OHIO to be recognized for alcohol prevention efforts

Next month, Ohio University will be recognized by EVERFI, a leading educational technology platform that provides digital education,for its outstanding achievements in alcohol prevention. OHIO stood apart from more than 100 institutions that were considered and was honored this past summer. As a part of this recognition, EVERFI will be doing a campus visit and award presentation at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 in Baker University Center’s Multicultural Multipurpose room. 

The University and Athens community are invited to attend the award ceremony, where EVERFI staff will present the Impact Award for Outstanding Achievements in Alcohol Prevention. EVERFI staff will highlight OHIO’s efforts to reduce high-risk behaviors and support the healthy majority. 

According to Terry Koons, associate director of health promotion at OHIO, the event, which should last between 30-45 minutes, will be a time to share significant achievements and recognize the role of campus and community stakeholders. 

“As research demonstrates, effective prevention is supported by celebrations of achievement as well as engagement in challenges,” said Koons. “The award was given as we as campus and community started to work together, collect data and allow the data to direct our change in creating a healthy majority at Ohio University and the Athens community.” 

Koons said OHIO worked closely with these stakeholders and the City of Athens, including Athens City Council President Chris Knisely.

“Terry Koons and I are grateful for community, university and business leaders who are willing to engage in discussion and long-term plans for bettering town-gown relations,” Knisely said.