NIC Press Release
New Wechsler Study Released
Veteran researcher Henry Wechsler released his fourth Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study Survey results today. Information and results contained within the study is of particular relevance to fraternity leadership since the research identifies trends over a nine year period.
Binge drinking (as defined by Wechsler) continues to be a priority issue for fraternities. The North-American Interfraternity Conference's Executive Vice President Jon Williamson indicates that the latest results are important for fraternal leaders to understand. "We are able to see how our efforts over the last nine years have had a positive impact on our members," he added. "This allows us to tailor our programs and messages to our members," he continued.
Good news for fraternities exists in the 2001 survey findings. Wechsler reports that fewer residents of fraternities engaged in binge drinking over the history of the four studies. Wechsler indicates this may be due to increased efforts to address these issues.
"The NIC will continue to keep this issue high on the radar screen," according to Williamson. The NIC currently has a partnership with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) with a grant to address high risk drinking by fraternity members. Williamson was quick to assert that early research indicates that the Alcohol Summit is successful in reducing these behaviors.
The NIC would encourage continued dialogue about the latest Wechsler results.
The complete study can be read at http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/cas