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Wellness Spotlight

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2025 - 2026 Publications

This week’s Wellness Spotlight is on edibles poisoning.

Here's what you need to know

THC and cannabis edibles (and food and drink products infused with THC or cannabis) pose different risks than smoked cannabis, including a greater risk of poisoning.

They are not regulated by the FDA, so their strength and labeling can be inconsistent, which can pose an added danger to those who take them.

Here’s what you can do

❤ If someone has taken too much THC or reacts badly to a THC product, call for help immediately and stay with them until help arrives. The PA Medical Amnesty Law can protect you, even if you have been drinking underage or using substances.

  • Know the differences between the effects of smoked cannabis and THC edibles
  • Know the signs of THC poisoning
  • Learn how the Medical Amnesty Law can protect you and potentially save a life

Unlike smoked cannabis, THC edibles can…

  • Take from 30 minutes to 2 hours to produce intoxicating effects, so some people may accidentally eat too much, which can lead to poisoning and/or serious injury.
  • Cause intoxicating effects that last longer than expected depending on the amount ingested, and whether they are eaten on an empty stomach or used at the same time as alcohol or medications.
  • Be unpredictable because the amount (concentration of strength) of THC is difficult to measure and often unknown or inaccurately labeled on edible products. Many people who use edibles can be caught off-guard by their strength and long-lasting effects.

Signs of THC poisoning

  • extreme confusion
  • anxiety
  • paranoia
  • panic
  • fast heart rate
  • delusions or hallucinations
  • increased blood pressure
  • severe nausea or vomiting

Here’s how the PA Medical Amnesty Law works

If an individual, in good faith, 1) calls and 2) believes they are the first to call for help (911, police, ambulance or University Police), 3) gives their name and 4) stays with the person to prevent that person’s death or serious injury, both the caller and the person needing medical attention are immune from prosecution for consumption or possession of alcohol and/or drugs.

PA Anti-Hazing Law: Additionally, under Pennsylvania law, if a person calls for emergency services on behalf of someone who needs medical assistance as a result of hazing, and that’s how law enforcement finds out about the hazing, both the student who calls for help, as well as the one who needs medical assistance, will be immune from charges for hazing if the four conditions of the Medical Amnesty Law are also met.

Quick Links

Please continue to look out for yourselves and one another,

Jess Abernathy
Institutional Public Health Coordinator
Student Health Services
jma351@commonwealthu.edu

This week’s Wellness Spotlight is on the Pennsylvania Medical Amnesty Law and how it can help you save a life.

Here's what you need to know

Alcohol and other drug poisonings and overdoses can cause permanent brain damage or death. The Medical Amnesty Law offers legal protection to you and the person in need of medical assistance if you call for help and stay until help arrives even if you have also been drinking underage or using substances.

Here’s what you can do

If you see someone who you believe may be in danger due to an alcohol or other drug poisoning or overdose, do the right thing and call for help immediately.

If you reach out for help and follow the four steps below, you will be protected by the Medical Amnesty Law.

  • Here’s how the law works:
    If you, in good faith,
    1. call and,
    2. reasonably believe you are the first to call 911, University Police, police, or ambulance,
    3. give your name and location, and
    4. stay with the person to prevent that person’s death or serious injury, both you as the caller and the person needing medical attention are immune from prosecution for consumption or possession of alcohol and/or substances.

PA Anti-Hazing Law: Additionally, under Pennsylvania law, if a person calls for emergency services on behalf of someone who needs medical assistance as a result of hazing, and that’s how law enforcement finds out about the hazing, both the student who calls for help, as well as the one who needs medical assistance, will be immune from charges for hazing if the four conditions of the Medical Amnesty Law are also met.

If you haven’t done so already, pick up a free box of Narcan on campus at these locations and learn how to administer it.

Be well and please continue to make choices that keep you on your path to success,

Jess Abernathy
Institutional Public Health Coordinator
Student Health Services
jma351@commonwealthu.edu

Here's what you need to know

Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It occurs when someone drinks a lot of alcohol in a short period of time and can lead to coma or death.

Here’s what you can do

If you see someone who you believe may be in danger due to alcohol or other substance poisoning or overdose,

  • Call University Police or 911 right away.
  • Never assume the person will sleep off alcohol poisoning.
  • Be prepared to give information. If you know the kind and amount of alcohol the person drank, and when, tell emergency staff.
  • Don't leave an unconscious person alone. Because alcohol poisoning affects the way the gag reflex works, someone with alcohol poisoning may vomit and choke and not be able to breathe. While waiting for help, don't try to make the person vomit because that could cause choking.
  • Help someone who is vomiting. Try to keep the person sitting up. If the person must lie down, turn their head to the side to help prevent choking.
  • Try to keep the person awake.
  • Remember that the PA Medical Amnesty Law is here to protect you if you call for help even if you have also been drinking or using substances.

Here’s how the PA Medical Amnesty Law works

If an individual, in good faith, 1) calls and 2) believes they are the first to call for help (911, police, ambulance or campus security/public safety), 3) gives their name and 4) stays with the person to prevent that person’s death or serious injury, both the caller and the person needing medical attention are immune from prosecution for consumption or possession of alcohol and/or drugs.

