GBHWC/Tohge Inc. launch holiday designated driving services

A unified effort to combat drunk driving on the island’s roadways is here. 

It's the Guam Behavioral and Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC) and Tohge Inc.’s designated driver service, giving the gift of a safe ride home to the community this holiday season. 

Mark Anthony is a Tohge transport manager and peer mentor. He’s celebrating his second year sober by being part of this life-saving intervention. 

He said, “Now, I have that sense of life–that drive–that every life matters now. Not just mine, not just the people I'm associated with or affiliated with–it’s every life. Our island needs to change. We’re not saying you can’t go and party, but there’s the responsibility of it.”  

Mark, alongside his fellow recovering peer mentor, Monica Calvo, gave up spending time with their loved ones this festive season to safeguard the island. The service is 100% free. 

Calvo said, “Whether you’re at a bar, whether you’re at a restaurant, at a BBQ-a family BBQ, a Christmas party, or you’re at the beach–wherever it is that you’re at and you need a safe ride home, we’re here to help you.” 

From north to south and even on military bases, the dedication of these designated driver's knows no bounds. 

“You can call (671) 787-WARM, 9276 or (671) 686-9276. That also goes for the safe driving, and also, you can call the suicide and crisis hotline at 988–so, there are three numbers that you can actually call,” Calvo explained. 

So if you had to much too drink and do not have a D-D, you can start calling them today through Jan. 2 between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.