Putnam County Victim Impact Panel Speakers Honored

Volunteer speakers were honored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies/Putnam, the Putnam County Executive’s Office, Putnam County Probation, STOP DWI, and the Walter Hoving Home on May 10, 2013 for their contributions to the Putnam County Victim Impact Panel Program.

The purpose of the program is to impact DWI/DWAI offenders mandated to attend the program and others deemed appropriate by the judicial system, and to provide restorative benefits to victims speaking as panel members. The speakers talk briefly about an impaired driving crash in which they were injured, or in which a loved one was killed or injured, and how it has impacted their lives and the lives of their families.  Panel members include people in recovery, emergency services providers, police officers, and past DWI/DWAI offenders.

“This program wouldn’t be a success without the strength of the volunteer panel members who bravely share their stories every other month at the VIP Program.  The evaluation responses we receive from those who attend the class show how their stories really touch and impact those who have been intoxicated and/or impaired while driving. We are forever grateful to them for their willingness to discuss one of the most difficult times of their lives” stated Kristin McConnell, Executive Director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies/Putnam.

Many panel members who accepted the award expressed their gratitude in being part of the program and stated that speaking about their experiences helped them through the day to day healing process.

If you would like more information about the Putnam County Victim Impact Panel Program or are interested in speaking at one of the programs, please contact NCADD Putnam at 845-225-4646 extension 10.