Free New Year’s Eve Liferides will once again be available in Delta County this year. Rides are available from 7 p.m. on Friday, December 31, through 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 1, and are offered in an effort to prevent alcohol-related traffic accidents and fatalities.
For 37 years, OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group and numerous generous community organizations have made it a priority to get community members home safely. The Liferides program was introduced in Delta County in 1983. New Year’s Eve was chosen because of its association with celebrations involving alcohol and the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents and fatalities that occurred on that night.
Those who are in need of a ride can call the DATA Bus at (906) 786-1186 ext. 1 or JN Taxi at (906) 786-1122 and transportation charges will be covered by the Liferides program. The DATA Bus is encouraging those who are able to call the day prior to preschedule a ride.
Since the Liferides program began, there have been no alcohol-related traffic accidents or fatalities in Delta County on New Year’s Eve, a trend that organizers hope will continue. In addition to taking advantage of the free Liferides program, people are encouraged to plan ahead by choosing a designated driver or making a plan to stay at a hotel or with friends and family rather than going out on the roads after they have been drinking. Flyers are being distributed to local bars and restaurants with information regarding the Liferides program so that phone numbers for a safe ride home are right at patrons’ finger tips
The Island Resort & Casino, Guardian Flight/AirMedCare Network, Escanaba Area Credit Unions, Bay College, The Community Foundation of Delta County, Escanaba Rotary Club, The Edward J. Sackerson Foundation, Delta County Communities that Care/SAVE Council, Heart of the North Lions Club, Michigan Planners, GFWC – Escanaba Woman’s Club and Elmer’s County Market are the supporters of this year’s Liferides program, making it possible for transportation to remain free on New Year’s Eve this year.
Additional support is provided by Radio Results Network, WDBC and WYKX to help further generate awareness.
For more information about Liferides, visit www.osfstfrancis.org/events.
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