence-based policies, programs, and practices. The national goals developed by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention are:

• Prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance abuse, including underage drinking;

• Reduce substance abuse related problems in communities; and

• Build prevention capacities and infrastructure at the state/tribal and community levels.

Priority Areas:

• Prevent alcohol use among persons 17 and younger

• Reduce binge drinking among 18-25 year olds- UNK specifically

• Reduce alcohol impaired driving across all age groups

UNK Involvement:

UNK was selected as a partner and formed the UNK Task Force to address binge drinking amongst students on campus. The formation of the Task Force began in 2008 during the planning phase of the grant. The Task Force consists of members of the broader community and the campus community. One of the goals of the grant was to build the campus community connection to address substance abuse. In July 2009, implementation of selected strategies began. Specifically, UNK is addressing binge drinking through the use of social norms media and the enhancement of the CHOICES program on campus. Funds were also provided to the UNK Police in 2009, to provide extra enforcement during the annual Cruise Nite.