St. Patrick's Day
It takes more than luck to plan a great time. Check out these resources to make sure your St. Patrick's Day celebration is one to remember!
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A PERSON WITH ALCOHOL POISONING NEEDS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. IF YOU SUSPECT ALCOHOL POISONING OR DRUG OVERDOSE, CALL 911. |
Find Your Ride
Tips for Getting Home Safely
Plan Ahead
If you intend on drinking at all, don't plan on driving. Know who's staying sober in your group, and identify a backup resource (a local family member, the bus stop closest to your celebration) you can call if things change.
Use Caution with Rideshare Drivers
When getting into an Uber or Lyft, never go alone, and ask who they're here to pick up rather than offering your name first.
Avoid the Traffic
If you know you and your crew are going out for the holiday, try to adjust your schedule to avoid driving at night, when drunk driving crashes spike.
Taking the Bus?
Check out Rapid Connect or download the myStop mobile app for real-time estimations of when the bus will arrive so you can plan your route!
Make the Call: 911
Medical Amnesty
What is student amnesty?
Student Amnesty allows current GVSU students to avoid formal university disciplinary action and the creation of a formal disciplinary record when they call for help during an alcohol or drug-related emergency. Additionally, no student seeking medical treatment for an alcohol or drug overdose on campus will be subject to legal issues by the GVSU Police Department or the Ottawa County Sherriff’s Office for the sole violation of using or possessing personal amounts of alcohol or drugs (unless there are extenuating circumstances).
When should I call 911?
Alcohol poisoning and drug overdose are serious and life threatening medical emergencies that require professional attention. Be alert for the following symptoms an individual may experience that require you to make the call.
- An individual is unresponsive
- Skin is cold, clammy, pale, or blotchy
- Breathing is slow (eight or fewer breaths per minute)
- Vomit while asleep or unconscious and cannot be awoken
Download the Laker Guardian App
Stay connected, and stay safe by downloading the Laker Guardian app. This app allows you to set a Safety Timer to ensure you get where you're going safely, identify trusted loved ones to become your Guardian, and features an emergency call button to send an immediate alert to GVPD with your GPS location.
Sober Ways to Celebrate
Drinking isn't the only way to have fun this St. Patrick's Day. Check out some alternatives that are sure to (sham)rock!
APPRECIATE NATURE
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Tickets are only $5 with your student ID!
EXPLORE ANOTHER KIND OF GREEN
Know How to Host
Take keys ahead of time
Try trading keys for drinks! Taking someone's keys before they are under the influence can prevent drunk driving and a difficult conversation for you later on.
Control who you let in
Create a guest list, and politely refuse anyone you don't know. As a host, you're responsible for your guests and their behavior - and that can have significant financial and legal implications.
Have sober monitors
Friends who make the choice to not drink can help be on the lookout for any concerning behavior and speak to security, police, or neighbors.
Provide plenty of food, water, and other nonalcoholic beverages
Serve snacks at parties where alcohol is present to slow down the body's absorption of alcohol. After all, a great party is a party with food!
Listen on for In the Mix with AOD's special St. Patrick's Day episode!
Have a substance use concern?
Contact Alcohol and Other Drugs Services:
Phone: (616) 331-2537
Email: [email protected]
Office: 206 STU