Fargo Red River Valley Program Highlights For January

The Victim Impact Panel held January 14, 2002, had approximately 95 attending. An Alcohol Committee Meeting on January 23, 2002, brainstormed ideas for a uniform Designated Driver Program. The committee decided that a survey should be taken of all local liquor establishments to see what they're currently doing for a Designated Driver program and to gain insight on the criteria for a unified program. A directory of all participating liquor establishments will be prepared for distribution at the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, liquor stores, etc. Server Training was held on January 22, 2001, with approximately 100 attending. The West Fargo Police Department provided an officer; Rob Hanson, manager of Cactus Jacks, donated the meeting room, TV and VCR; and Fargo Community Public Health donated a PowerPoint projector. Liquor establishments received free materials from the Century Council and free ID checking guides from Miller Brewing Company. A database of employee name, date of attendance, name of employing establishment and address was prepared to record all individuals who have attended Server Training.

The Occupant safety committee planned a car seat check for Child Passenger Safety Week. Volunteers were recruited and Kenny Habiger of Casselton Ambulance assisted in establishing the location. Connie Peterson was recruited as a Coalition and Occupant Safety Committee member. Connie is an excellent resource for the coalition, as she supervises all Cass County school nurses and has the ability to reach all school-aged children and their parents with information and education. The committee assisted the Fargo-Moorhead Safe Kids Coalition with a car seat check on January 17, 2002. Initial contacts were made with Shanley and Oak Grove High Schools to conduct High School Seat Belt incentive campaigns. Dean Bloch and Dan Schoonhoven meet with the Student Council groups at both schools to explain the project. Both schools are very willing to participate and dates were planned for the baseline surveys; Oak Grove on February l, 2002, and Shanley on February 6, 2002. All handouts were updated to be appropriate for the school involved. With only two schools this time and experience on our side, it looks like it will be a less stressful adventure. The students are already coming up with some exciting ideas.

The Red River Valley Safe Communities Coalition had a booth at the Trauma Tactics conference for regional EMS personnel to distribute informational and educational materials, and solicit for involvement and volunteers. An article was written about the coalition for publication in the City's bi-annual newsletter, which is sent to every residence in Fargo. The article contained information about the Coalition and solicited for members and volunteers.