Tulsa Health Department Pays Tribute to Drunk Driving Victims

The Tulsa Health Department Regional Prevention Coordinator Program (RPC) and the Stop DUI Task Force are partnering once again to raise awareness of the devastating impacts of drunk driving in Tulsa County through the annual Tree of Life holiday display. This year, community members are invited to share a copy of a photo of their loved ones lost due to a drunk driving incident to be included on the ornaments for the Tree of Life that will be showcased inside Woodland Hills Mall beginning in December.

“It is important to remember that behind every statistic is a person,” said Kandice Lawson, Prevention Specialist at the Tulsa Health Department. “By sharing their stories, we can help others see the true impact that alcohol abuse can have on our community.”

Since 2014, the Tree of Life has served as a poignant reminder of the number of Tulsa County families who are missing a loved one during the winter holiday season due to a drunk driving accident. The tree contains wrapped gifts as a symbolic reminder of the gifts that won’t be opened this year due to a family member who is no longer here. The number of gifts corresponds to the number of lives lost in Tulsa County due to drunk driving.

Visitors to Woodland Hills Mall can sign a pledge card near the Tree of Life to make a personal commitment to abstain from drinking and driving. People who consume alcohol should do so responsibly and make a plan for a sober driver or use ride-sharing services. Photos can be submitted digitally through the Tulsa Health Department website or dropped off at three locations throughout Tulsa County during business hours between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Submissions must include either an email address or physical address, along with any additional contact information desired by those submitting photos. All photos will be accepted until December 8th, 2023, regardless of whether they are digital or physical copies. If submitting digital copies, please include all necessary details about how they would like their photo displayed on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

For physical copies, please drop off at one of three locations during business hours:

1. James O. Goodwin Health Center – 5051 S. 129 E Ave., Tulsa OK

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