The Tulsa Health Department Regional Prevention Coordinator Program (RPC) and the Stop DUI Task Force are joining forces to raise awareness of the devastating effects of drunk driving in Tulsa County through the annual Tree of Life holiday display. This year, the public is invited to contribute a photo of their loved ones who were lost due to a drunk driving incident, which will be included on ornaments for the Tree of Life that will be displayed inside Woodland Hills Mall starting in December.
“It is essential to remember that these victims are people, not just 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 on our community.”
Since 2014, the Tree of Life has served as a reminder of the families in Tulsa County who are missing a loved one during the winter holiday season due to a drunk driving accident. The tree features wrapped gifts as a symbolic representation of gifts that won’t be opened this year because of a family member who is no longer with us. 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 arrangements for a sober driver or use ride-sharing services. Photos can be submitted digitally through the Tulsa Health Department website or dropped off at three locations at Tulsa Health Department during business hours between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm: James O. Goodwin Health Center, Central Regional Health Center, North Regional Health and Wellness Center. Photos can be received until December 8th, 2023 if submitting digitally; all pictures are welcomed.
For physical copies, please drop off at one of these locations during business hours: James O. Goodwin Health Center, Central Regional Health Center or North Regional Health and Wellness Center between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm