Substance Use

As a college student, your brain is your most important asset. 1 in 4 college students say alcohol interferes with academic performance. Alcohol and drug abuse can jeopardize your productivity and learning, your overall health and your social relationships. You can take care of your health, wellbeing and academic success by using substances in moderation or not at all. Use and complete this anonymous screening tool from the CDC to check your drinking habits and receive advice. If you want to drink less, it can also help you build a plan to make healthier choices!

Curious about how the legalization of cannabis effects the Hood community? Read the infographic below for more details. 

• Share or complete this anonymous screening tool from the CDC to check your drinking habits and receive advice. If you want to drink less, the tool can also help you build a plan to make healthier choices!
• Students can contact Hood College Health Services for a medical evaluation.
• Frederick County Behavioral Health Services
  • Responsible Drinking Tips
• The Maryland Collaborative
  • Resources for Parents
    • Talking Points to Check in With Your Student Throughout the Year
• Kolmac Outpatient Recovery
• The Orenda Center of Wellness
• SAMHSA Treatment Locator 

Hood College Maintains a Drug-Free Campus

Director of Wellness 
Director of Campus Safety

Hood College continues to maintain a drug-free campus in compliance with county, state and federal regulations. The College has recently completed a biennial review that discusses the strategies and policies in place to maintain a campus free of drugs and abuse of illegal substances. 

A state-mandated strategy to maintain a drug-free campus requires all public schools and institutions of higher education to begin stocking the drug Naloxone, more commonly known by its prescription name Narcan, and training staff on how to administer it. The Heroin and Opioid Education and Community Action Act of 2017, or the Start Talking Maryland Act, sets several requirements for schools in response to the continuing rise in opioid-related overdose deaths across the state.

The new bill includes a clause that exempts school nurses and other personnel from personal liability while responding to an emergency and the state's Good Samaritan law protects anyone who seeks or provides medical attention during an overdose.

• Campus Safety and Health Center staff have been trained by Frederick County Behavioral Health Services to administer Naloxone (Narcan).
• Naloxone (Narcan) is kept in stock by Campus Safety and the Health Center.
• A policy and procedure for the administration of Naloxone (Narcan) has been developed.
• Opioid overdose awareness information will be provided to incoming students during orientation.
• The Director of Campus Safety (Chair) and the Director of Wellness (Co-chair) serve on the Drug & Alcohol Prevention Committee. If you are interested in joining the committee, please email the Director of Campus Safety at maynard@hood.edu.

What you can do to help: 

• Be Informed. Attend free Overdose Response training offered several times per month by Frederick County Behavioral Health Services. Learn about how to join a free, virtual training here. 
  • Telephone: (301) 600-3274
• Report Harassment. At Hood, our ombudsperson provides a confidential information channel for assistance with harassment and discrimination issues, with resolving conflicts, and with other ethical problems and dilemmas, independent of College administrative and academic structures.
  • Contact Hood College Ombudsperson, ombuds@hood.edu