GAMMA and BACCHUS are educational services on alcohol abuse and healthy lifestyles.

BACCHUS is an acronym that stands for Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning University Students. BACCHUS no longer uses the acronym because the group is responsible for promoting responsible behavior and a healthy lifestyle, not just alcohol awareness, said Eric Davidson, assistant director of Health Services.

GAMMA, Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol, is an organization for students in the Greek system and advocates healthy lifestyles that began last year, said Lesley Morgan, a junior pre-nursing major and president of the organization.

“There are about 20 of us that educate people on how to drink in moderation, exercising, living healthy, dieting, anorexia and alcohol abuse,” Morgan said. “The chapters really do not know we are available to hold educationals on these issues.”

The members of GAMMA meet once a month and organize education pamphlets to hand out, Morgan said.

They also send out birthday cards to people they know are turning 21 to wish them a safe 21st birthday.

“It’s nice being one of the first people in this organization,” said Morgan.

BACCHUS has been around Eastern’s campus since 1989. The group meets weekly on Monday nights and has 10 active members.

“BACCHUS assists with awareness campaigns, deliver programs and lectures and at specific events such as before Spring Break, we set up informational booths that promote responsible sexual behavior and drinking habits,” Davidson said.

“In the future, we want to develop a safer and healthier campus and develop leadership wihin the members,” Davidson said.

Morgan said BACCHUS and GAMMA serve similar purposes and both are nationwide programs. Anyone can join BACCHUS, while only students affiliated with a Greek organization can join GAMMA.

Six of GAMMA’s members went to the Student Leadership Institute in the fall and learned about alcohol, drug and violence prevention, Morgan said.

“We learned how to make an impact on people so they are more responsible for their drinking and how to decrease the use of alcohol at high levels.”

Davidson said that the students who are a part of BACCHUS are able to serve other students and make a positive impact.

“It is a commitment, meaningful work and BACCHUS serves a purpose,” Davidson said.