Jourdy Sweeney is the Clinical Nurse for the statewide P.A.R.T.Y Program

When it comes to keeping our adolescents and young adults safe from risk-related injury, education and prevention is key.

The state-wide Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y) Program has been running since 2010, providing more than 2,469 high school students per year with reality-based education into the consequences of risky behaviours.

State-wide P.A.R.T.Y Program Clinical Nurse Jourdy Sweeney, based at RBWH, plays an integral role in the development and presentation of the program for students across Queensland.

“Prior to my role in the P.A.R.T.Y Program, I was working as an Intensive Care Nurse where I often saw the aftermath of risky behaviours and the profound impact they can have on patients and their families,” Jourdy said.

“I wanted to help prevent risk-related injuries before they get to that point, which led me to my current role.

“It’s great being able to work with a range of different professions on the program including the police, emergency services, our talented clinicians and of course, the students.”

Jourdy also has the opportunity to travel to more rural locations around Queensland to deliver the program.

“We want to ensure students from all areas of Queensland have access to this important education, even if they live a bit further out from the city.

“A lot of the time the students we educate don’t realise the life altering impacts one decision can have, so it’s amazing to be able to help change their perspective and help save lives.”