Lucy Whitford has been named MADD RI Victim Advocate and a new Board member.  She works extensively with victims and victims programs in Rhode island, and is curently progressing through the background and future plans of MADD RI.  Call MADD RI at 421-0800, or 1-800-242-6233 for those living away from the Providence zones and Lucy will contact you to answer any questions.

As stated in MADD's Mission, support of our victims is paramount. After all, they have already paid their dues in a fashion that no one would choose. We hope that every victim reading this is on the MADD roster. Whenever we hear or read that a crash killing or injuring someone has occurred and drunk driving is suspected, we send a "We Care" card. MADD is not allowed to impose itself upon victims so the card simply says to call us if they choose. In some deaths and injuries, however, the news story only states that the crash is under investigation. If the family or friends do not ultimately inform us that it was, indeed, a drunk driving case, we may not know until after it's adjudicated. Of course, even then, the victims are still victims and may contact us anytime.

We have victim materials and packets written by other victims that have gone through that inexplicable trauma, and we can arrange one-on-one meetings with other victims. MADD also helps victims through the maze that is our judicial system. It also provides outlets that some victims need. For example, telling their unique story to those convicted of drunk driving. We call them, Victim Impact Panels. These sessions quickly establish with those violators that the fines, suspensions, community service, etc., are not really the worse things that could happen to them, as many think.

Other victims assist us by speaking to driver's education students around the state. This is a singular opportunity for victims to testify, in person, as to the inherent dangers of drinking and driving. It always leaves a lasting impression on most students as they prepare to soon drive on their own.

Those speaking engagements may not be the outlet for everyone, but generally we can find an area whereby a victim can make a difference while dedicating their efforts to the memory of their loved one. Please contact us if we can help.

MADD RI has updated and upgraded its Victim Picture Boards. These pictures put faces to those cold and horrible statistics. The panels are taken to various functions during the year so everyone can see just a small percentage of the devastation wrought by irresponsible drunk drivers over the years. We know there are more victims than we have pictures of in those panels. Please contact our office if you'd like your loved one's picture included. We'll explain what needs to be done at no expense to your family.