Erica Roa said alcohol is a prominent issue facing college students today.

“It is important that students are aware about the effects of alcohol,” said Roa, the alcohol and tobacco education coordinator for the health education resource center.

HERC will sponsor the “Six-Pack Series, Part 3” on alcohol poisoning at 7 tonight in Lumpkin Hall.

Christina Ozier, Greek Life health education coordinator, said it is important students are informed about such issues, including alcohol.

“The more informed students are about what alcohol can do to their bodies, the more responsible their actions might be,” she said.

Ozier said it is important for students to attend the series.

“Educating our students early on in their college careers might make a difference down the road,” she said. “We hope that students walk away with a better understanding of alcohol and the factors it plays in our lives.”

Today’s event will focus on blood alcohol content, alcohol poisoning and tolerance.

Roa said students would gain important information for themselves.

“Students will leave with knowledge regarding their own personal BAC as well as understand how tolerance plays into that,” she said.

Roa said the program is a fun, hour-long presentation.

“Six-pack presenters are all entertaining and knowledgeable about their topic,” she said. “Students will leave with a greater understanding of how they can help their friends and selves.”

Roa said the six-pack program has been a part of Eastern for several years.

“It is used as a comprehensive approach to alcohol education,” she said.

Roa said it informs students about the many factors involved with alcohol use as well as their environment.

“Party Smart,” which was one part of the series, explained the importance of being a good neighbor in the Charleston and Eastern community.

This program is a six-week series of presentations.

Roa said the different topics build upon each other.

“Each evening has new learning objectives for attendees,” she said.

During the next three weeks HERC will continue with the “Six-pack series” every Wednesday.

The following programs are “Got Gut,” “Sex and the College” and “How to Drink Without getting a Hangover.”

Roa said an effective alcohol-prevention programming model includes many approaches and the series is one of them.

“It is to educate students and encourage them to use safe practices when drinking or hanging out with friends who are drinking,” she said.

Jessica Leggin can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmleggin@eiu.edu.