Program History

The goal of the IMPACT Program is to reduce drinking and driving among teenagers and to heighten their awareness to the potential consequences of high-risk behaviour.

The IMPACT program was developed in 1989. A significant number of injuries that are assessed and treated at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) are caused by alcohol and drug impairment and other high-risk behaviours such as aggressive driving. It is the goal of IMPACT to prevent these injuries.

Grade 11 students from London and surrounding area high schools attend the program at LHSC on a bi-weekly basis throughout the academic year. The program utilizes a collaborative approach by a multidisciplinary team, which includes nurses, physicians, police officers, paramedics and social workers. All the health care professionals involved in IMPACT volunteer, in hopes of reducing preventable trauma.

In 2006 a rehabilitation component was added to the program, which takes place at Parkwood Hospital. This part of the program exposes the students to the potentially lengthy recovery process post-trauma.

Prior to IMPACT, a Police Officer speaks to the entire Grade 11 students regarding legal issues and consequences etc. surrounding drinking and driving. From that group, 20 - 25 students are randomly chosen to attend IMPACT on the following day.