TULSA, OKLA – [November 20, 2023] – The Tulsa Health Department Regional Prevention Coordinator Program (RPC) and the Stop DUI Task Force are partnering to raise awareness of the devastating impacts of drunk driving in Tulsa County through the annual Tree of Life holiday display.
New this year, community members are invited to share a copy of a photo of their loved ones lost due to a drunk driving incident to be included on the ornaments for the Tree of Life that will be showcased inside of Woodland Hills Mall beginning 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 drunk driving can help us see the true impact that alcohol abuse 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. 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 drunk driving.
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 three locations of the Tulsa Health Department. Photos can be received from now and until December 8, 2023. If submitting a digital copy, please use the name box to include the name of the person in the photo. Digital copies are encouraged; however, all pictures are welcomed.
For physical copies, please drop off at the following locations during business hours, between 8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- James O. Goodwin Health Center | 5051 S. 129 E. Ave., Tulsa, OK
- Central Regional Health Center | 315 S. Utica, Tulsa, OK
- North Regional Health and Wellness Center | 5635 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tulsa OK
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