MADD Ohio and Some Staggering Stats

Earlier this year, the MADD Ohio monthly newsletter ran a story on yours truly. Now, I get MADD Ohio's newsletter in my inbox once per month. Even though I work in the prevention field, even though I'm a victim survivor, even though I write this blog, there is still so, so much to learn. And today, thanks to MADD Ohio's newsletter, I learned something new...

For many moons, I've contended that the future of DWI prevention lies in technology. When technology can detect intoxicants in one's system through sweat, breath, the eyes or any number of other ways, technology then has the power to keep individuals safe; includng the driver ready to make an unsafe choice to drive.

This technology would prevent the very thing I read in MADD Ohio's newsletter this morning. One stat the newsletter gave was that an estimated 50%-75% of drivers with a suspended license due to DWI are (wait for it....) still driving. And they can. Not legally, but legality has no bearing on whether or not one can turn the key in the ignition. Again, technology is our next (and safest) step to preventing unnecessary loss of life and limb due to this senseless crime.

AHEAD 2010

Last week found the AHEAD conference in the Mile High City…and with yours truly exhibiting as always! The Assoc. on Higher Education and Disability is composed of disability support services professionals at colleges and universities across the country, plus a variety of other professionals who work in the field with disabilities. And, as always, it was such a great time seeing awesome people!

Special thanks to Jenny Dugger, Rae, Melanie Thompson, Emily, Erin, Lana, Tamara and a whole slew of others who I did NOT get to go to dinner with!

Thanks to all who stopped by our booth and got books, grabbed info and expressed interest in bringing the Marcus message to campus this fall!

Do The Brits Have It Right?

While we were celebrating our founders giving the finger to King George, another George was apparently celebrating in an all-too-American way.

George Michael, according to reports, crashed his car into the side of a building this weekend. Police stated he was unfit to drive. Was he drunk? Dunno, just know the cops used the word, "unfit."

In 2007, Michael was arrested and had his license suspended for two years after he was caught driving under the influence of drugs. Was his license actually taken away for two years? Again, dunno. And, even if it was, suspending one's license doesn't mean that they lose the ability to stick a key in the ignition and put the car in drive.

Still, the Brits don't have the rep for being as lax as we are on convicted criminals. Here in the states, have you ever heard of a intoxicated driver losing their license for two years? Certainly not on a first offense.

I'm Here Is Finally Here!

Yep, it's officially out! My third book, "I'm Here: Compassionate Communication In Patient Care" is now available through the store on MarcusEngel.com

http://www.MarcusEngelProducts.com

While this is focused on helping nurses, docs, therapists, etc. have more positive interactions with patients, I think there's plenty of good info for the non-medical folks of the world, too. Check it out at:

http://www.MarcusEngelProducts.com

Highlighting Positive Side Of People

We all know we SHOULD highlight the positive, diminish the negative, and we get more positive, right? Sure!

Yet, there are many times when I find myself blogging about a celebrity who caused a ruckus in a bar, or a DWI received by someone who's a household name, that sorta thing.

Well, this time? I get to blog about something positive.

AAA, the American Automobile Association, is offering free towing service for intoxicated drivers this July 4. On a holiday that's so associated with knocking back a few cold ones, it's so awesome to see AAA stepping up to be sure folks get home safe. Learn more at:

www.AAA.org

Thanks, AAA, for helping keep folks alive this summer season!

Siriusly Good Commercial

Any time I'm in my office working, my Sirius Radio is on in the background. Part of that is my obsession with news, part is my obsession with music, part of that is my obsession with finding relevant info to blog about.

Today, I heard a good PSA on underage drinking prevention. It dealt with only one thing: communicating with kids. Was it all that fantastic of a commercial? No, and it really doesn't have to be. It simply encouraged parents to keep open lines of communication with their kids, especially about drinking. Reminds me to do the same. Since I agree with the message, I'd like to share the link to the sponsoring org:

www.stopalcoholabuse.gov

I'm Here

While I love working in the prevention arena and I love helping inspire intelligent choices, one of the other areas I'm passionate about is patient care. I figure when you've been through as much medical drama and trauma as I've endured, you've learned what makes up great patient care...and what just counts as medical treatment.

One week from today, Thursday, July 1, 2010, I'll be releasing my newest book, "I'm Here: Compassionate Communication In Patient Care."

While this is not specific to the prevention of drug, alcohol and DUI, the stories contained in "I'm Here" are a direct result of a drunk driver's actions. If you're in the field of health care, or you've just enjoyed "After This..." and "The Other End Of The Stethoscope", I hope you'll watch Facebook and Twitter for the release time. Also, we'll be having some giveaways and contests to hype the release...pay attention, you might just win!