LINCOLN, Neb. – Northeast Community College has been recognized for its work to prevent and reduce high-risk drinking and substance use among the state’s college students. The Nebraska Collegiate Prevention Alliance (NECPA) has awarded Northeast a Gold level award in its inaugural Exemplary Member Recognition Program.
“We want to acknowledge the important work being done by prevention professionals across the state and recognize members who go above and beyond to prevent and reduce high-risk drinking and substance use among Nebraska college students,” said Melissa Butler, NECPA project manager. “The goal of this program is to establish a meaningful quality standard for all NECPA member institutions.”
Butler said the goal of the program is to establish a meaningful quality standard for all NECPA member institutions. This includes program staff participating in ongoing professional development, including key stakeholders and administrators in program planning and implementation, training opportunities that promote strong relationships and positive outcomes through connections with faculty, staff, and peer educators and that ongoing evaluation is implemented to maintain the positive impact of prevention efforts, among other initiatives.
Northeast Community College is one of 26 members of the NECPA. Northeast was awarded gold level for its participation in at least two NECPA-sponsored activities, had representatives attend training/networking opportunities offered by NECPA (Conferences, workshops, Annual Statewide Convening, etc.), offer NECPA-sponsored trainings to staff and student leaders, and incorporate the Power of Parenting information into first-year orientation.
“Northeast’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee (AOD) utilizes a comprehensive approach to address alcohol and other drug-related issues on the Norfolk campus,” said Gina Krysl, director of student care and outreach. “The committee meets monthly and is made up of staff and faculty at Northeast. Through the mini grant Northeast received, our AOD Committee will be hosting a substance use prevention comedy act on April 13th called “Shot of Reality” and a late-night program, Silent Disco on April 27th. I will also be trained in an evidence based prevention program, CHOICES, where I can then train students in the future.”
“The first phase NECPA’s Exemplary Member Program will be based on activities completed from Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2025,” Butler said. “After this pilot phase, badge levels will reset every two years, and the period for meeting the requirements for each level will align with the Nebraska Assessment of Collegiate Health Behaviors survey cycle.”
For more information, visit the NECPA website at nepreventionalliance.org.
--###--