LopesCares

LCC is committed to your emotional wellbeing. Our counselor, Jannet Martinez-Chavira, MSW, is available in Betz 105 during normal school hours or via phone at (719) 336-1529. Lamar Community College does not provide after-hours or crisis services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency go to your nearest Emergency Room. Please see below for a list of additional resources: 

• Colorado Crisis Services
• Lamar Community College does not provide after-hours or crisis services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency go to your nearest Emergency Room, call 911, or text 988.
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988
• Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255 | Text “TALK” to 38255
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Local: Valley-Wide Health Systems Crisis Services: 1-800-511-5446
• Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org

Are You in a Crisis?

If you are in crisis and need help immediately, please call 911.

Other helpful numbers for crises/emergencies:

• Lamar Police Department: (719) 336-4341
• Prowers Medical Center Emergency Room: (719) 336-6735

When home during academic breaks, or when the Counseling Center is closed, please call your local resources.

It’s important to be familiar with legal definitions related to relationship violence in the state of Colorado. Colorado revised statutes includes the following laws related to relationships and domestic violence:

Colorado Law Domestic Violence Statutes
Title 13 Courts and Court Procedure:
Article 14
13-14-101 Includes the definitions related to Civil Protection Orders
18-6-800.3 Includes the definitions related to Domestic Violence
18-3-409 Includes the law pertaining to Marital Defense

Domestic & Dating Violence

Domestic violence is abusive behavior between two people who:

• have married, lived together, or been in an intimate relationship (not necessarily a sexual relationship)
• are related by blood or marriage
• have a child in common

Abusive behavior takes on many forms. It can be words, messages, or physical actions. It is abuse whether it is attempted, threatened, or real violence against an individual or their property. It may be coercion, intimidation, punishment, the use of an animal to control another, or revenge seeking.

Academic Abuse
This kind of abuse is characterized by actions that monopolize someone’s work or study time and negatively affect their academic success. It may include the following behaviors:

• Deliberately starting an argument the night before an exam, assignment deadline, or presentation
• Transferring into a partner’s classes/major to monitor them
• Using insults to undermine a partner’s academic status, grades, intelligence, or ability to succeed
• Sabotaging academic performance by preventing a partner from attending class

Emotional Abuse and Isolation
Abuse of this type is characterized by behaviors that are intended to psychologically hurt or confuse someone and/or keep them from forming or maintaining connections with others. These behaviors can be subtle or more overt and may include attempts to:

• Make a partner feel bad about themselves or unworthy of being treated well
• Spread rumors/lies about a partner
• Pressure a partner to choose between them and friends/family
• Pressure a partner to quit jobs, activities, or turn down internships or other opportunities
• Minimize or deny abuse, or blame a partner for abusive actions
• Make demands for attention and then retaliate if it is not given

Stalking and Intimidation

Abuse of this nature is characterized by tactics that attempt to control another person through fear, threats, and coercion. Some examples include:

• Excessively monitoring a partner’s behavior to control what they do and with whom
• Continuing to contact someone who has asked that you stop contacting them after a relationship has ended
• Tracking through technology or social media
• Blackmailing a partner with knowledge of illegal or unethical activities
• Threatening to share harmful, personal, or embarrassing information (or photos) with a partner’s family, friends, or colleagues
• Threatening to end the relationship, harm themselves, or commit suicide

This video, “Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Scenarios 1-10” depicts common types of relationship issues taking the forms described above.

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act

Title IX is the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination ― including sexual harassment and sexual violence ― in any educational or athletic program or service of a federally funded school:

• If it denies or limits the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from school programs or activities
• Regardless of the complainant’s sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation

Title IX requires schools receiving federal funding to combat gender-based violence and harassment and to respond to reports to ensure that all students have equal access to education. It also prohibits retaliation against someone who complains about, or participates in, investigations or proceedings involving sexual misconduct. The Department of Education oversees schools’ compliance with the requirements of Title IX.

Sex discrimination includes:

• Rape and sexual assault
• Verbal, nonverbal, or physical sexual harassment
• Stalking
• Dating and domestic violence
• Harassment based on not conforming to sex/gender stereotypes
• Discrimination against pregnant or parenting students
• Other gender-based and sexual misconduct guidelines described in our policy

The College assists in drug education and prevention programs to reduce the abuse and illegal use of alcohol and other drugs. The College also provides education through dissemination of informational materials, educational programs, counseling referrals and college disciplinary actions.

Staff and faculty who are experiencing symptoms associated with their own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use are encouraged to seek help. Students, employees, and community members can reach out and seek referrals and resources for students or report behaviors of concern to our counselor for intervention at (719) 336-1529.

LCC employees may also seek assistance through the CSEAP or their medical insurance provider. Colorado State Employees Assistance Program, (C-SEAP), is a program designed to provide services to employees and their families with free, confidential, short-term counseling and assistance in times of need. C- SEAP can help with problems relating to an employee’s job, stress, drug or alcohol abuse, finances, relationship or family issues, grief and legal questions. For more information regarding the C-SEAP Program, refer to cseap.colorado.gov.

