Gadsden State’s Alcohol and Drug Awareness Course Sees Strong Launch
GADSDEN, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College’s new Alcohol and Drug Awareness Course is already making an impact after its debut session on September 23. The program, which uses innovative tools to demonstrate the dangers of impaired judgment, drew a strong turnout of students eager to learn through hands-on experiences.
Participants had the chance to use the College’s new Alcohol and THC goggles, which simulate impaired vision, delayed reaction times, and poor coordination — helping students see for themselves how dangerous substance use can be, especially when mixing drugs and alcohol.
The event was made possible thanks to a wide network of community partners, including the Gadsden Police Department, Etowah County Sheriff’s Office A.C.E. Unit, and police departments from Attalla, Glencoe, and Rainbow City. Etowah County District Judge Joe Nabors also took part in the program.
Dean Joey Battles of the Health Sciences Division and Hilary Folsom of the Cardinal Foundation were recognized for their support in bringing the initiative to life. Together with Gadsden State’s Public Safety Department, they helped secure the educational equipment and coordinate the program.
Students said working side-by-side with law enforcement officers during the exercises made the lesson even more powerful. “It really showed how quickly judgment can be impaired and how dangerous it is to make choices under the influence,” one student remarked after completing the simulation.
The College has already set its sights on expanding the course. A larger program is planned for next spring, with the long-term goal of taking the course on the road to K-12 schools across Gadsden State’s service area.
Launched earlier this month, the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Course was designed to be more than a lecture — it provides interactive demonstrations that drive home a life-saving message. As Chief of Police Jay Freeman said at the program’s announcement, “This initiative is about more than education; it’s about saving lives.”
Photos in story courtesy of the Gadsden State Police Department
Gadsden State launches new Alcohol and Drug Awareness Course
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