Substance Education, Prevention, and Outreach

Alcohol and other drug use misuse is a serious public health problem on college campuses across the country. High risk substance use is associated with poor attrition rates, academic failure, mental health issues and interpersonal violence. It is a serious problem, but one that can be prevented!

At Farmingdale State College, we take student health and wellness seriously and are committed to providing students with education, outreach, and prevention efforts to help all students succeed.

Our focus is on prevention and early intervention, and we strive to provide knowledge and resources to individuals so they can take care of themselves. Farmingdale State College uses a multi-dimensional prevention services approach which includes the following five performance domains:

· Planning and evaluation;

· Prevention education and service delivery;

· Communication;

· Community organization;

· Public policy and environmental change;

The mission of Red Watch Band is to provide students with the knowledge, awareness, and skills to prevent toxic drinking deaths and to promote a student culture of kindness, responsibility, compassion and respect.

All students aged 21 and over who live in the residence halls and wish to consume alcohol in FSC residence halls or wish to have their guests aged 21 and over consume alcohol are required to complete Red Watch Band training. Nonresidential students and students under 21 are encouraged to take this training as well.

We offer varying dates and times for the training. The training takes approximately an hour and upon completion students will receive a certificate and sticker that provides proof of the training on their Farmingdale ID card.

An anonymous online tool for students, the 360 Proof Personalized Feedback Index (PFI) External link is an anonymous online tool that provides individualized feedback about one's alcohol use. Easy to complete from either a computer or mobile device in approximately 15 minutes, the PFI immediately delivers confidential judgment-free results that include strategies specifically recommended for each individual user based on their responses. Personalized feedback is intended to help students examine and ultimately minimize the impacts of alcohol on their health, finances, relationships, and academics. 

To access the PFI, visit the link above, type "Farmingdale State College" and click "Launch"

Immediately after completion of the PFI, you will receive feedback allowing you to see how your alcohol use compares to other college students who drink. Students who take part in the PFI may come to recognize that consuming alcohol may cause excessive absenteeism and academic difficulties. These behaviors along with other distractions can lead to procrastination, which can result in academic difficulties. These behaviors, along with other distractions, can lead to procrastination – which can result in academic failure. 


Currently enrolled FSC students can reach out to the campus’ Prevention Specialist, Kimberly Chong, for further assistance interpreting their PFI results. 

The College has installed several emergency Naloxone stations across campus to provide crucial assistance in the event of an opioid overdose. If you suspect an opioid overdose, follow these steps:

Always call University Police at 934-420-2111 immediately before administering Naloxone. If you are unable to call, administer Naloxone and report the incident using the QR code as soon as possible. This form is for reporting only after administering Naloxone. The New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 or University Police without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

  • You do not need to wait for University Police to arrive before administering Naloxone. Immediate action can save a life. 
  • Training is not required to use Naloxone. Each box includes clear video instructions on how to administer it safely.
  • A QR code inside each box allows for reporting after administration. 

While training is not required to use Naloxone, any members of the campus community who want to learn more can attend a training session on recognizing an overdose and administering Naloxone correctly. If you are interested, please contact the Health and Wellness Center at 934-420-2009 or wellness@farmingdale.edu

For more information about substance abuse and environmental prevention, check out the links below:

 

 

 

Kimberly Liao, MPH, CHES

Kimberly Liao, MPH, CHES, is a Prevention Specialist and Adjunct Professor at Farmingdale State College, where she leads campus-wide alcohol and other drug education and prevention initiatives. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) with a Master’s in Public Health from the University at Albany, SUNY. With extensive experience in higher education, Kimberly specializes in program development, public speaking, and health education, working to foster a safer and healthier campus community.

She is available to facilitate a variety of trainings, including Red Watch Band for students, Recovery Ally training, and Professional Development workshops for faculty and staff on implementing SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral, and Treatment). She also offers tailored training opportunities for student organizations, faculty, and campus groups on alcohol and other drug education and prevention. Through her work, Kimberly is committed to equipping students and professionals with the knowledge and skills to support well-being and harm reduction in their communities.

Reach out to Farmingdale State College’s Prevention Specialist Kimberly Liao, MPH, CHES at chongkj@farmingdale.edu or call 934-420-5411.