The DFW Hospital Council is posting blogs submitted by our Associate Members. The following was provided by MADD. For guidelines, please contact Chris Wilson at chrisw@dfwhc.org.

On the road of life, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) wants every family to be safe without the threat of drunk or drugged driving. And we want every family to stay whole without the danger and consequences of underage drinking. Our hope for the future is that there will be No More Victims. It’s the reason we exist today.

On September 5, 1980, MADD was incorporated and its mission was “to aid the victims of crimes performed by individuals driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to aid the families of such victims and to increase public awareness of the problem of drinking and drugged driving.”

Today, MADD has evolved to become the premiere nonprofit on a mission “to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking.”

Drunk driving deaths are 100% preventable. Sadly, more than 300,000 innocent people are killed or injured on our roadways every year. Countless more are changed forever. Many find comfort and eventually hope through our free victim services.

MADD’s prevention and advocacy efforts have
• Cut drunk driving deaths by 53%;
• Saved the lives of 350,000 people;
• Served 820,000 victims.

MADD won’t stop fighting to make the roads safer until drunk driving stops – because one empty seat at the table is one too many. We need your help to create a world where drunk driving ends and lives don’t. Help us advocate for change. Donate to support our programs. Join us as we pay tribute to lives lost or survivors of a drunk driving crash.

Walk Like MADD is the signature event designed to help victims turn pain into purpose and raise funds to support the mission to end drunk driving. Annually, 90 cities across the U.S. host Walk Like MADD events raising over $1 million. This year, MADD North Texas will host two walk events in Dallas and Tarrant Counties.

Here’s how you can make a difference as a Walk Like MADD corporate sponsor, team or runner. Event funds will support local programs and services.

Register now as an individual runner, walker or join a team here:
• Saturday, Sept. 16 – Dallas Walk Like MADD;
• Saturday, Oct. 21 – Fort Worth Walk Like MADD.

For corporate sponsor opportunities, please call Cynthia Thompson at 214-637-0372.