Reimagining Risk Reduction: A Late-Night, Alcohol-Free Concert Featuring American Idol Winner Noah Thompson

For decades, prevention efforts like the “Just Say No” campaign dominated the national conversation around substance misuse. While well-intentioned, such campaigns often failed to equip young people with the tools they needed to make healthy choices. The approach was overly simplistic—telling students what not to do, without offering meaningful alternatives for managing stress, building connection, or navigating peer pressure.

Programs like Just Say No and D.A.R.E. have since been widely criticized for lacking evidence of effectiveness and for failing to address the root causes of substance misuse, such as mental health challenges, trauma, and socioeconomic pressures. As research has evolved, so too has the understanding of what truly works in prevention—especially among college-aged students.

A New Model for Prevention: Student-Led, Inclusive, and Engaging

Thanks to funding from the Kentucky Coalition for Responsible Alcohol and Substance Misuse Education (RASME), colleges and universities across the Commonwealth are reimagining prevention in creative, culturally responsive, and student-driven ways. Moving beyond outdated fear-based models, RASME partners are implementing harm reduction strategies that are empowering, holistic, and rooted in real student experiences.

A powerful example of this transformation comes from Transylvania University, which hosted a standout prevention event during one of the most high-risk times of the academic year: May Term. This period, when students take only one class and have ample free time for socializing, has traditionally seen increased alcohol use and off-campus partying.

Event Spotlight: Late-Night, Alcohol-Free Concert During May Term

• Date & Time: Wednesday, May 15, 7:00–9:00 PM
• Location: Back Circle, a central outdoor space on campus
• Audience: Primarily undergraduate students, including first-year students and members of student organizations, with campus staff present for support
• Featured Performer: American Idol Winner, Noah Thompson and Recovery Advocate & Champion

The purpose of the event was to provide a safe, engaging, and inclusive alternative to a nearby off-campus event advertised as “Thirsty Thursday.” Rather than simply discourage students from attending the alcohol-centric event, Transylvania University created a competing, substance-free experience that was fun, social, and affirming.

As Ashley Hill, Associate Dean of Students & Director of Student Wellbeing, explains:

“We wanted to meet students where they are—offering a space that’s fun, social, and safe. This wasn’t about telling students ‘no.’ It was about showing them what they can say ‘yes’ to.”

Educational Integration & Impact

The event wasn’t just entertainment—it was education in action. Substance use prevention messaging was woven into the experience through:

• Stage announcements
• Event signage
• Information about campus resources and harm reduction strategies

These messages encouraged students to reflect on their choices and promoted the benefits of substance-free fun.

Outreach & Results

The event was widely promoted through:

• Social media
• Campus-wide emails
• Digital signage
• Peer-to-peer outreach from student leaders

The result? Over 100 students attended—a significantly higher turnout than typical alcohol-free events, indicating that students were eager for meaningful, healthy alternatives.

A Model for Modern Prevention

This concert is just one example of how RASME is helping Kentucky campuses rethink what prevention looks like. Rather than rely on outdated slogans, institutions like Transylvania University are creating real-time, relevant experiences that prioritize connection, inclusion, and student voice.

By replacing “just say no” with “say yes to support, community, and joy”, RASME and its partners are changing the narrative—and the outcome—for college students across the Commonwealth.

References:

EBSCO. (2025). Just Say No campaign. Retrieved from https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/just-say-no-campaign

 Lilienfeld, S. O., & Arkowitz, H. (2014). Why “Just Say No” doesn’t work: A popular program for preventing teen drug use does not help. Here’s what does. Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-just-say-no-doesnt-work/