Welcome to the first edition of our quarterly newsletter, MADD Connections! I am very excited to launch this newsletter which will hopefully inform and inspire you, and keep you updated on all MADD NY|NJ|PA happenings.
As we continue to work through life during the pandemic, I would like to acknowledge our incredible MADD staff and amazing volunteers who have continuously gone above and beyond to provide compassionate and life-changing services and programs during these unprecedented times. Through our perseverance, dedication, and teamwork, we hope to see continued growth in 2022 and more opportunities for involvement!
We have a new Regional Office!
We are thrilled to let you know that after two years of working remotely, our region has opened a new office. Located on Long Island in Melville, myself, our Regional Program Director, Regional Development Director, and Long Island based Victim Services staff have a new home. Our Victim Services staff in the additional regions of New York, in New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will still be remote but fully accessible for those needing services. If you’re in the area, we encourage you to visit and check it out!
The End of Drunk Driving is in Sight!
A provision included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that President Biden signed into law in November is the most significant lifesaving legislation in the 41-year history of MADD. The bill mandates that all new cars soon be equipped with technology to detect impaired driving. The Insurance Industry believes this technology will save 9,400 lives each year. We look forward to the day when there will be No More Victims®. Learn more about the Drunk Driving Prevention Technology Provision here.
As we continue our great work in 2022 there is a sense of hope that MADD will rebound from the hardships endured the past couple of years. While we saw our fundraising efforts improve from 2020, we still have a long way to go. Our fundraising and special events are set to resume in-person and while we have been able to sustain services and programs, we need your continued support and resources more than ever to achieve continued growth. I encourage you to reach out if you are interested in volunteering, becoming a corporate partner, sitting on one of our planning committees, or if you have any questions or concerns.
Yours with gratitude,
Shawn Hirst
Regional Executive Director NY|NJ|PA