The Student Wellness program at Augusta University received a $12,600 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to help educate students on well-being, health and safety.

Funded through federal funds from the National Traffic Safety Administration, the grant will bring the Arrive Alive Tour to Augusta University. This interactive program uses a driver simulator, impact video, impairment goggles and mock traffic tickets to educate students on the dangers and consequences of driving while drunk, distracted or impaired.

“The grant’s goal is to help us increase our student participation while also ensuring that we are providing opportunities that are going to be of interest and provide some learning outcomes,” said Morgan Davis, director of Student Wellbeing.

In addition to the Arrive Alive Tour, the grant funds the Peer Educators, who are student staff members who assist in planning events and educating students about alcohol awareness and DUI prevention. Davis noted that the program also partners with the AU Police Department for a seat belt safety check at populated intersections on campus to assess risks and encourage healthy habits.

The office connects students to the various resources that promote holistic well-being across the eight dimensions of wellness. Through outreach events, students receive tips for addressing common challenges while also raising awareness of the services available to support them.

“By helping students know what resources are here, it can work against the stigma that may exist against utilizing certain campus resources,” Davis said.

The office strives to increase awareness of its services by emphasizing its ability to help all students.

“Part of the mission is to assist in the implementation of programs and campaigns designed to prevent crashes and eliminate traffic deaths on our roads,” said Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “GOHS will continue to develop new partnerships and continue existing ones in order to create, refine and implement safety programs designed to help our state and nation reach our goal of zero traffic deaths.”

The grant year runs from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. Davis shared that the office plans to continue reapplying for the grant to ensure students have access to these impactful learning opportunities.