Lamar Community College does not endorse any one treatment program or facility; however, information on available counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation or re-entry programs are available outside of the Learning Resource Center. In addition, the following additional resources are available in the community:

Community Resources:

• Crossroads Turning Point: (719) 336-2600
• Valley Wide: (719) 336-7501
• High Plains Community Health Center: (719) 336-0261
• Alcoholics Anonymous: (719) 336-3500 (local contact – Chuck Babcock)
• Domestic Safety Resource Center: (719) 336-4357 24 hour Crisis Line (1-800) 639-4895
• National Suicide Hotline: Call or Text 988
• Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-TALK (8255)
• RESADA 30 Day Drug Treatment (located in Las Animas): (719) 456-2600

Substance abuse may result in a wide array of serious health and behavioral problems. Substance abuse has both long and short-term effects on the body and the mind. Alcohol and drugs are toxic to the human body. In addition to the problem of toxicity, contaminant poisonings often occur with illegal drug use. HIV infection with intravenous drug use is a prevalent hazard.

Acute health problems may include heart attack, stroke, and sudden death, which can occur for first time cocaine users. Long lasting effects caused by drug and alcohol abuse can cause problems such as disruption of normal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, leaks of blood vessels in the brain, bleeding and destruction of brain cells, possible memory loss, infertility, impotency, immune system impairment, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and pulmonary damage. Drug use during pregnancy may result in fetal damage and birth defects causing hyperactivity, neurological abnormalities, and developmental difficulties.

Alcohol is the most abused drug in the United States today. Health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse include, but are not limited to: malnutrition, brain damage, heart disease, and pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, mental illness, death, low birth weight babies, and babies with drug addictions.

• Alcohol is a drug that acts on the brain. It is potentially addicting, both physically and mentally.
• Alcohol abuse harms or endangers the drinker or other people.
• Alcohol abuse can result in violence, poor judgment and loss of coordination.
• Alcoholism is a disease characterized by a physical and mental dependence on alcohol. About 1 in 10 drinkers becomes an alcoholic.
• Alcohol consumed in heavy amounts over a period of years can result in damage to your health. It can cause malnutrition, brain damage, and cancer to the mouth, stomach and esophagus, heart disease, liver damage, ulcers and gastritis as well as damage to other body organs.
• Prolonged excessive drinking can shorten life spans by 10 to 12 years.
• Drug abuse is a major problem that results when drugs are used improperly.
• Drug abuse is using natural or synthetic chemical substances for non-medical reasons to affect the body, mind and behavior.
• Abusing drugs can be dangerous especially when they are taken for a long time, in the wrong combinations or in excess.
• If you take drugs, you risk overdose and dependence, both physical and psychological.
• Long-term drug abuse can lead to mental illness, malnutrition and organ damage.
• The risk of AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases increases if drugs are injected.
• When drugs make you lose control, you may do things beyond your ability and take foolish risks. Accidents and injuries can result to you and to others.
• Abusing drugs can also cause legal, economic and personal problems.
• People who abuse drugs often need help.
• Breaking a drug habit without outside help can be dangerous because of withdrawal symptoms and difficult because of the psychological need.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 Amendments required institutions of higher education to design and implement alcohol and illicit drug programs on their campuses. As a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education has to certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent “the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees” on campus property or as part of any campus activity.

At a minimum, this legislation directed Colleges to:

1. To develop a written policy on alcohol and other drugs
2. To develop a process that ensures policy distribution to all students, staff, and faculty
3. To enumerate federal, state, or local sanctions for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol
4. To describe health risks associated with alcohol abuse or illicit drug use
5. To describe College drug and alcohol programs available for students and employees
6. To specify disciplinary sanctions imposed on students and employees for policy violations
7. To conduct biennial reviews to assess the effectiveness of its alcohol and drug programs.

The law further requires an institution of higher education to review its program to:

1. To determine its effectiveness and implement changes if they are needed, and
2. To ensure that the sanctions developed are consistently enforced

Lamar Community College (LCC) is committed to the health and well-being of its students and employees. As part of this commitment, Lamar Community College complies with and upholds all Federal, State, and local laws that regulate or prohibit the possession, use or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs. Violations of such laws that come to the attention of College officials will be addressed within the College or through prosecution in the courts, or both.

As a recipient of federal grants and contracts, Lamar Community College adheres to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989. Also, as a member of the Community Colleges of Colorado, Lamar Community College adheres to the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education BP 3-24, Drug-Free Workplace Policy and SP19-30 Drug Free Schools Procedure.

Local, state, and federal laws make illegal use of drugs and alcohol serious crimes. Convictions can lead to imprisonment, fines and assigned community service.

In order to assure fair and consistent treatment of all students or employees who are accused of illegal use of drugs and alcohol, the College will handle all cases which come to its attention within the guidelines of the applicable policies and procedures of the College as well as local, state, and federal regulations.

