FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 25, 2011
Contact: Angelica Shields
(757) 240-8782
as2@muw.edu

MUW to host BACCHUS Network Conference

COLUMBUS, Miss. - Mississippi University for Women’s counseling center will host the BACCHUS Network Area 8 Regional Conference on Saturday, March 5 in Cochran Hall.

The one-day drive in conference gives peer educators and advisors the opportunity to meet and work together. Students will network with one another to learn about and discuss effective practices to address high-risk, health-related behaviors.

Students will collaborate in education sessions to discuss potential outreach programs and options for specific universities.

As part of the different Spring 2011 Area Conferences currently taking place, the Area 8 Conference brings together students and advisors from Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.

Approximately 60 to 70 students and advisors and 10 educator peer groups from 22 universities are expected to attend the conference held on the MUW campus for the first time.

Area awards will be given for outstanding student, outstanding advisor and outstanding program.

A university and community based group, the BACCHUS (Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students) Network is a non-profit organization that focuses on developing comprehensive health and safety initiatives. The network’s mission is to “actively promote student and young adult based, campus and community-wide leadership on healthy and safe lifestyle decisions.”

The network is based on the belief that students are capable of playing a vital role in encouraging their peers to speak openly about and practice safe, responsible habits.

The organization originally began as a student-led alcohol abuse prevention effort. With more than 32,000 members at more than 1,000 campuses, the group now focuses on broader issues such as drug abuse, unhealthy sexual activity and other high-risk practices.

Deanna Wilkins, assistant director of counseling services, said, “I am looking forward to hosting the conference on The W campus for the first time. The conference is a great opportunity for students to discuss ways to effectively reach their peers and better their respective campuses. It’s an honor to have that take place here.”

Sirena Parker, director of community living, added, “It’s great to be able to bring the conference here to The W. This conference is very significant for these students and advisors. A lot of sensitive topics will be discussed, but they need to be discussed.”

Both said being able to host the conference signifies a great time for the MUW counseling center, which moved to its new location in August.

The blue house just off campus on the corner of 11th St. South and Fourth Avenue is now the permanent home for counseling services.

Wilkins said she is very excited about the new building that was constructed and furnished with the help of community living.

“The new home is more laid back and better for client confidentiality. Clients can feel safe and comfortable,” she stated.

For further information about the conference or the BACCHUS Network, visit http://www.bacchusnetwork.org or contact Wilkins at (662) 329-7127 or by email at dwilkins@muw.edu.