HOTBHN & National Alcohol Awareness Month: Tackling A Deadly Problem

WACO, TX – Tens of thousands of Americans die each year due to alcohol misuse, many of them right here in the state of Texas and involving impaired driving. The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network recognizes the need for awareness by recognizing April as Alcohol Awareness Month.

The Centers for Disease Control statistics for Texas point to nearly 14,000 people killed in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver from 2009 – 2018; plus, Texas exceeds the national number of alcohol-impaired driving death rates in all age categories.

There are alarming numbers from the Texas Department of Transportation as well:

  • Almost 1,000 Texans died, and over 2,000 Texans were injured because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired        
  • A person in Texas dies every nine minutes and six seconds in a DUI-alcohol-related traffic crash

The Heart of Texas Recovery Center, an affiliate of the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network that provides substance use disorder services, wants the people of McLennan, Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, and Limestone counties to know it is committed to providing accessible, caring and responsive support services to address alcohol-related issues by meeting people right where they are.

“I would just like everyone to know that we are here and want to help. We want to change the stigma that comes with addiction,” said Laura Weaver, HOTBHN Heart of Texas Recovery Center Program Manager for Substance Use Disorders. “I want everyone to understand that addiction is a disease and is not something to be ashamed of. Please ask for help if you need it.”

The Heart of Texas Recovery Center is located at 2200 Austin Avenue in Waco. The Center has established a specialized program to work with individuals with Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders (COPSD). The program provides intensive services and support designed to reduce the harm associated with substance use in active consumers. In addition, specialized case management and counseling are available. You may call to schedule a screening and get all the information you need at (254) 297-8999. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. You may also visit our website to get information on our services.

Contact:

Tanya Ledesma, Public Information Coordinator

tanya.ledesma@hotbhn.org Cell: (254) 640-5229

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