As the holiday season approaches, a group of volunteers is reminding the community they’re just a phone call away—ready to get you home safely through the Safe Drive Home program.

It takes just one decision to change your life—and the lives of others—forever: getting behind the wheel while impaired. This holiday season, the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, in partnership with Tohge Inc., is urging the community to take a backseat and make the safe call—reminding everyone that help is just one phone call away.

From now until January 3, residents can access the free designated driver service, “Safe Drive Home.”

Emily Babauta, Tohge, Inc's. coordinator/supervisor said, “Wherever you are...within the 10-3 AM, we will be there.”  For her, this work is personal—as she is currently in recovery. “My passion for helping others and giving back to my community because I know how hard it is to go through addiction and go through recovery and I want to be able to provide services and help those and stand next to them," she said.

It’s a sentiment shared by many of the program’s designated drivers—especially as the island records its 20th and 21st traffic fatalities of the year. 

The youngest victim just one year old, with speed and impaired driving noted as possible factors.

Babauta sharing this message with the community: “It’s heartbreaking. It is really heartbreaking. I strongly encourage—and I understand- that during the holidays, we all love to party. We all want to get together with our families, but I am strongly encouraging, and I am begging the community to be safe. Be safe at doing so. That’s why Tohge is providing the safe drive. That’s why we’re volunteering our time and our efforts into keeping the community safer–because we don’t want to lose anymore in our community.”

The free service operates from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. through December 23rd, and from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. from December 24th through January 3rd.

Each ride can accommodate up to five individuals.

To request a safe drive home, call (671) 787-9276 or the Tohge Warmline at (671) 686-9276.