Borough President James S. Oddo, District Attorney Michael McMahon, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Uber are pleased to announce the continuation of their joint effort to combat drunk driving. To discourage Staten Islanders from driving under the influence, the “SI Safe Ride Initiative” will provide free Uber rides on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, November 27th).
 
Between the hours of 8pm on November 27th and 3am on November 28th, Staten Island residents can open up their Uber apps and enter the promo code “SAFERIDESI19” to unlock two free rides, up to $15 each. Both rides must start and end on Staten Island.
 
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has noted that Thanksgiving Eve, also known as “Blackout Wednesday,” sees a spike in instances of drunk driving. It is one of the busiest drinking nights of the year and represents the beginning of the holiday season when there is a known increase in instances of impaired driving This initiative aims to ensure that all Staten Islanders have a reliable ride around their communities.
 
The Forest Avenue BID, the South Shore BID, and the Richmond County Bar Association have generously signed on as main sponsors of this initiative.  In addition, the Staten Island Rotary Club, Li Greci’s Staaten, and The Vanderbilt have also agreed to become sponsors. 
 
Uber has been proven to help reduce drunk driving across America. For example, DUI arrests in Seattle decreased by more than 10% after Uber started serving riders and drivers in the city, according to a recent study.  A recent independent study conducted by Temple University found cities where Uber operates have 3.6%-5.6% fewer drunk driving deaths than cities without access to ridesharing.
 
“After our successes with this program over the past two years, I’m pleased to be able to continue the ‘SI Safe Ride Initiative.’ We don’t want a single person getting behind the wheel of a car drunk,” said Borough President Oddo. “If you plan on drinking this Thanksgiving Eve, please enjoy the night responsibly and leave your car at home. Thank you to DA McMahon, MADD, and Uber for helping us give the Staten Island community a safe, potentially life-saving option this Thanksgiving Eve.”
 
“When people have access to a convenient, reliable way to get home, they're able to make safer choices. We're proud to partner with Borough President Otto and DA McMahon to help encourage Staten Islanders to leave the keys at home during the Thanksgiving holiday and take a safe ride,” said DeShawn Wright, Senior Manager for Public Affairs at Uber.
 
“Celebrating Thanksgiving Eve is something that thousands of Staten Islanders look forward to every year, and thanks to Uber, Borough President Oddo, and all our community partners we are thrilled to bring the SAFERIDESI promotion back for a third year. On behalf of all of us, we wish you a fun, safe, and responsible evening, and remind you that while your Uber rides may be free this night, there is never any excuse to get behind the wheel or get in the car with a driver who has been drinking. We know it is hard to get around our beloved borough without a car, but becoming a victim of a drunk driver or making someone else and their family victims to your reckless actions makes that small inconvenience the only sensible choice,” said Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon.
 
“Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants you to get home safely for the holidays," said Tara Spohrer, MADD New York Program Manager. "The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of the year because of the increased frequency of drunk driving, and we remind everyone – this holiday season and always – to plan ahead for a safe ride if their festivities include alcohol. Thank you to Borough President Oddo and District Attorney McMahon for their leadership in raising awareness around the risks of impaired driving this Thanksgiving Eve. Uber has been a proven tool to reduce drunk driving incidents and make our roads, children, and families safer and we encourage all Staten Island residents to take advantage of this partnership."
 
“The Forest Avenue BID is happy to be a supporter of the successful, UBER Safe Rides program.  We thank UBER, BP Oddo and DA McMahon for keeping our communities safe with free rides on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve, as this is a very busy, and bustling time on our corridor,” said Loretta Cauldwell, Executive Director of the Forest Avenue Business Improvement District.
 
“We are happy to be a partner in this very important program. To quote my friend Doug Candela: ‘think before you drink,’” says Jay Duskin, Richmond County Bar Association.
 
In 2003, Oddo and McMahon, then City Council Members, sponsored “Operation Arrive Alive,” a similar, though low-tech initiative that relied on bartenders to call a cab for patrons who requested one.  The 2019 version is different in that it allows patrons themselves to summon an Uber in the way they are accustomed to. 
 
A report by Uber and MADD released in January 2017 concludes that when empowered with more transportation options like Uber, people are making responsible choices that result in fewer alcohol-related crashes.
 
Each trip has a maximum value of $15. If a ride costs more than $15, riders will receive that much as a credit and will be responsible for the remaining money due.

​On Thursday, June 14th, Borough President Oddo joined with members of the NYPD, District Attorney Mike McMahon, and the DOE to congratulate the 5th and 7th grade students who participated in the "Too Good For Drugs" program at PS 21 and St. Adalbert's School.

The “Too Good For Drugs” curriculum is co-taught in the classroom by a police officer and a teacher. The program, which is in its fourth year, takes place in 5th, 7th and 9th grade classes in public and parochial schools across the borough.
 
