For ten years, Harris Health System has delivered a very important message to high school teens–don’t drink and drive. Through the Shattered Dreams program, which involves the dramatization of an alcohol-related crash on or near a high school campus, Harris Health and partner organizations are helping to minimize the number of underage drinking and driving related deaths in Harris County.
In March, during spring break season, Harris Health hosted a presentation of Shattered Dreams at St. Thomas High School/Incarnate Word Academy, performed by student actors and real-life emergency personnel like police, firefighters and paramedics, to convey the dangers of underage alcohol/drug use and driving. The event was performed in front of 700 high school students.
“As leaders in trauma care, it only makes sense for Harris Health to be involved,” said Robin Garza, manager, Trauma Care Services, Ben Taub, who has been with Harris Health for 15 years.
The nationally-known program is coordinated by staff from Ben Taub, Lyndon B. Johnson hospitals and community partners.
To give students a better understanding of the frequency of DWI-related deaths that occur, students witness and experience emergency room treatment, family notifications, the arrest of the driver and testimonials from real victims and their family members.
“This community involvement is a great way for youth to not only learn about the consequences of drinking and driving, but to also learn about Harris Health’s trauma care which may inspire them to consider a career in healthcare,” says Robin.
Since 2006, Harris Health has hosted an average of four Shattered Dreams presentations each year at high schools in the districts of Houston, Channelview, Cy-Fair, Galena Park, Humble, Klein, Spring and Spring Branch.
For more information or to volunteer in the Shattered Dreams program, contact Jessica Daly-Carillo, Trauma Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator at 713-873-3443.