TULSA, OKLA – [November 25, 2025] – The Tulsa Health Department is partnering with the Stop DUI Task Force, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission to raise awareness of the devastating impacts of impaired driving in Tulsa County through the annual Tree of Life holiday display.
Tulsa County community members are invited to share a copy of a photo of their loved ones lost due to an impaired driving incident to be included in the ornaments for the Tree of Life that will be showcased inside of Woodland Hills Mall in December.
“It is important to think of the victims as people, not only as numbers,” said Kandice Lawson, Prevention Specialist at the Tulsa Health Department. “Giving a face to the lives lost due to impaired driving can help us see the true impact that substance misuse can have in our community.”
Since 2014, the Tree of Life has served as a 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. This year, the tree will highlight the impact of all impaired driving in Tulsa County, with an astonishing total of 163 casualties between 2021 and 2023 that include accidents related to alcohol, drugs or a combination of both. 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 impaired driving.
“When you think of 163 families missing a loved one on their table this holiday season, you realize that we have to do something to lessen this issue,” said Lawson. “We hope that by bringing awareness to this problem we can see this number decrease in upcoming years.”
This partnership with MADD is also looking to offer support to those who need it. The Tree of Life is an opportunity to honor the victims of impaired driving, but also to connect their families to resources during this difficult time. Community members submitting a digital photo will have the option to request being contacted by a MADD representative.
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 a ride share service.
Photos can be submitted digitally through the Tulsa Health Department website, or a physical copy can be dropped off at one of three locations of the Tulsa Health Department. Photos can be received starting now through December 8, 2025. Digital copies are encouraged; however, all pictures are welcome.
For physical copies, please drop off at the following locations during business hours, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- James O. Goodwin Gesundheitszentrum | 5051 S. 129 E. Ave., Tulsa, OK
- Zentrales regionales Gesundheitszentrum | 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK
- Regionales Gesundheits- und Wellnesszentrum Nord | 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tulsa OK
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