Ocean County Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of
Health, joined Lakewood Mayor Menashe P. Miller and Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher as they cut the ribbon at the 3-D display (drinking, drugging, and driving) at the Ocean County Mall. Freeholder Director Little said, “This is the 10th year that the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) has organized this program which offers information, demonstrations and resources related to driving under the influence and the consequences associated with this.

Mayor Miller presented Peter Curatolo, the OCHD Intoxicated Driver Resource Center Director, with a plaque for his dedicated work in putting this two-day event together. He added, “It is amazing at the representation we have here today. We are fortunate to have representation from elected officials, public health, law enforcement, education, prevention, treatment
and government. When all come together we see results. It is wonderful to see students from Ocean County College working hand in hand with police officers from Brick Township in getting out this information to the public.”

Mayor Kelaher said that the rates of drinking under the influence have skyrocketed and will not be tolerated. “When you get behind the wheel of a car under the influence you can destroy your life and the lives of others. It has become the norm to have a “designated driver” to assure the safety of all.”

Daniel E. Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator, said, “An event like this gives people the opportunity to get information on driving under the influence and the severe consequences of doing so. In addition to a fine of no less than $1,000 for 3 years, loss of driver’s license from 3 months to possibly 10 years, possible incarceration, attendance at either a 12 hour or 48 hour Intoxicated Driver Resource Center, and possible out or in-patient treatment for drugs or alcohol. We take driving under the influence very seriously and it is important to get the word out to our community on the consequences but also where people can turn to for help.”

Freeholder Little added, “ We are extremely concerned about the issue of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the OCHD looks for as many venues to get out information, the legal consequences, resources, and the opportunity to talk to experts in the field. We realize that this is a 2-day event but the Ocean County Health Department is available all year to answer the questions we get today and tomorrow and also has the resources available.