In light of an increase in alcohol-related emergency visits to Mount Nittany Medical Center, some experts say students might want to reconsider downing that extra beer during this weekend's State Patty's Day festivities.
The number of students admitted to the medical center for alcohol-related emergencies increased more than 80 percent in the past few years, from 304 students in 2005 to 558 students in 2008.
Not only has the number of students being treated increased, but their average blood-alcohol content (BAC) has, too. Between 2005 and 2008, the average BAC for an admitted student rose from 0.23 to 0.25, according to figures released on Penn State Live.
The legal BAC limit in Pennsylvania for driving is 0.08 percent.
"High risk and dangerous drinking by college students is a national problem of epic proportions," said Linda LaSalle, community health educator for University Health Services. "The National Institute[s] of Health as well as other researchers ... have said that this is a very complex issue that requires very comprehensive strategies to address."
Bill Welch, State College mayor and co-chairman of the Campus and Community Partnership United Against Dangerous Drinking, agreed with LaSalle.
"Obviously we are immersed in a national alcohol culture," he said. "We are seeing younger, drunker students and more women showing up in the emergency room."
Welch cited a fall 2008 back-pain related trip to the ER, where he observed drunken students while waiting to be seen by doctors. He said the students, who are "voluntarily impaired," put added stress on those who are involuntarily waiting in the emergency room.
Some members of the State College and university communities think State Patty's Day will contribute to the number of students admitted to the hospital for alcohol emergencies in 2009.
"[Drinking] is part of the culture of the college experience for students," LaSalle said. "Historically we have seen an increase in alcohol-related citations and ER visits on State Patty's Day."
Welch said he believes the concept of State Patty's Day is "unhelpful" and places an unhealthy emphasis on drinking in excess.
LaSalle said communities, retailers and marketers of alcohol need to work together to successfully address the problem.
Unfortunately, not much can be done about the drinking culture on a local scale, Welch said.
"The ability to do something about it locally is greatly constrained because of the liquor monopoly in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania," he said.
Welch added the State College borough has no control over regulating drink specials, happy hours or bar closing times because the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board determines those criteria.
