The Tulsa Health Department’s Regional Prevention Coordinator Program (RPC) and the Stop DUI Task Force are teaming up to raise awareness about the devastating effects of drunk driving in Tulsa County through their annual Tree of Life holiday display. This year, community members are invited to submit a photo of their loved ones who were lost due to a drunk driving incident to be featured on ornaments for the tree, which will be displayed inside Woodland Hills Mall starting in December.

“It’s important to remember that these victims are people, not just numbers,” said Kandice Lawson, Prevention Specialist at the Tulsa Health Department. “Giving a face to the lives lost due to drunk driving can help us see the true impact that alcohol abuse can have on our community.”

Since 2014, the Tree of Life has served as a reminder of the families in Tulsa County who have lost a loved one during the winter holiday season due to a drunk driving accident. The tree features wrapped gifts as a symbolic reminder of the gifts that won’t be opened this year because of a family member who is no longer here. The number of gifts corresponds to the number of lives lost in Tulsa County due to drunk driving.

Visitors to Woodland Hills Mall can sign a pledge card near the Tree of Life to make a personal commitment to abstain from drinking and driving. Those who consume alcohol should do so responsibly and make arrangements for a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service. Photos can be submitted digitally through the Tulsa Health Department website or physically dropped off at three locations of the Tulsa Health Department. Photos can be received until December 8, 2023. If submitting digitally, please include the name box with the name of