My Big Day has been privileged to be working on a DUI campaign funded by a Colorado state grant, through Partners and their incredible efforts in the area of prevention education. The initiative is called No DUI Larimer. At the end of May 2020 – immediately following weeks of stay-at-home orders – Colorado State Patrol reported that impairment-related deaths in spring 2020 were double those of spring 2019. As of summer 2020, alcohol- and marijuana-related crashes were in fact up 32 percent from the same time in 2019. Impairment-related fatal crashes had doubled. Colorado State Patrol and representatives of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) speculate that mental health struggles, a shaky economy, and relatively empty roads during the stay-at-home order contributed to increasing DUI rates. In all, 203 people were killed by suspected drunk drivers in 2020, up from 176 in 2019. Denver-based attorneys Hebets & McCallin reported that alcohol sales not tied to the hospitality business went up 24 percent in 2020, with sales of spirits with high alcohol content increasing even more, by 27 percent. The pandemic has brought challenges for DUI enforcement. Many police departments statewide suspended the use of breathalyzer BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) tests due to safety concerns about COVID-19 spread in droplets from suspects’ lungs. As of February 2021, agencies continue to rely on blood alcohol testing, with mixed results. Some suspects have argued in court that they have a right to breathalyzer testing rather than blood testing, to varying responses from judges. However, Colorado law calls for automatic license suspension for drivers who refuse a blood alcohol test; with breathalyzers no longer an option, many suspected impaired drivers have lost their licenses by refusal. Despite ongoing restrictions on bar and restaurant capacities, the pandemic appears to have had little impact on reducing impaired driving rates – in some cases, just the opposite. If you or someone you know is struggling with the financial, mental or emotional effects of the pandemic, and/or substance use, visit the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health online for a searchable directory of substance use experts, mental health professionals, and crisis support resources. If you see swerving or other signs of impaired driving, call 911. Impaired driving is an emergency. Make the Call. Contact MBD Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken As the Marketing company for Partner's No DUI Larimer Initiative, we are working hard to provide our Colorado Community with education and helpful, healthy tips. You may have heard the term “Dry January” before. Healthier drinking habits are a common New Year’s resolution – but cutting back is easier said than done when alcohol has become part of your daily or weekly lifestyle or is something you use to cope with life’s challenges. Maybe you’ve experienced negative health effects because of your drinking, or it’s interfering with your interpersonal relationships and ability to function in everyday life. Maybe you just want to start the New Year off with a more focused, healthier you. Either way, here are some tips for cutting back gradually. 1. Set a goal Start by writing down some current stats: How many days per week you drink, how many drinks you have, and – if some of those drinks are extra large – how many servings of alcohol you have in that time frame. Set an easy goal to start with. One less drink per week or day is a great place to start. You can even offer yourself a non-alcoholic reward for each day or week you meet your goal. 2. Measure drinks You may think to yourself, “I only have one drink at the end of each day,” but consider the size of your drink. One serving of alcohol is: one can of beer; 9 fluid ounces of malt liquor (a stronger lager or ale), 5 ounces of wine, or a 1.5-fluid-ounce shot of hard liquor like gin, vodka, or tequila. If cutting down your number of drinks sounds too difficult at the start, first make sure that each drink is truly just one drink by measuring your alcohol.
7. Count your drinks Sometimes, simply realizing the number of drinks you’re having regularly can be a wake-up call. Start keeping a tally as you drink. When you’re impaired, you may not realize how quickly you’re getting to three, or five, or more drinks. If you’re shocked by your number, try reducing it by one at a time. Before you start drinking, measure out your goal number of drinks, and then hide the rest of the alcohol. When you’ve finished what you set out, you’re done drinking. 8. Drink-free day(s) Another solution if frequency is your issue is to start with a drink-free day each week. Maintain that for a month (longer if you’re really struggling), then reduce your weekly drinking days by one more the following month. 9. Avoid triggers Often, the situations in which you typically drink become triggers to drink. Start eliminating these situations from your life. If you often drink with a certain group of people, start seeing them individually, in a different setting, or not at all. If it’s a place that’s your trigger, it’s best to avoid it altogether. If it’s a certain time of day, try eating a meal and/or planning a fun activity for that time of day as a distraction. 10. Be able to say “no” You probably won’t be able to altogether avoid situations where others are drinking. Whether it’s friends, coworkers, or a server at a restaurant or party, be able to say “no, thank you.” If you’re worried about the social pressure to drink, practice what you’ll say before heading into a situation where others are likely to be drinking. Be confident in your decision; your health is most important. Benefits of cutting back on alcohol consumption You can start to feel the benefits of cutting back immediately. Here are some short term effects you can look forward to:
If you find that you can’t cut down, you may need help to quit drinking. If you have developed an alcohol use disorder, drinking may no longer feel like a choice. Never try to stop drinking cold turkey if you drink large quantities regularly; the effects of alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. If you find yourself at this point, it’s best to seek professional help. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to get support and local resources. Make the Call. If you’re out drinking or using drugs and need to Make the Call for a safe ride home, we’ve got you covered. No DUI Larimer has compiled a list of ride services throughout our county. Just scroll down to your city for name, description, and contact information for each service. Fort Collins zTrip: Ride services for northern Colorado with flat rate pricing. Runs 24 hours. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To get $10 off a zTrip EVERY month, text #NoDUI to 970-224-2222. Contact: Use the app or call 855-MY-zTrip Lyft: Pricing based on demand. Runs 24 hours as long as drivers are available. Download the Lyft app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also sign up or get an estimate here [https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/fort-collins-co]. Contact: Get help through the app or online. NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night rides. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/]. Contact: 970-235-0690 Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup. Contact: 970-599-9519 Ram Ride x Lyft: A taxi service for Colorado State University students that runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Ram Ride now pairs with Lyft to provide discounted rates (up to 50% off, up to $10 off per ride) to current CSU students. