The Stepping Up Project
We are members of The University of Iowa campus and Iowa City/Coralville community making changes to create recreational programs and government policies that reduce high risk drinking and its harmful effects. We received three grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: a start up grant in 1996, a five year grant in 1997, and an additional four year grant in 2002. Our approach is to change the environment and help reduce high risk drinking, especially among college students.
Our Coalition includes members from downtown businesses, University Administration, Student Health Service, Iowa City and Coralville staff, UI Student Government, Johnson County Staff, UI faculty, Department of Residence Services, Iowa City School District, Iowa City Police Department, MECCA Substance Abuse Services, League of Women Voters, RVAP, Iowa City District-wide Parents Organization, UI Athletics, Coralville Police Department, Johnson County Public Health, Iowa City Chamber of Commerce, UI Department of Public Safety, UIHC staff and physicians, the Office of Student Life, and many more.
Our University and community is not alone in this effort. We are one of 10 universities across the nation who are receiving funds to create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Other universities involved are Colorado (Boulder), Delaware (Newark), Florida State (Tallahassee), Georgia Tech (Atlanta), Lehigh (Bethlehem, PA), Louisiana State(Baton Rouge), Nebraska (Lincoln), Vermont (Burlington), Wisconsin (Madison).
These schools participate in the A Matter of Degree (AMOD) program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), and administered by the American Medical Association (AMA). The Harvard School of Public Health serves as the program evaluator.