The Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council (DFWHC) announced today it will partner with Mothers Against Drunk Driving North Texas (MADD) to remind motorists to drive safe, sober and buckled up over the holidays. The partnership was also inspired by the organizations’ belief that maintaining a strong, statewide trauma system is critical to Texas’ future health and economic well-being.
“Every year, more than 1,000 people die in drunk driving crashes between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve nationally,” said W. Stephen Love, president/CEO of DFWHC. “Texas needs a strong trauma system to serve the needs of its growing population and to be ready to meet whatever health-related challenges arise.”
DFWHC will be present during MADD’s Nov.22 press event in Dallas to kick off Tie One on for Safety 2010 campaign along with the Dallas Police Home for the Holidays initiative of DWI enforcement. Also hosted by Dallas Police Department, Dallas Sheriff, Texas Department of Transportation, NHTSA and NTTA, the event will officially launch the “Take the Wheel” campaign with TXDOT which combines increased law enforcement in Dallas County, court monitoring and community outreach engaging community partners to help prevent drunk driving.
“With the highest uninsured rate in the nation at 26.1 percent, Texas never has adequately funded the statewide trauma system,” Love said. “Trauma providers are strained to meet the needs, which affects all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Trauma providers are on the front line of treating drunk driving victims. Investing in the state trauma system benefits every Texan.”
DFWHC recently became a member of the Coalition to Protect Trauma Care, a partnership of health care organizations, emergency care professionals and business groups united in the belief that maintaining a strong, statewide trauma system is critical to Texas’ future health well-being.
Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council is a 75 member-driven organization with 42 years of service to the North Texas healthcare community. Governed by a 14-member Board of Trustees, the hospital trade association is committed to the continuous improvement of patient care.
MADD is a non-profit organization with a mission to stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking. In 2008, MADD North Texas served over 1,300 victims and their families affected by drunk driving crashes.