Congratulations to the University of Northern Colorado, Centre College, and West Chester University for winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place, respectively, in the Red Ribbon Week Campus Video PSA Contest, cosponsored by DEA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
1st Place – University of Northern Colorado
A poignant blend of facts and humor won the University of Northern Colorado a 1st place plaque, $5,000 to support drug misuse prevention efforts, and a trip to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators 2024 Strategies Conference.
“Sober Curious” is a parody of a prescription drug commercial; instead of promoting a drug, the University of Northern Colorado takes the opportunity to encourage viewers to set boundaries when drinking alcohol and using drugs. The video transitions from achievements reported by students who tried staying sober to “side effects” including “having more time for hobbies, less stress, [and] more time to study for class” before the narrator states “talk to your peers to see if sober curious is right for you.”
"In all things we do, we want to center harm reduction and prevention in our education," said Grace Turner, Director of Health Promotion at the University of Northern Colorado. "The ‘Sober Curious’ movement was initially coined by Ruby Warrington in her book 'Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol.' Utilizing the concept of sober curiosity encourages students to reconsider their relationship with substances without necessarily committing to complete abstinence."
"This places autonomy, choice, and mindfulness at the core of consumption. The PSA video intended to educate viewers on the sober curious perspective and support students’ adopting a critical lens while fostering a culture of informed decision-making."
2nd Place – Centre College
Centre College’s PSA walks viewers through why students might turn to drugs, before suggesting alternatives in a minute-long video earning the school a 2nd place plaque and $3,000 to support drug misuse prevention efforts on campus.
“Healthy Alternatives to Substance Use” explains how high expectations can lead students to use or misuse drugs, sometimes culminating in addiction. But Centre College proceeds to highlight activities like cooking, working out, and playing music that students can choose to pursue instead.
3rd Place – West Chester University
A synthesis of drug and alcohol effects, as well as drug-free hobbies, garnered West Chester University a 3rd place plaque and $1,000 to support campus drug misuse prevention efforts.
West Chester University students reported anxiety, hangovers, and isolation as results of alcohol and drug use, putting forth healthier alternatives like going for a walk and working on art projects.
“The team wanted to spread the knowledge that a drug-free lifestyle is an option! Their goal was to normalize talking about mental health,” said Bridget Looby, assistant director of the Office of Wellness Promotion at West Chester University. “This contest also gave our team the chance to engage with our campus community with a shared goal and vision.”
Congratulations again to the University of Northern Colorado, Centre College, and West Chester University!
