A Word from MADD TN State Program Director RE: COVID-19

At MADD Tennessee, the health, safety, and experience of our victims, volunteers and employees is our top priority. As we continue to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we want to share essential actions we are taking in response to this rapidly evolving situation. To help ensure the health and welfare of our team, our victims, volunteers, and communities, effective March 18, 2020, MADD Tennessee is transitioning to a remote-work model for our staff. Taking this action will help ensure that our teams will be safer and better equipped to continue to deliver services on a remote basis. MADD will evaluate the necessity of this temporary remote-work option every two weeks, but unless otherwise notified, such option will remain in place. Staff are currently working on setting up their home offices and phone lines so that all services, within our control, will continue to be provided. Staff is still working normal business hours, so if you need us, we are here!

In compliance with CDC recommendations regarding social distancing and gatherings greater than 10 people, we have also rescheduled or postponed all Victim Impact Panels (VIP’s) across Tennessee throughout the rest of March and April. We will re-evaluate all panels at that time. Online panels at https://online.maddvip.org are available for those who are needing to complete a panel immediately, and though we prefer in-person panels for maximum impact, at this time, again, we want to make sure the safety of our victims, volunteers, customers, and staff is the priority. The online VIP is an effective and powerful tool that features real victims sharing their stories, similar to our in-person panels. Finally, we will also be conducting our regularly scheduled monthly Middle Tennessee Victims/Survivors Support Groups online rather than in-person for these same reasons.

Thank you so very much for your understanding during this unknown time in Tennessee and our country. Please know that you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers but together we are MADD Strong and Tennessee Strong! Follow us on Facebook @MADDTennessee for the latest information and updates including community and youth activities that will be available online.

Please reach out to me with any questions and concerns at [email protected]. I value your thoughts and I am very easily reachable as I’m staying right here at home. Literally – I’m not leaving!

Thank you all for everything. Stay safe!

-Phaedra


Phaedra Marriott-Olsen
State Program Director
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Tennessee State Office