One Flag―One Life. American Flag Healing FieldR to memorialize 1,677 Texas Victims of Drunk Driving
CLEAR LAKE - On Saturday, December 8, the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol (BACODA) will host a Healing Field(r) event in Houston to draw awareness to the 1,677 Texas alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2006. Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. and activities are planned throughout the day.
“We want this event to raise awareness of the enormity of the problem. Awareness builds strength in a community ? a strength that can bring about social change,” said Karen Van Horne, CEO of the Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol.
A 3 x 5-foot American flag will stand as a memorial for each life lost last year. The acres of red, white and blue will serve as a visual reminder of the deadly consequences of drinking and driving.
“These tragedies are preventable through communication, education and action. More than 1,600 lives were lost in 2006 to drunk driving in Texas and countless families and friends have been impacted for life?it doesn’t have to be this way. By joining forces with community organizations and leadership, such as BACODA, we can make a difference. I applaud their leadership and initiative in tackling this problem,” said Alan Steen, administrator of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
The Bay Area Council on Drugs and Alcohol sponsors this free event in partnership with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Transportation, Department of State Health Services, Sam Houston Area Council-Boy Scouts of America, Houston-Galveston Area Council and Texas National Guard. Attendees will be able to participate in family-oriented prevention activities, purchase memorial flags, and, most importantly ? people can pledge to end the unacceptable and preventable tragedies caused by drinking and driving.
Rain or shine, the event will be held in Houston at Tom Bass Park, 3452 Fellows Rd., located outside the South Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 
between Hwy 288 and Cullen Blvd.
The Healing Field(r) started as a temporary, visual memorial for the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, and has evolved into commemorative events for other causes. BACODA helps individuals, families and communities stop alcohol and drug abuse through awareness, education, intervention and referral. The nonprofit organization works with schools in Brazoria, Matagorda, Galveston and southeast Harris counties.
For more information about BACODA and the Houston Healing Field(r) event please contact the BACODA office at 281.212.2900 or visit www.bacoda.org.
CONTACT: Karen Van Horne at (281) 212-2900