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Contact: 970-491-2248 until 5 p.m. or through the app Transfort (currently FREE due to COVID-19): Fort Collins’ bus service. Does not run late at night. Check the schedule at www.ridetransfort.com. Contact: 970-221-6620 Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Contact: Get help online or through the app FLEX: City bus system with routes between Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder. Fare is $1.25 per ride per adult – exact change required. Does not operate on certain holidays or very late at night. See the current schedule here [http://www.ridetransfort.com/routes/flex]. Contact: 970.221.6620 Loveland zTrip: Ride services for northern Colorado with flat rate pricing. Runs 24 hours. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To get $10 off a zTrip EVERY month, text #NoDUI to 970-224-2222. Contact: Use the app or call 855-MY-zTrip Lyft: Pricing based on demand. Runs 24 hours as long as drivers are available. Download the Lyft app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also sign up or get an estimate here [https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/fort-collins-co]. Contact: Get help through the app or online. Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Contact: Get help online or through the app COLT (City of Loveland Transit): Loveland’s city bus service. Adults 18-59 ride for $1.25. Check the schedule and routes at https://www.cityofloveland.org/services/public-works/bus-service. Does not run late at night. Contact: (970) 962-2700 FLEX: City bus system with routes between Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder. Fare is $1.25 per ride per adult – exact change required. Does not operate on certain holidays or very late at night. See the current schedule here [http://www.ridetransfort.com/routes/flex]. Contact: 970.221.6620 NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night rides. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/]. Contact: 970-235-0690 Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup. Contact: 970-599-9519 Estes Park NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/]. Contact: 970-235-0690 Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup. Contact: 970-599-9519 Estes Park Shuttle Service (FREE): Offers limited hours during the winter. Park at the town’s free parking structure (near the Estes Park Visitor Center) to pick your car up later. Currently operates on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Runs continuously, no reservations required. View the current schedule here [https://www.visitestespark.com/plan/getting-around/free-shuttle-buses/]. Contact: 970-577-3957 if you have questions Eddie Limo: Offers luxury transportation for special events. Must book ahead of time. Services mountain cities, even in winter. Contact: 303-803-7363 Colorado Canyon Connection: Offers one-way trips in town for $10 and round-trip for $15. Operates 24 hours; pickups requested between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. cost an extra $5. Out-of-town trips are available for a different fee. Contact: 970-614-8669 or book in advance online [https://www.coloradoshuttleservice.com] Windsor NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/]. Contact: 970-235-0690 Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup. Contact: 970-599-9519 Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Contact: Get help online or through the app Sapphire Car Service: Luxury taxi service, happy to accommodate short rides for individuals. Does not require advance booking. Contact Sapphire Car Service for more information. Contact: 979-545-0919 Next time you’re out in Larimer County, Make the Call for a safe ride home! The No DUI Larimer coalition and campaign was born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in our community. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving.
Our campaign is encouraging the public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving in our community. Make the Call to get a safe ride home. Make the Call about whether you should get behind the wheel, and Make the Call to report suspected impaired drivers. Driving under the influence IS an emergency–please call 911 if you see someone you suspect is driving impaired. Ending impaired driving is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and the community. We need your help to stop impaired driving before it happens, and when it’s happening. Thanks for doing your part. -Partners, RAR, MBD Marketing & Events ![]() We wanted to express our sincere gratitude to each and every person who was part of our 6 week pop-up fundraiser, "The Loveland Drive In". We have received countless compliments from the public and amazing PR around this event. This was a BIG DEAL for Northern Colorado, and we were proud to have served our community. Some rough estimates worth sharing: In 6 weeks, we were able to....
Thank you for supporting the Thompson Education Foundation and the small businesses who put this fundraiser on. And thank you for being part of our strong community! Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken **** For Immediate Release****
Press Release Contact: Christine Forster April 29, 2020 970-613-1455 Larimer County Launches NO DUI LARIMER Project NORTHERN COLORADO – April 29, 2020 Larimer County is one of only three communities in Colorado who has been awarded funds from The Colorado Office of Behavioral Health Persistent Drunk Driving and Law Enforcement Assistance Fund grants. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving. Partners Mentoring Youth, who absorbed this, among other work, from the former non-profit, Team Wellness & Prevention, is the lead agency on this five year project which is now in its third year. Partners has engaged a steering committee, and named the project NO DUI LARIMER. According to Heather Vesgaard, Executive Director of Partners, “This project aligns with our organizations commitment to promoting positive decisions and a safe and well community. Effective work in this arena will benefit youth and adults alike. We are excited to be working with such a broad group of community members to guide and direct this county-wide project. No DUI Larimer’s steering committee has representatives serving from a broad base of interested parties including; The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, City of Loveland PD, UCHealth, City of Fort Collins PD, Colorado State Patrol, My Big Day Marketing & Events, Bullfrog Liquors, Mulberry Max Liquors, Health District of Northern Larimer County, Omni Institute, Peer Assistance Services, Partners Mentoring Youth, CSU Police Department, CSU College of Health & Human Sciences, Data Action Change, Responsible Association of Retailers, Smokey’s 420, and Larimer County Dept. of Health & Environment. Areas of focus for this group include:
In 2019 more than 8,500 people were arrested for driving under the influence in Colorado. A needs assessment completed in October 2018 found that DUI/DWAI offenses are a significant issue in Larimer County due to a number of factors on which the dedicated members of the steering committee will focus through education, outreach, and policy change. Project contact: Heather Vesgaard heatherv@partnersmentoringyouth.org Media contact: Vanessa Lewis vanessal@partnersmentoringyouth.org -XXX- |
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