The Shadow
MECHANICSVILLE, Va. – The Virginia Higher Education Substance Use Advisory Committee (VHESUAC) has recognized three Virginia institutions of higher learning for their commitment to furthering student substance use education, prevention, recovery and intervention efforts.
Longwood University is the first school to be recognized in both years of the program’s existence. Virginia State University is the first Historically Black College and University to earn recognition. Northern Virginia Community College is this year’s third honoree.
The annual VHESUAC Campus Recognition Program is designed to publicly recognize college and university campuses across the Commonwealth that are implementing the statewide initiatives outlined in the VHESUAC Strategic Plan. Recognition through this program demonstrates that the campus is committed to furthering student substance use education, prevention, recovery and intervention efforts.
“The negative consequences of substance misuse impact Virginia’s college students, their families and friends, and the community-at-large daily. Alcohol continues to remain the most used drug on college campuses,” said Chris Young, Adult Education and Prevention Coordinator at the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC). “The toll of misuse on the intellectual and social lives of students is enormous. Without partnerships and support at the local and state levels, colleges and universities have a limited capacity to address the problem of substance misuse.”
Created by Virginia’s General Assembly in 2018, VHESUAC is comprised of representatives from public and private universities and colleges, student leaders, state agencies and statewide partners in substance misuse prevention appointed by the Virginia ABC Board. They collaborate to reduce college substance misuse and advocate for policies and practices that are science-based.
VHESUAC seeks to recognize as many campuses as possible in 2025 and encourages students, faculty and staff representing all campuses across the commonwealth to learn more about its program.
