Every 15 Minutes

We got this in an email from Drew's school today:

"Today your student witnessed a DUI presentation coordinated by the California Highway Patrol, American Medical Response Ambulance, and other agencies.  This letter will answer some questions and explain what occurred today and what will be occurring tomorrow. 

More often we are finding that high school students engage in “high risk” behavior that includes alcohol use resulting in drinking and driving.  “Every 15 Minutes” is a two-day program focusing on high school students.  This program challenges students to think about drinking, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions, especially when lives of others are involved.

The name of the program was derived from the fact that every fifteen minutes someone in the United States dies in an alcohol-related traffic collision.  In the early 1990’s when this program was implemented, this was true. However, with the implementation of new laws and programs such as “Every 15 Minutes,” the death rate is now every thirty minutes.  This program does not preach “Don’t Drink and Drive,” but instead emphasizes smart decision making.  The decisions students make affect not only them, but a vast number of individuals, some whom are unknown to the decision-maker.

Day one begins with students who are portrayed as the “living dead.” They are removed from their classrooms by someone dressed as the grim reaper.  A simulated DUI collision is presented to the entire student body and is intended to be as realistic as possible, involving all emergency first responders.  The day concludes with the “living dead” student participants attending an overnight retreat.  At the retreat, these students participate in team building activities.  They learn first hand from people who have been involved in, or affected by, an incident involving alcohol.

Day two involves a school-wide assembly where the “living dead” students return to school along with the parents and other community participants.  During the assembly, everyone views a video documenting the previous day’s events.  The impact of this program on those involved is very dramatic and emotional.  Students and parents share letters and thoughts regarding how they feel about dying without having had a chance to say goodbye.  Other members of the community such as doctors, law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and the clergy share how they are personally affected on a daily basis when someone makes a poor choice involving alcohol.  This emotion-filled assembly challenges everyone to make responsible choices when alcohol is involved.

 

We want to thank you for helping us in our effort to protect your kids and our community.  We hope that you and your children learn some important information over the next few days and that you can both open a dialogue about the reality of what can happen when alcohol is consumed and when poor decisions occur.  We hope, as parents, you communicate to them that if they are ever stuck somewhere in a situation where someone has had too much to drink, that it is okay for them to call you, at any hour of the day or night for a ride home.  Many young people do not realize they are not invincible; we have an opportunity to let them see the consequences of their choices and actions.  This is how we affect change"

I had heard about the program long before the email arrived in my in box because Drew was texting me a play by play as it was happening.  And I even got some details texted from Amanda.  One of their best friends, Jenna, was someone who "died" in the event.  And they are both tasked with writing a letter that will be read at her "funeral" tomorrow.  I fully expect sobbing from Drew tomorrow as it is being read....if he even can wait that long.

I am happy they do this event - I hope it saves some live....although we will never know.