Modesto, Calif. – Sometimes life’s lessons are best learned through experience. To help teens do this in a safe way, Doctors Medical Center once again participated in the spring series of Every 15 Minutes in the Central Valley.

The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience without the real-life risks, and focuses on teaching teens the dangers of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving. Doctors Medical Center worked in coordination with a broad coalition of local agencies including the California Highway Patrol, local law enforcement and emergency medical responders. This powerful, two-day program challenges students to think about their responsibility of making mature decisions and the impact their decisions have on family, friends and their community.

“Most teens have heard the statistics of driving under the influence, but many believe it will never happen to them. We use Every 15 Minutes to help educate teens about the dangers of driving under the influence and the very real consequences that come with it,” said Rena Bryant, RN, Injury Prevention Coordinator for Trauma Services at Doctors Medical Center. “This program is invaluable for students in our community and many times, what they experience during the program, sticks with them for the rest of their lives.”

The Trauma Services Injury Prevention Program at Doctors Medical Center works hard to decrease crashes involving alcohol and drugs among youth by proudly participating in Every 15 Minutes. The hospital contributes to the program by offering its emergency facilities and equipment, participation from clinical staff and security personnel, and speaking at local schools. The schools involved with Doctors Medical Center this spring were Ripon High School, Denair High School, Grace M. Davis High School, Gustine High School, Joseph A. Gregori High School and Patterson High School.

Doctors Medical Center’s sister hospital in Turlock, Emanuel Medical Center, also participated in the spring series of Every 15 Minutes with Turlock High School.

As a Level II Trauma Center, Doctors Medical Center treats some of the most severe trauma cases. If you are critically injured, you can rest assured knowing that you will receive advanced care from the time of entry into the hospital to the time of discharge or transfer. All trauma patients have access to specialists, both surgical and non-surgical, to help facilitate a rapid and full recovery from injuries.