Hazing

Under Pennsylvania law, if an individual calls for emergency services for a friend who needs medical assistance as a result of hazing, and that’s how law enforcement finds out about the hazing, both the person who calls for help, as well as the one who needs medical assistance, will be immune from charges for hazing if the four conditions above are met.

Please continue to look out for one another,

Jess Abernathy
Institutional Public Health Coordinator
Student Health Services
jma351@commonwealthu.edu

Welcome to the first week of classes! This week’s Wellness Spotlight is on the services available on campus to support your health and well-being.

Here's what you need to know

At CU, no matter where you’re enrolled, supportive health and wellness services are only a phone call away.

  • If you’re sick, your first call should be to Student Health Services. Call ahead to make an appointment. Telehealth visits are available to currently enrolled students at all campuses.
  • If you’d like to improve your overall well-being, call the Office of Student Well-being and Health Promotion to schedule an in-person or virtual wellness coaching session. Students who complete the three-session CU Wellness Program will receive $30 in Amazon gift cards.
  • If you’re struggling with your mental health, please call the Counseling Center and/or Student Health Services.
  • If you’re in need of support related to substance use or are sober curious, call the Office of Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention and Intervention.

Student Health Services

If you are feeling sick and are unsure of what to do, call your campus health center to schedule an appointment. The medical professionals at Student Health Services are available to assist in meeting your health care needs. Same-day appointments are available. No walk-ins, please.

❤ If your on-campus health center is closed and you need immediate medical attention, please call your home medical provider, go to a local urgent care center, go to the nearest emergency department, or call 911. If you visit a Geisinger ConvenientCare location, be sure to identify yourself at check-in as a Commonwealth University student.

Student Well-being and Health Promotion

If you’re interested in embarking on a wellness journey or you’re looking to learn more about how to improve your overall health, reach out to our Office of Student Well-being and Health Promotion at 570-389-4934 or wellnesscoaching@commonwealthu.edu to schedule a free wellness visit. Both virtual and in-person appointments are available.

  • The CU Wellness Program focuses on the 4 "S's":
    • Improving sleep quality
    • Stress management
    • Social connection
    • Issues with substance use

During your visits, you’ll learn how to use your strengths to support your pillars of well-being and develop new skills to help you flourish and thrive.

Counseling Center

If you are struggling with your mental health, call the Counseling Center to speak with someone. Services are free and confidential.

  • Bloomsburg
    570-389-4255
  • Clearfield
    570-484-2479
  • Lock Haven
    570-484-2479
  • Mansfield
    570-662-4436
  • Sayre
    570-662-4436

❤ If you are in mental crisis or in urgent need of help: Call 844-707-3224 for immediate crisis support or text 988, which is the Lifeline anywhere in the U.S. for mental health crisis or non-emergency mental health help. For online chat, visit 988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now

Alcohol And Other Drugs Prevention and Intervention

The Office of Alcohol and Other Drugs Intervention and Prevention offers a range of services, including support for the sober curious and the Collegiate Recovery Program, which is designed to provide support, resources, and a sense of community for students, whether they are in recovery from substance use disorders or are seeking a sober lifestyle.

Please reach out to 570-389-4977 or myeick@commonwealthu.edu to make an appointment or stop by the Warren Student Services Center 236 at our Bloomsburg Campus. Screenings, educational workshops, and referral services are available to all CU students.

We wish you a wonderful first week and hope to hear from you soon,

Jess Abernathy
Institutional Public Health Coordinator
Student Health Services
jma351@commonwealthu.edu

I’d like to take a moment to introduce you to the Weekly Wellness Spotlight, which will arrive in your inbox every Wednesday during the semester.

Here's what you need to know

The Wellness Spotlight will tell you exactly what you should know about one topic each week ranging from who to call if you’re sick or need mental health support, to substance use safety and the protections provided by the Medical Amnesty Law.

Here’s what you can do

Every Wednesday, take a moment out of your day to read the Spotlight and take its message to heart. You never know when you, a friend, or a classmate may need the information or support services we highlight each week. 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the year,

Jess Abernathy
Institutional Public Health Coordinator
Student Health Services
jma351@commonwealthu.edu

This week’s Wellness Spotlight is a reminder to upload your vaccination record ASAP via the CU Health Services Web Portal.

Here's what you need to know

This year, there has been a concerning rise in measles cases globally, in the U.S., and in Pennsylvania. The quarantine period for measles is up to 21 days.

If a measles case is identified or an outbreak occurs on any CU campus: students who had contact with a confirmed case may be required to leave campus until they can provide evidence of MMR vaccination or immunity to measles. If you cannot promptly provide proof of vaccination or immunity, the PA Department of Health (DOH) will recommend quarantine at home for up to 21 days since the date of last exposure.

Here’s what you can do

Follow the instructions to submit your vaccination record to Student Health Services. If you are unsure whether your vaccination record is on file or need assistance with the submission process, please reach out to your campus health center.  

Thank you for your continued help as we work to keep our campus community healthy.

Jess Abernathy
Institutional Public Health Coordinator
Student Health Services
jma351@commonwealthu.edu

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Illustration of Mountain

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