The Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth Program (P.A.R.T.Y.) is a fast paced, “tell it like it is” injury prevention program presented at hospitals across Vancouver Island.
About the P.A.R.T.Y. Program
Several days per month during the school year, groups of grade 10 students tour the hospital for 3 ½ hours to learn about real life physical trauma from those who witness it first hand.
The students meet medical professionals, public safety experts and crash survivors as they experience the pathway a seriously injured patient follows, from the crash site through to rehabilitation.
This reality education provides information to young people that will enable the participants to recognize potential injury producing situations, to make informed prevention oriented choices and to adopt behaviors that minimize injury risk.
The purpose of the program is to educate teens about what is safe for them, taking personal responsibility, and making smart informed choices.
Students learn that crashes are not accidents and the incidence of crash-related injury can be prevented. They learn that the consequences of not wearing a seat belt, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol and speeding: permanent brain injury, spinal cord injury, burns, paralysis and death.
Funding and Support
We are pleased to announce that the Victoria Foundation has generously provided a grant in support of P.A.R.T.Y. Program's Keynote Speakers. Our speakers are injury survivors who provide a unique perspective on trauma to the students at each workshop.
P.A.R.T.Y. is funded through sponsorship by the Vancouver Island Autoplan Brokers, the Vancouver Island Health Authority, community businesses and private donations.
Program partners include VIHA, Vancouver Island Autoplan Brokers and ICBC, Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, Police, RMCP, British Columbia Ambulance Service, First Memorial Funeral Services, post secondary institutions and school districts.
Special thanks to all the P.A.R.T.Y. volunteers who helped make this program possible.