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White-Out Walks in Middletown and Meriden Promote Safe Driving
December 13, 2022
Rushford and its community partners are spreading the word this holiday season to be safe and raise awareness of the dangers of drunk, high, and distracted driving.
If you are planning to attend holiday and New Year’s Eve celebrations, make sure to assign a designated driver, do not operate vehicles if you are impaired, and do not use mobile phones or other devices while you are driving.
As experts anticipated, research now confirms that legalizing marijuana for recreational use leads to an increase in arrests for impaired driving. Stoned driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Many people may not understand this and have a false sense that driving while intoxicated on cannabis is safe, which is untrue.
“It’s important to promote options that prevent dangerous driving in addition to saying ‘don’t drink and drive.’ Ahead of any festivities, we’re encouraging people to determine a designated driver or pick-up person, provide non-alcoholic beverages at parties and holiday functions, utilize rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, or establish accommodations for staying the night,” said Joshua Licursi, MPH, Prevention Program Manager at HHC Rushford.
To bring attention to and promote responsible driving, join Rushford and members of local health and safety coalitions for two awareness walks in Middletown and Meriden just prior to New Year’s eve.
13th Annual Middletown White-Out Walk
Wednesday, December 28, 11am to 1 pm
Presented by the Middletown Substance Abuse Prevention Council
Middletown youth, parents, and community members will walk down Middletown’s Main Street to encourage oncoming walkers and drivers to not drink or smoke and drive to keep Middletown roads safe. Handwarmers, giveaways, free Uber/Lyft Vouchers will be given to all participants. Walkers will meet at the Middletown Chamber of Commerce, 393 Main Street, Middletown, to prepare for the walk. Coffee, and hot chocolate will be available throughout the walk.
Rushford is co-sponsoring the event with The Middletown Substance Abuse Prevention Council – a coalition committed to reduce and prevent substance abuse and its related problems by promoting positive growth and healthy lifestyles through community collaboration. They partner with Rushford and other agencies to share resources and provide prevention programs and education forums for parents and educators, community presentations, youth programming and substance-free activities.
Meet-up Time:10:30am
Kick-off:11:00am
Conclusion:1:00pm
RSVP: Middletown White-Out Walk Survey (surveymonkey.com)
For more information, contact: Joshua Licursi Rushford Prevention Program Manager joshua.licursi@hhchealth.org (860) 384-9461.
13th Annual Meriden White-Out Walk
Thursday, December 29, 11am to 1 pm
Presented by the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition
Meriden youth, parents, and community members are invited to take a lap around the Meriden Green to encourage oncoming walkers and drivers to not drink or smoke and drive to keep Meriden roads safe during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Handwarmers, giveaways, free Uber/Lyft Vouchers will be given to all participants. Walkers will meet at the Meriden Green on Pratt Street to prepare for the walk. Coffee, and hot chocolate at Downtown Coffee Shop throughout the walk.
Rushford is co-sponsoring the event with The Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition – a community group created to work collaboratively to reduce and prevent alcohol, other substance use and their related problems through raising awareness while promoting healthy lifestyles. The organization serves the youth of Meriden and is supported by Rushford and other community organizations who share a commitment to keeping Meriden youth healthy and strong.
Meet-up Time:10:30am
Kick-off:11:00am
Conclusion:1:00pm
RSVP: Meriden White-Out Walk Survey (surveymonkey.com)
For more information, contact: Kelsey Ludington Rushford Prevention Professional Kelsey.Ludington@hhchealth.org (203) 630 5357.
Rushford, part of the Hartford Healthcare’s Behavioral Health Network, has some of the leading substance use experts in the nation and a variety of treatment options ranging from MATCH (medication-assisted outpatient treatment) to withdrawal management or residential settings. Call 1.877.577.3233 or visit www.rushford.org for more information.