Program focuses on poisoning signs

Chico State’s Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center is starting up a new program designed to teach students to recognize the signs of alcohol and drug poisoning—and to summon help for what is known as toxic poisoning.

According to CADEC, the free “Wildcat Watch Team” trainings are for students who are interested in taking a leadership role in preventing toxic-poisoning deaths in the Chico community. The first such event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 21 in Shurmer Gym. It is scheduled to train 40 students and includes CPR certification.

CADEC’s effort is modeled after Red Watch Band campaign at Stony Brook University in New York. The program developed there following the alcohol-overdose death of faculty member’s son in June 2008. The movement is now found on more than 100 college campuses across the nation.

Students who participate in the Chico State program will be given a watch to raise awareness of the issue.