"The amazing officers have taught us to be a good influence on others," said PS 21 students thanking the NYPD officers for teaching the ‘Too Good For Drugs’ Curriculum. “Thank you and stay safe.”
 
Laura Timoney, BP Oddo's Deputy Director of Education, address the students speaking on why the 'Too Good For Drug" Program is important: “You all know you do better on a test when you study. That’s what this program exist for: to prepare you for the time when you’re faced with a tough decision of following along with your friends or choosing to say no."

At the end of the ceremony, students took a pledge to abstain from tobacco, alcohol and drugs, led by NYPD Chief Kenneth Corey.

On Wednesday, April 10th, Borough President James S. Oddo, District Attorney Mike McMahon, and the technology company Uber announced a continuation of their partnership that began on Thanksgiving Eve in 2017 to combat drunk driving. At the press conference, they announced the availability of free Uber rides on Cinco de Mayo to allow Staten Islanders to arrive safely home after their celebrations.
 
Between the hours of 3pm-11:59pm on Sunday, May 5th, Staten Island residents can open up their Uber apps and enter the promo code “SAFERIDE19” to unlock two free rides (up to $10 each way). The ride must start and end in Staten Island. Codes will work on a first come, first served basis as the number of free rides available through this promotion will be limited.
 
Each trip has a maximum value of $10. If a ride costs more than $10, riders will receive that much as a credit and will be responsible for the remaining fee due.
 
When taking an Uber, be sure to always put personal safety first. Before getting in the vehicle, take a second to double-check the app for your driver’s information, which includes matching the license plate number, matching the car’s make and model, and checking the driver’s photo. Riders should also be aware of the safety center features within the app. The features include an emergency assistance in-app button that allows users to call 911 to get help if you need it, as well as a Share My Trip option that allows users to set up trusted contacts and create reminders to share your trip status with friends and family in real time.
 
The Carl V. Bini Fund, the Forest Avenue BID, the South Shore BID, and the Richmond County Bar Association are also sponsoring this initiative. 
 
“I am grateful to be able to continue our successful SI Safe Ride initiative on another big party night. We don’t want a single person getting behind the wheel drunk,” said Borough President Oddo. “If you plan on celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year, please do so responsibly and leave your car at home. Thank you to DA McMahon and Uber for partnering with us to promote safe and sober driving on Staten Island.”
 
“Continuing on the success of our SI Safe Ride Initiative, I am thrilled to join Borough President Oddo and Uber to once again make this offer available to Staten Islanders,” said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “As prosecutors, we see firsthand the devastating consequences of drunk driving, so we encourage everyone to make the responsible decision while celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year and take advantage of this promotion.”
  
“When people have access to a convenient, reliable way to get home, they're able to make safer choices. We're proud to partner with Borough President Oddo and DA McMahon to help encourage Staten Islanders to leave the keys at home on Cinco de Mayo and take a safe ride,” said DeShawn Wright, Senior Manager for Public Affairs at Uber.
 
The free rides are part of the “SI Safe Ride” initiative, which launched in November of 2017. Nearly 3,000 Staten Islanders participated in the initial promotion, which allowed users to get free rides on Thanksgiving Eve in an effort to combat drunk driving. “SI Safe Ride” was created through a partnership between Borough President James Oddo, the technology company Uber, District Attorney Mike McMahon, the NYPD, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
 
A report by Uber and MADD concludes that when empowered with more transportation options like Uber, people are making responsible choices that result in fewer alcohol-related crashes.

Uber has been proven to help reduce drunk driving across America. For example, DUI arrests in Seattle decreased by more than 10% after Uber started serving riders and drivers in the city, according to a study.  An independent study conducted by Temple University found cities where Uber operates have 3.6%-5.6% fewer drunk driving deaths than cities without access to ridesharing.
 
In 2003, Oddo and McMahon, then City Council Members, sponsored “Operation Arrive Alive,” a similar, though low-tech initiative that relied on bartenders to call a cab for patrons who requested one.  “SI Safe Ride” is different in that it allows patrons themselves to summon an Uber in the way they are accustomed to.  
 
Initiative sponsors, the Forest Avenue BID and the South Shore BID, include the following nightlife establishments: Curly Wolf Saloon, Play, Joyce’s Tavern, Campania, Talk of The Town, Flanagan’s Tavern, Marmar Restaurant, Jody's Club Forest, Liberty Tavern, Ho Brah A Taco Joint, Cafe Milano, Kettle Black, Kings Arms Diner, 3 Guys Sushi, Panini Grill, Burrito Bar & Restaurant, Duffy's, Bruno's, Li Greci's Staaten, Casa Franco.

​Borough President James Oddo and District Attorney Michael E. McMahon will host the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Breakfast on Tuesday, March 26th at 9am at the Hilton Garden Inn in the Tea House Garden. The ceremony, which continues the thirteen-year commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the conflict, will honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forced during the Vietnam War era. The breakfast will begin at 9am, with the ceremony to start at 10am. 

