EWC Sponsors Alcohol/Substance Abuse Awareness Month

March 6, 2005

(Torrington, WY) Eastern Wyoming College, in conjunction with a host of community human service agencies, is sponsoring a month-long series of educational awareness programs entitled "Opening the Doors of Reality on Alcohol and Substance Abuse" featuring regional experts as workshop presenters, March 11-April 1, 2005. The workshops, open to the public at no cost, include some of the following:

  • "Marijuana and the Mind: Challenging the Myth," presented by John Barrera, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist I, Peak Wellness Center, Friday, March 11, 1:00 p.m.-2:00p.m., EWC Fine Arts Center, Lecture Hall # 1,
  • "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome,"presented by Edward Goldson, M.D., Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Medical School and Children's Hospital, Denver, Colorado, Tuesday, March 15, 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m., EWC, Room 131-132
  • "The Truth About Alcohol Bad Choices, Big Regrets," presented by Deb Billings, R.N., Wednesday, March 30, 2005, 8:00 p.m., EWC College Dormitory Lounge
  • "Meth Going Nowhere Fast" presented by Dr. Berton Toews, M.D., Addictions Treatment Specialist and Director, Wyoming Recovery Center, Casper, Wyoming, Friday, April 1, 2005, 12:00 noon-2:30 p.m., EWC Room 131-132
  • "Children of Addicted Mothers," presented by Laura Schmid-Pizzato, Recovery Services Manager, LCSW, Southwest Counseling Service, Rock Springs, Wyoming, April 1, 12:00 noon-2:30 p.m., Room 131-132

Eric Alexander, Coordinator of the University of Wyoming's AWARE Program will also be conducting two alcohol education seminars geared for both high school and college age-level students, April 16, 2005, in the EWC Board Room.

"We are delighted with the very high caliber of regional experts who have made themselves available to this series of critical issues on alcohol and substance abuse," states Anne Gardetto, Project Director, Eastern Wyoming College. "We are also very appreciative of the expansive range of community-based agencies that have lent their support in the promotion of the month's programs and special activities."

The effects and hazards of alcohol and drug abuse will also be highlighted in a series of exhibits presented in the EWC Library Hallway for public viewing, March 7-April 1, 2005. Informational handouts will also be available.

The slated programs and special activities are made possible by the Higher Education Statewide Initiative on Alcohol Issues funded by the Wyoming Department of Health through the University of Wyoming and Eastern Wyoming College.

For more information and/or to pre-register, call Anne Gardetto, EWC, 307.532.8328.