Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 10/15/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Dan Stewart From left, Monroe junior Brock Sieb, Saginaw sophomore Jaime Leyrer, Rochester freshman Carly Gustafson and Algonac freshman Terry Foster play a hand of cards during Condom Poker in the Tower's lobby on Monday. The event was put on to make students aware of the dangers involved in having unprotected sex while intoxicated. [Click to enlarge]

Students are pressing their luck in the Residence Hall Assembly's "Condom Poker" program.

The program, which takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. this week in the Towers lobby, aims to educate students about how alcohol can lead to unsafe sexual practices.

"This information is extremely important," said Mark Pelfrey, Grand Ledge sophomore. "When preparing for this program, I read that 30 to 40 percent of college-age people don't know how to correctly use a condom."

The event is a part of RHA's "Sober In October" program and will continue at the same time each day through Friday.

Pelfrey is a team coordinator for the Civic Engagement Team, which created the poker game.

"Because it's a 'Sober in October' event, we're focusing on the alcohol aspect of this issue. It's important to educate people about alcohol abuse," Pelfrey said. "The Civic Engagement Team wants to show that we care about students."

Students who participated Monday sat down to a game of Texas Hold'em poker. There was no actual gambling involved and players could leave after any hand.

Players received a small bag which had a free condom, alcohol-related sex statistics and information about condom use inside of it.

Detroit senior Aesha Rashid said she learned some interesting statistics.

"I didn't know that 60 percent of college-aged women with STDs got them while under the influence of alcohol," she said. "It's super important that people learn this. Bad stuff like this happens when people think they are invincible. It's good for awareness."

All players are entered into a drawing for various prizes including T-shirts and a $50 Target gift card. The drawing will take place at the end of the week after the Friday session. Players with winning hands are given three entries in the drawing.

Rochester freshman Carly Gustafson said she had fun.

"It's just too bad that there's no gambling," she joked. "I like poker and good causes, and I like being at events."

Gustafson said the program was important and the knowledge given out was informative.

"Alcohol is one of the biggest killers of our generation, and unprotected sex can change your life," she said. "It's important that they learn responsibility because some don't take it seriously."


news@cm-life.com

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