In 2010, there were approximately 189,000 emergency rooms visits by persons under age 21 for injuries and other conditions linked to alcohol, according to the Center for Disease Control in the United States.

To bring awareness to the problems of underage drinking and binge drinking as well as the effects of drinking alcohol and driving under the influence, an alcohol awareness walk will be occurring at 12 p.m. Oct. 22 on the Wilkes University Greenway.

The event is hosted by the “Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students” or BACCHUS club and the Health and Wellness Center.  They will be handing out free long-sleeve T-shirts for all participants in the event.

The 1-mile walk will be from the Wilkes Greenway to Kirby Park. The slogan for the event is “Be a part of the Solution.” After the event, Maers BBQ will be providing food to the participants.

The walk is a part of the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week.  This occurs one week in October every year at Wilkes. BACCHUS and the Health and Wellness Center host the week. Groups such as the Northeastern Highway Safety, Midatlantic Safety Service, Penn State Liquor and Control Board, and Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services are supporting the event and the week.

If interested, contact Gail Holby, coordinator for the event and a coordinator for the Health and Wellness Center.

“I have been participating and helped run the Alcohol Awareness walk for about 12 years,” Holby said.

Registration for the event will need to be done by Oct. 11. If interested in registering, email [email protected].

Holby said she encourages students to know the effects and problems with regards to binge drinking and underage drinking.

If the walk is canceled due to rain, the date will be rescheduled for Oct. 24.