For the past week, FUSA’s Health and Wellness Board has been hosting the Red Ribbon Week Tabling event, highlighting the importance of alcohol and drug abuse. The main objective of the week is to raise awareness around substance abuse among college students. 

Junior and representative of FUSA’s Health and Wellness Board Hannah Dunbach has been working the table in the Barone Campus Center (BCC), informing students about resources on campus.

“I think the issue is widely ignored by most students and it’s important to highlight the silent struggles that individuals might be experiencing, as well as provide resources that they can access during those times of need,” said Dunbach.

The red ribbon represents support for people struggling with addictions such as alcohol or drug dependency. FUSA encourages students to wear red ribbons today, Oct. 30 in solidarity with those who are struggling, and to bring forth awareness of the issue. 

On campus, Fairfield University has the Collegiate Recovery Program offered by the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, working with students to combat addiction across the student body. Students experiencing substance abuse can look at the  resources available on the Fairfield University website. Other resources offered to students at Fairfield University include recovery housing, group counseling, career counseling, community resources, Sober Wellness Programming and much more. 

Statewide, there are many resources including the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS): 1-800-563-4086, Aware Recovery Care of Connecticut 203.779.5799 and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

“I encourage all students to attend events put on by the Health & Wellness Board,” said Dunbach.“We have some amazing representatives who have created a variety of events that address all aspects of student wellbeing, including our upcoming Meditation & Mindfulness event that will take place every Monday from 6pm-7pm in BCC 200 until November 25th.”

To sign up for Meditation & Mindfulness students can check their email as well as on Life at Fairfield. Each week they will cover a different topic; mind, emotions, body, breath and intuition. Spots are limited. 

In addition, the DiMenna-Nyselius Library opened up a Wellness Room this month which offers students a place to destress and find resources for further assistance. In the room, students can engage in yoga, prayer, color or sit in a massage chair. The Wellness room is located in room 106B, down the main stairs of the library and to the right. 

Dunbach added, “We are in the process of planning naloxone training for students and faculty. The date for this event is still pending but it will hopefully take place in early November and provide students with an opportunity to learn about drug use and abuse, as well as how to administer naloxone.” 

The Health & Wellness Board will be working with The Hub, a local nonprofit that provides training addressing behavioral health across the region. This partnership with FUSA will educate students on when and how to distribute Narcan during an overdose situation.

“At this time, the Health & Wellness Board encourages students to access drug prevention resources through the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services,” said Dunbach. “Following the Naloxone training however, students will have the opportunity to access free naloxone (Narcan) kits for overdose prevention.”

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