Sanctions will be imposed on students or employees who violated State Board or College drug and/or alcohol policies. Sanctions may include up to suspension or expulsion for students and, for employees, disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Federal Drug Laws

The possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs is prohibited by federal law. There are strict penalties for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information, although not complete, is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions. Additional information on federal penalties can be found at dea.gov. All penalties are doubled for any subsequent drug conviction.

Denial of Federal Benefits
21 U.S.C. 862
A federal drug conviction may result in the loss of federal benefits, including school loans, grants, scholarships, contracts, and licenses. Federal drug trafficking convictions may result in denial of federal benefits for up to five years for a first conviction. Federal drug convictions for possession may result in denial of federal benefits for up to one year for a first conviction and up to five years for subsequent convictions.

Forfeiture of Personal Property and Real Estate
21 U.S.C. 853
Any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison shall forfeit to the United States any personal or real property related to the violation, including houses, cars, and other personal belongings. A warrant of seizure is issued and property is seized at the time an individual is arrested on charges that may result in forfeiture.

Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties
21 U.S.C. 841
Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the transaction. The list below is a sample of the range and severity of federal penalties imposed for first convictions. Penalties for subsequent convictions are twice as severe.

If death or serious bodily injury results from the use of a controlled substance which has been illegally distributed, the person convicted on federal charges of distributing the substance faces a mandatory life sentence and fines ranging up to $8 million.

Persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a university (21 U.S.C. 845a) face penalties of prison terms and fines which are twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one year.

Federal Drug Possession Penalties
Persons convicted on federal charges of possessing any controlled substance face penalties of up to one year in prison and a mandatory fine of no less than $1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000. Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than two years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than three years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000.

State Drug Laws

Below is a partial list of state laws, regulations, and penalties regarding sale and use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Due to the volume of statutes, we are unable to list them all. For a complete listing, please visit https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/2017/title-18/article-18 and https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/2016/title-42/regulation-of-vehicles-and-traffic/article-4/part-13/.

Possession, Consumption & Furnishing
Colorado Revised Statute, Title 18: Criminal Code

• Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol by an underage person: C.R.S 18-13-122
• Furnishing cigarettes or tobacco products to minors: C.R.S 18-13-121
• Unlawful administration of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or ketamine: C.R.S 18-13-123
• Uniformed controlled substances act of 1992, offenses and penalties: C.R.S 18-18-4
• Sentencing in criminal cases: C.R.S 18-1.3

Driving Under the Influence (DUI & DWAI)
Colorado Revised Statute, Title 42: Vehicles & Traffic

• Alcohol and other drug offenses: CRS 42-4-1301

Municipal Drug Laws

Drug and alcohol violations are also embodied in the municipal codes governing the City of Lamar and the campus. These regulations can be found at https://library.municode.com/co/lamar/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH14OF_ARTIIALCOSU_S14-47DE.

Amendment 64 Information

In November 2012, Colorado voters passed Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution. This amendment changed Colorado law to allow people 21 or over to cultivate, consume and possess limited amounts of marijuana in private, not in public. In light of the public nature of our campuses, any marijuana use or possession on campus would run contrary to this restriction. This amendment does not alter existing policies at Lamar Community College prohibiting the possession, use, and distribution of marijuana by students, employees, and all other visitors on College property.

Marijuana remains a controlled substance under Federal law and possession, cultivation and use are Federal offenses. Our College has an obligation to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, which require the colleges, as recipients of federal funds, to take measures to combat the use of drugs and alcohol.

It is recognized that in order to maximize opportunities for success, some students must receive benefit from reasonable accommodations in response to documented disabilities. In order to arrange for such accommodations, please provide documentation and request services at least three weeks prior to the time services are needed. For more information, contact Tayla with Special Populations at 719.336.6648.

LopesCares is proud to offer supplemental food and hygiene items to LCC students in need. The pantry is located in the Betz Building by the MAP Center. To learn more about the Melissa’s Gift Pantry, contact Julie Jones at (719) 336-1923.

LCC compiles a Biennial Review of the College alcohol and drug policy and initiatives which includes: foundational belief, a review of procedure, annual notification, enforcement/sanction consistency, AOD campus efforts, measured effectiveness of the policy and programs.

The Lamar Community College’s mission is to enrich lives through learning for all students and community members our service area. The college cannot permit any individual to impede this process for the student enrolled at the college. All students, faculty, and staff of the college must abide by the laws of the state and nation; any infringement of this through the use of drugs and alcohol on campus is strictly forbidden. The college provides referral information about substance abuse for interested students. For more information about programs offered, please contact the LopesCares team at LopesCares@lamarcc.edu or or (719) 336-1529 or stop by the Counselor’s Office in Betz 105.

To access the Alcohol and Drugs Review report, please visit the Campus Safety website.

A hardcopy is available in the Office of the VP of Student Services. To request a copy of the report, submit a written request to:

Lamar Community College
Office of the VP of Academic and Student Services
2401 S. Main
Lamar, CO 81052