The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, in partnership with TOHGE Inc., has relaunched its annual Safe Drive Home designated driver service to help prevent alcohol-related crashes during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The free service runs from Dec. 19 through Jan. 3 and can accommodate up to five people per ride.
The program operates from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. from Dec. 19 to Dec. 23, and from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3. Residents may request a ride by calling the TOHGE Warmline at (671) 787-9276 or (671) 686-9276. Individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis are urged to call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a significant safety concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12,429 people nationwide died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2023. Locally, the Guam Police Department reported 386 DUI arrests and 29 fatal crashes that year, three of which were alcohol-related. Guam law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.
“Now in its fifth year, we continue to look forward to providing the free Safe Drive Home Program,” said GBHWC Director Carissa Pangelinan, noting the program helped 88 people get home safely in 2024. TOHGE Executive Director Brian Hahn said peer-run support plays a critical role during the holidays, urging the community to use the service to ensure everyone gets home safely.