From Launch to Impact: Building a Culture of Prevention Across Kentucky Campuses

According to SAMHSA’s National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) reported that 28,452 clients were in substance abuse treatment in Kentucky on March 29, 2019. A similar SAMSHA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) study from 2016 also reported that reported that 1 in 7 young adults between the ages of 18-24 met criteria for a substance use disorder and needed treatment. Students in recovery are a marginalized population on college campuses. College culture tends to be a recovery-hostile environment (ARHE, 2025).

In 2024, the Kentucky Coalition for Responsible Alcohol and Substance Misuse Education (RASME) launched a bold new initiative to transform student wellness and safety across college campuses throughout the Commonwealth. This innovative three-year pilot, housed at the University of Kentucky, brings together a diverse coalition of colleges and universities united by a common mission: to reduce underage drinking, impaired driving, and substance misuse through prevention, education, and data-informed strategies.

Made possible by the generous support of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, Kentucky Craft Brewers, and the Alcohol Wellness and Responsibility Education Corporation (AWARE Fund), RASME aligns with the national Safe and Drug-Free Campuses standards, equipping institutions with evidence-based tools, best practices, and consistent accountability mechanisms.

Our Vision

RASME’s founding members are committed to building a culture of prevention and support that extends beyond the classroom—into residence halls, student organizations, and the wider campus community. With a focus on student-centered solutions, the coalition aims to:

1. To reduce underage drinking and impaired driving
2. Promote responsible alcohol use and substance use education.
3. Foster safe, inclusive, and healthy campus environments
4. Create a unified, data-driven approach to student wellness and harm reduction.

Coalition Momentum and Growth

To date, 11 colleges and universities have joined RASME, representing a powerful cross-sector alliance of public, private, and community institutions. These include:

1. Bellarmine University
2. Bluegrass Community and Technical College
3. Centre College
4. Eastern Kentucky University
5. Kentucky State University
6. Morehead State University
7. Midway University
8. Northern Kentucky University
9. Transylvania University
10. University of Kentucky
11. University of Louisville

Each campus has begun implementing programming tailored to its unique culture—grounded in shared goals but flexible in approach. From BAC education to sober social events, these initiatives are increasing “recovery capital”—the internal and external resources students need to initiate and sustain wellness.

Statewide Impact Highlights

Morehead State University

• Hosted a Wellness Resource Fair and Mocktail Event, connecting students with local health and recovery services.
• Used drunk goggles to simulate alcohol impairment, boosting awareness and decision-making skills.

Transylvania University

• Launched a “free pot” plant giveaway to engage students with drug/alcohol programming data.
• Raised awareness of the KY Medical Amnesty Program.
• Plans to involve local partners in student-led pot-making and plant care.

 University of Kentucky – POWER

• Hosted Spring Break safety workshops and student-led focus groups to strengthen the Collegiate Recovery Community.
• Supporting the creation of a new student recovery organization driven by identified campus needs.
• Has re-imaged how recovery support takes place on campus.

University of Louisville

• Held its third annual “Prep & Pack” Spring Break event, reaching over 200 students.
• Offered STI testing vouchers, drink safety education, and travel prep resources—all with record engagement.

Northern Kentucky University

• Hosted a Student Wellness Fair with 30+ partner organizations and over 200 attendees.
• Used a creative passport incentive system to maximize student interaction and engagement.

Centre College

• Trained over 200 new Greek Life members in substance misuse prevention and bystander intervention.
• Preparing for a Spring Break Send-Off event with 20+ educational tables, plus developing a financial wellness program.
• Presenting student well-being data at a national conference to elevate Kentucky’s leadership in prevention work.

 Looking Ahead: A Model for the Nation

RASME is not just a program—it’s a movement RASME is more than a program—it’s a statewide movement for lasting change. By blending local innovation with coordinated, evidence-based strategies, the Kentucky Coalition for Responsible Alcohol and Substance Misuse Education is laying the groundwork for a culture of wellness, accountability, and prevention on college campuses across the Commonwealth.

Through strategic partnerships, RASME connects campuses to best practices, proven prevention curricula, and emerging student leaders—building awareness, expanding recovery support, and strengthening the capacity of institutions to meet students where they are. Together, we are transforming campus communities and positioning Kentucky as a national model for responsible alcohol and substance misuse education—one campus, one partner, and one student at a time.

References:

Association of Recovery in Higher Education, ARHE. (2025). Getting Started: What you need to know about building a collegiate recovery program. Submitted to the Center for Addiction Recovery Support (CARS).

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2017). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. SMA 17-5044, NSDUH Series H-52). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa