News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Angey Saucier Date: 10/13/04   SLU NURSING STUDENTS COORDINATE DRUNK DRIVING PREVENTION PROGRAM AT LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL       HAMMOND – Students from Southeastern Louisiana University's School of Nursing will present a drunk driving prevention program at Independence High School on Oct. 21 to show students first-hand what can happen when one gets behind the wheel intoxicated.       Southeastern nursing students chose the program as their “Capstone Project,” a community-based health program required for graduation. School of Nursing seniors are required to design a project that addresses a health problem or concern and to collaborate with the community to implement it.       “Underage drinking and driving is a problem in so many communities,” said senior Ashley Guidry of Abita Springs, one of the students participating in the project. “We are working with many resources to make this event effective in improving the community’s health status and issues.”       This week, the Southeastern nursing students will distribute anonymous surveys to Independence High School students to gather statistics on alcohol use, such as how much and how often high school students drink, if they drive after drinking, and how they purchase alcohol.       On Oct. 21, during the school’s homecoming week, a mock fatal car crash will be staged in the high school’s commons area. The event will simulate the aftermath of a two-car collision involving a drunk driver and three high school friends who have left an after-dance party. The Independence Fire Department, local and state police and Tangipahoa Parish Coroner Rick Foster are participating in the simulation. Drunk driving survivors and the Alliance of Prevention of Underage Drinking will give testimonials following the mock crash.        “After all is said and done, we will distribute another evaluation survey to see if this presentation has changed any of the students’ opinions about drinking and driving and to see if they are willing to change their ways,” said Guidry. “We will also pass out ‘contracts’ for the students to sign that they will give to their best friend -- or someone else special -- stating that they promise not to drink and drive.”       Nursing students also involved in the project coordination and presentation are Leah Carbo, Farrah Wroten and Jill McDowell of Baton Rouge; Ashley Ferrand of Ponchatoula; Ericka Keller and Amanda McCullough of LaPlace; and Hailey Roussel of Lutcher. The students are all enrolled in the School of Nursing’s “Promoting a Healthy Community” lab under the instruction of Catherine Holland.       For additional information call the Southeastern School of Nursing at 1-985-549?2156.