Published on April 14, 2011

Come To Genesis Before Prom, Not After

The final month of high school can provide life-long memories of prom and graduation. However, for hundreds of Americans teens, their friends and their families, spring becomes a reminder of tragic loss.

It is estimated that more than 600 Americans younger than age 21 will die in alcohol-related traffic accidents in April, May and June.

The trauma services department at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport wants to make sure that the upcoming proms are good memories for Quad Cities teenagers by stressing this message: “We want to see you before prom ... Not after!’’

On Saturday, April 30 from 3-6 p.m., Genesis will be offering free, professionally taken prom photos at the campus of Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme Street. The photos are shot with a backdrop of the fountains in front of the hospital. Each individual (two photos per couple) will receive a free 5- inch-by-7 inch color photo.

There will also be an option to have the photos uploaded to Facebook pages rather than receiving photo prints.

Prom-goers who take advantage of the offer will also be asked to sign a pledge that they will have an alcohol-free prom, that they will use their seatbelts, and that they will not be distracted drivers on prom night. There will be a drawing for a $100 gift certificate.

“Prom Night should be a positive experience with wonderful memories. There is nothing more tragic for a family or friends than to go through a Prom Night accident that could have been prevented by simply avoiding any alcohol use on the special night,’’ said Andrea Bladel, Trauma Coordinator, Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme St.  “We hope everyone going to the prom will come and see us before the prom to have their picture taken and to sign a no-alcohol pledge so that we don’t see them under much sadder, or even tragic circumstances, on prom night.’’

No reservations are required for the photos. For more information, call (563) 421-9275.

Davenport Assumption, Rock Island Alleman, Davenport North, Davenport Central and Davenport West, North Scott and DeWitt will all be celebrating high school proms on April 30.

A recent study by Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) found that only 6 percent of students participating in the study said they had driven under the influence on prom night.  The low number is considered to be in sharp contrast to the perception that many prom-goers are under the influence.

In fact, 89 percent of students reported that their schools have programs or policies in pace to prevent teens from engaging in illegal activities at all school functions, including security guards, organized transportation and on-site alcohol testing.

Here are some safe prom tips for parents and teens:

• Discuss your plans with your date and friends ahead of time. Know your plan and discuss the plan with your parents.
• Plan ahead how you will say “no’’ to alcohol or illegal drugs if they are offered.
• Keep your parents informed about a change in plans after the prom. Tell them where you are going and assure them you will keep your cell phone on.
• Teens should know where their parents will be in case they need to reach them quickly.
• Keep an eye on your date, driver and your friends to make sure they don’t drink alcohol during the night.
• Plan no-alcohol, post-prom activities in advance, such as poker or board games and snacks at someone’s house; a karaoke party; or keep dancing at someone’s house.
• If you are uncomfortable with the way the night is going, call your parents, a friend, or a cab and go home.

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