New initiative aims to get students to “Howl for Help” during alcohol related emergencies

Being on campus means you have the freedom to participate in the things that you enjoy, like sports, clubs, and tons of social activities and events. You and your friends might be in the midst of an intense dodgeball game one day and at an all-night dance party the next. And at some point, you might find yourself in a situation where you or someone you know had too much to drink and needs assistance. If it happens, Howl for Help is the resource to remember

A situation where someone has overdosed on alcohol is scary. You want to do the right thing, and you know you need to find help, but you might also be concerned about getting in trouble with the university. Howl for Help is a way for students to seek necessary help (from a university official or emergency personnel) for themselves or others without risk of disciplinary action. You won’t be penalized for violating campus alcohol regulations or for drinking underage, and neither will your friends or organization. In fact, we’ll be grateful that you were responsible enough to get help for yourself or a fellow student in need. Plus, the service can be used as often as you need, so don’t worry if you’ve used Howl for Help in the past.

Howl for Help can teach you how to spot the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, and how you should respond if faced with such an emergency. NC State encourages all students to help maintain a healthy campus community. That includes seeking emergency assistance when a student’s health or safety may be in jeopardy.

Please note: Howl for Help does not eliminate all possibility of criminal charges, however limited immunity from prosecution is available under circumstances described in North Carolina General Statutes GS 90-96.2 (Drug related overdose treatment; limited immunity), 18B-302.2 (Alcohol-related medical treatment; limited immunity) and 90-106.2 (Treatment of Overdose…).