University Health Services (UHS) welcomes Alwyn Brittain as the newest community health educator for Penn State's alcohol intervention program, known as BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students). Brittain will serve as one of five community health educators who provide brief interventions for Penn State students who have an alcohol violation on- or off-campus or an alcohol-related visit to the emergency department at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
"Alwyn’s strong professional background in substance abuse and mental health issues are great assets for his new position within BASICS," said Suzanne Zeman, UHS Coordinator for Educational Services, who oversees the program.
A graduate of Western Michigan University, Brittain’s comes to UHS from the Meadows Psychiatric Center in Centre Hall where he worked as a mental health therapist. In addition to his clinical work, Brittain has served on the adjunct faculty at Northern Maine Community College and volunteered with the Katrina Assistance Project, providing services to Hurricane Katrina survivors.
The BASICS program was designed for college students 18 to 24 years old who experience negative consequences as a result of heavy alcohol consumption. BASICS is a harm reduction program and is designed to help students reduce risky behaviors. Students who are concerned about their drinking but have not had an alcohol-related incident can self-refer to BASICS at no charge.
Health Promotion and Wellness helps students get healthy and stay healthy. For additional information or questions about BASICS or other programs offered through UHS, call 814-863-0461 or stop by room 201 in the Student Health Center on Penn State's University Park campus.