OPP Media Release
(DRYDEN, ON) - The Dryden/Ignace and Area Impaired Reduction Strategy (DAIRS) has worked with several community partners to secure a total of $89,515 through the Proceeds of Crime-Front Line Policing Grant.
The DAIRS project includes the establishment of a temporary coordinator position to be housed by the Northwestern Health Unit.
The coordinator will be responsible for implementing and evaluating the approved activity plan for the project, which aims to reduce both alcohol related trauma in youth and impaired driving.
In keeping with the 2016-17 grant theme of 'community collaboration', the coordinator's primary responsibility will be to engage and coordinate the efforts of community partners in activities related to education, skill building and supportive environments in Dryden, Ignace and Machin.
The grant funds will also be used to deliver the Dryden Safe Communities P.A.R.T.Y. program, which was created by Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and has spread across Canada.
The P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol Related Trauma in Youth) program has been conducted twice in Dryden. Dryden Safe Communities has been working to keep Dryden safe for 12 years. This group will bring together hospital, EMT, police, fire, judiciary, the insurance industry and the school board to educate local youth on the ramifications and consequences associated with Impaired Driving.
The community based DAIRS group will address issues and contributing factors that lead to impaired driving and underage drinking. The grant award will allow for the purchase of equipment to better engage the youth in our community. The equipment being purchased includes a SIDNE (Simulated Impaired Driving Experience) unit and a Driver Interactive Machine.
The SIDNE car simulates Impaired Driving scenerios and the Driver Interactive simulates possible outcomes for distracted drivers.
DAIRS is excited to work with Dryden Safe Communities and all of our community partners engaged in this endeavour.
Our young people are among the most valuable assets in our communities. The community working and learning together will assist in finding solutions to prevent alcohol related trauma in our youth and reduce impaired driving.
This will also play a significant role in helping to ensure that they grow up healthy and safe, and ready to succeed in school and the community.
