A group of teenagers from Manitoulin Island might think twice before getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol thanks to an ongoing program at Health Sciences North.
The students were the latest group to go through the hospital's Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program, which received a $5,000 boost Wednesday.
The program shows teenagers the life-changing impacts of drunk driving, with live simulations from doctors and nurses of the types of injuries they deal with on a regular basis.
“The idea is to show the youth what the consequences of risky behaviour can be,” said Dr. Jason Prpic, medical director of the hospital's trauma services.
Prpic said it was an especially emotional experience to talk about those consequences Wednesday, because the three women who founded IMPACT 6/21 were in attendance for the demonstration.
Corrie Lamoureux, Jocelyne Philippe and Lisa Jelley lost their three children -- Jazmine Houle, Steven Philippe and Caitlin Jelley – to an impaired driver on June 21, 2009.
Prpic said he and his team tried to save Jazmine's life that day.
“You remember those nights,” he said. “They're very difficult nights for all of our staff.”
Since 2013 IMPACT 6/21 has partnered with the hospital to expose as many teenagers as possible to the PARTY program.
“It fits with IMPACT 6/21 and it's a great way to honour Jazmine, Caitlin and Steven,” said Lamoureux.
The Sudbury Credit Union and the Greater Sudbury Police Service teamed up Wednesday to help support the program – donating $3,000 and $2,000 respectively.
Greater Sudbury Police Insp. Todd Zimmerman said drinking and driving remains a problem in the community.
He said initiatives like the PARTY program go a long way to solving that problem because it creates young ambassadors who can encourage their friends and family members not to drink and drive.