At the third annual breakfast, veterans will be given a symbol of appreciation by BP Oddo and DA McMahon. In addition, there will be a POW/MIA recognition ceremony. 

Staten Island residents who were active members of the military during the period from 1955 to 1975 are eligible to attend the breakfast. Veterans may be asked to provide their DD-214 as proof of service.

“Our veterans have made our freedom and way of life possible, and for this we continue to thank them,” said Borough President Oddo. “Many of our veterans who served bravely in the Vietnam War were not welcomed home properly when they returned. I am extremely thankful to all those who have dedicated their lives in service to protecting this country, and for that DA McMahon and I are happy to continue this ceremony to recognize their heroism, sacrifice, and service to our country.” 

“Today as Americans we rightfully greet those returning home from serving our nation with gratitude and praise; the same cannot be said for the men and women who served in Vietnam. Upon their return, our Vietnam vets were often met with disrespect and outright disdain. Joining with Borough President Oddo to once again give these heroes a long overdue ‘Thank You’ and ‘Welcome Home’ is a true privilege and I encourage all of our Vietnam veterans to join us for a celebration of their service both abroad and here at home,” said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. 

Veterans wishing to attend the ceremony must RSVP to Diane Marciuliano at (718) 816-2246 or DMarciuliano@statenislandusa.com by March 18th.

​On Wednesday, February 15th, BP Oddo joined with District Attorney McMahon, NYPD Assistant Chief Delatorre and health professionals to announce the Heroin Overdose Prevention and Education (HOPE) initiative, which redirects low-level drug offenders to community-based health and treatment services instead of jail and prosecution. The goal of HOPE is to reduce drug overdoses and improve public safety by getting those suffering from addiction onto the path to recovery. 
 
The program allows eligible offenders to meet with peer coaches to provide them with a naloxone kit and talk to them about the program. The peer coach will also encourage the individual to visit a community based Resource and Recovery Center, of which there are two on Staten Island – one that runs 24 hours on the North Shore by Community Health Action of Staten Island, and another that operates on the South Shore by Christopher’s Reason and the Resource Training Center. If the individual decides to pursue treatment, the case will not be prosecuted.
 
“We have to think outside the box on this issue,” said BP Oddo. “We’ve begun to do that with our Too Good for Drugs and HOPE initiatives. We need to work together with law enforcement, health professionals and community-based organizations to help educate the next generation about the dangers of opioids and get those in need into treatment. This initiative is just one part of our multi-faceted approach to dealing with the opioid epidemic.”
 
“This effort recognizes that substance abuse illness is both a public health and a public safety crisis that is endangering our community and demands urgent collective action. Too often in our criminal justice system, individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder find that treatment or services are too far out of their reach or offered too late in the process to have meaning in their lives. Putting this effort in place has been an extraordinary example of the power that government can harness and mobilize across multiple disciplines to tackle a crisis effectively,” said District Attorney Michel McMahon.
 
In 2015, Staten Island had the highest rate of overdose death of any of the five boroughs and one of the highest rates in all of New York State. Last year, the NYPD reported more than 90 suspected overdose deaths on Staten Island and an additional 74 overdose-reversals with the drug Naloxone made by the NYPD.

​“Thank you; we need more help,” is the message of a short letter drafted by Borough President James S. Oddo and signed by every other elected official on Staten Island to Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio.
 
The letter, dated January 10, 2017 and addressed to Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio reads in total as follows:
 
“We sincerely thank you for all you have done to help us fight the opioid epidemic plaguing Staten Island.
 
“We desperately need more help.
 
“We are hopeful we can all get in the same room in the near future to figure out how we can do even more.”
 
Ironically, within hours of sending the letter, the Governor sent out a press release announcing a slew of new proposals in his State of the State to combat this epidemic state wide.
 
“I certainly welcome the Governor’s new proposals, and look forward to learning more about them,” said Borough President Oddo. “In fact, they are an indication of how important it is to get in the same room to discuss all our efforts and discuss what more can be done. At our December 2, 2016 meeting I hosted at Borough Hall, my colleagues and I agreed that the crisis is so pervasive and serious that we must be working with the highest reaches of the state and city government to solve it. This letter appealing to the Governor and Mayor for their direct engagement with us asks just for that. Does the request reflect a bit of chutzpah on our part? Perhaps. But the cause is that important and the consequences of inaction too serious.” 
 
Besides Borough President Oddo, the bipartisan group of elected officials signing onto the letter was: District Attorney Michael McMahon, Congressman Dan Donovan, State Senators Andrew Lanza and Diane Savino, Assembly Members Michael Cusick, Matthew Titone, Nicole Malliotakis, and Ron Castorina, and Council Members Steven Matteo, Joe Borelli, and Debi Rose.