Alcohol Harm Reduction Plan for 2022-2025 is fifth released by university
The University of Iowa has released its Alcohol Harm Reduction Plan for 2022-2025, the overarching goal of which is to create a campus environment that maximizes well-being and minimizes harm resulting from alcohol consumption and high-risk drinking.
This is the fifth Alcohol Harm Reduction Plan released by the university. Previous plans have led to the development of a variety of late night events in Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) spaces, increased collaborative planning between student organizations and downtown establishments, as well as supporting environmental changes to the ICDD (such as better lighting).
The plan’s goal will be driven by these four strategies:
- Reduce high-risk drinking and associated harm
- Provide tailored support for students on the continuum from abstinence to high-risk use
- Foster culture of care, integrity, and compliance
- Make the commitment to harm reduction an institutional priority
The priorities for the 2022-23 academic year will focus on:
- Providing educational support around safe drinking practices for student organizations
- Assisting with the implementation of protective environments including recommendations from the Alcohol Pilot Program with the Department of Athletics
- Helping the campus community understand alcohol use as a continuum rather than drinker vs. non-drinker
The plan recognizes that not all students drink and, of those who do, not all do so in a high-risk way. The goals of the plan address the needs of all students, including those who don’t drink; those who have experienced a problem as a result of their drinking; and everyone in between.
“We have come a long way in redefining our students’ relationships with alcohol. Thanks to continued partnership both on and off campus, we are confident that we will see continued success,” said Sarah Hansen, vice president for student life.
The Alcohol Harm Reduction Advisory Committee (AHRC) composed of faculty, staff, and students was created in 2009 to decrease high-risk drinking and the related harmful consequences. A campus-community partnership also was created between the UI and the city of Iowa City, called the Partnership for Alcohol Safety, to identify and advocate for strategies that reduce high-risk drinking and related harms, and to promote a vibrant downtown and nearby neighborhoods.
Additional information and the full report are available on the Alcohol Harm Reduction webpage.