News

Beebe Medical Center Promotes a Safe Holiday Season

12/19/08

Beebe Medical Center employees, physicians and visitors recently enjoyed party foods and non-alcoholic punch at a Mocktail party held during lunchtime in the hospital on Savannah Road in Lewes.

The event, coordinated by the Beebe Medical Center Trauma Program, Delaware Office of Highway Safety and University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, was organized to remind people of the dangers of drinking too much alcohol during the holiday season.

Booklets containing responsible party hosting tips and food and drink recipes for a holiday gathering were available at the event. Attendees also were reminded of DUI laws and the consequences of breaking them.

The event at Beebe Medical Center was one of nine being held throughout the state, according the Andrea Summers, Community Relations Officers for the Delaware Office of Highway Safety. The parties are held to demonstrate that a successful holiday celebration does not have to include alcohol. However, if hosts plan to serve beer, wine or liquor, there are recommended foods to serve at these gatherings.

The state reports that between Thanksgiving week and New Year's Day last year, there were 2 alcohol-related fatalities and 88 alcohol-related injuries in Delaware. Since Thanksgiving weekend this year, there have been 33 alcohol-related injuries and 1 alcohol-related fatality. Since January 1, 2007, alcohol has been a factor in 36% of Delaware's 118 traffic deaths, a decrease of 10% compared to this time last year.

Caption1: Michelle Arford-Granholm, Trauma Registrar at Beebe Medical Center, pretends to take part in a sobriety test given by CPL/3 Anthony Mendez of Delaware State Police.
Caption2: Michael Burget, Operations Manager for Information Systems at Beebe Medical Center, and Cheryl Littlefield, RN, Trauma and Emergency Management Coordinator for Beebe Medical Center, share information on how to enjoy a safe holiday.