Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation is launching a fundraising campaign for BUH's Emergency Department's program to Prevent Alcohol Related Trauma in Youth.
Funds from the campaign will purchase a Simulated Impaired Driving Experience.
SIDNE is a battery operated go-kart and will provide a hands-on, engaging lesson about the misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs and the dangers of distracted driving through a visual, hands-on experience with the PARTY program. PARTY has been operating at BUH since 2009 and has had over 350 students take part from the Battlefords and surrounding communities.
The program is run in collaboration with the volunteer efforts of BUH, the RCMP and Emergency Medical Services and the support of North Battleford Fire Department to promote injury prevention and enable youth to recognize risk, make informed choices, and identify potential consequences about activities and behaviours while driving.
The youth are brought to the hospital to see firsthand what happens in emergency and trauma situations with presentations from the RCMP on what happens when they are arrested, EMS showing on-the-scene accident care and the ED demonstrating trauma care provided.
The campaign goal is $30,000. Funds have already been received as Scott Campbell Dodge Ltd. in North Battleford ran a successful Facebook campaign where $1 was donated for every like and share on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Instagram for a total of $500. The graduating class of 2016 of H. Hardcastle School in Edam donated after their class completed the PARTY Program.
"We are very proud of the work BUH Foundation accomplishes to enrich the care provided to our community, through our community support," said Brenda Sparrow, chairperson of BUH Foundation board of directors
"We are grateful to Scott Campbell Dodge Ltd. and H. Hardcastle School for starting off the SIDNE campaign and supporting the services provided through BUH's Emergency Department."
Shelly Horsman, Acute Care Services director at BUH added, "Health care is complex and the component of health prevention is as key to promoting healthy communities as technologically advanced medical equipment and highly trained staff are to caring for patients in our hospital. It is our expectation that the PARTY program and SIDNE will empower youth to make positive lifestyle choices and help prevent the need to seek care in our emergency department."
For further information on the SIDNE campaign or to learn more on how you can be a part of the fundraising campaign, please visit www.buhfoundation.com or call 306-446-6652.
