By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Interdisciplinary Alcohol and Drug Studies Center (IADSC) in Jackson State University’s (JSU) Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice will host its highly anticipated “Love Yourself” Safety and Health Fair on Feb. 14, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm, in the JSU Student Center. The free event will bring together industry experts, organizations, vendors, and community members to promote safety driving practices.
According to a study conducted by Market Watch, Mississippi had the highest rate of car crash fatalities in the country in 2021, coming in at 26.2 deaths per 100,000 people. The safety and health fair is a product of the IADSC’s Safe Driving Program, a fusion of occupant safety and impaired driving education which aims to disseminate and share safe driving knowledge to Mississippi youths ages 16 to 20.
“To address this issue and promote safety on Mississippi highways, the ‘Love Yourself’ Safety and Health Fair provides a valuable opportunity for young drivers to educate themselves about protecting their well-being,” said Keith Lamont McMillian, occupant safety coordinator at JSU. “The Safe Driving Program at IADSC aims to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities among teenage drivers in Mississippi caused by factors such as not wearing seatbelts, speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.”
The “Love Yourself” Safety and Health Fair promises to be an engaging and informative event with a wide range of activities, dynamic demonstrations and insightful presentations.
“The Inaugural ‘Love Yourself’ Safety and Health Fair witnessed a remarkable turnout last year. We successfully disseminated vital safe driving information to all attendees,” said Triniti Grant, youth impaired driving prevention coordinator at JSU. “As we embark on the fair’s second year, we are looking forward to another opportunity to engage in collaborative efforts with various agencies to further emphasize the significance of personal safety as it relates to driving and other aspects along with the well-being of self and others at this year’s event.”
Funded by the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety, the IADSC will offer attendees an opportunity to participate in a community-led Safe Driving Town Hall. Community experts from the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety, Mississippi Department of Transportation, Jackson State University, and others will share valuable information on how to decrease the number of fatalities on Mississippi highways.
In addition to the wealth of knowledge and resources available at the fair, the IADSC will offer attendees complimentary food, door prizes, and a chance to win a $25 gift card. The event is free to attend.
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